The media frenzy that occurred when Taylor Swift made an appearance at the Chiefs vs. Jets NFL game on October 1 took Director Shawn Levy by surprise.
"It's quite amusing, really. Even if I were to create 50 more successful movies and shows, I would still be recognized as the guy in the distinctive orange suede jacket attending the Chiefs-Jets game with Taylor and others," joked Levy, 55, during an interview with Variety on Thursday, October 5.
Levy, renowned for directing popular shows and movies like Stranger Things, The Adam Project, Free Guy, and the Night at the Museum franchise, was among the many celebrities in Swift's star-studded suite at MetLife Stadium earlier this week. The Canadian filmmaker mentioned that he and Hugh Jackman were invited to the game by his "very close friend" and a mutual friend of Swift's, Ryan Reynolds.
"It was so simple, just a moment of realization: 'Wait, can we go to an NFL game with our friends? Let's do it!'" Levy, the director of the upcoming Deadpool 3 film featuring Reynolds, 46, and Jackman, 54, revealed. "Though we had a slight suspicion that there might be others, we were unprepared for the overwhelming attention that the outing received."
While the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets turned out to be an enjoyable evening, Levy acknowledged that he has never witnessed the level of fame that Swift, 33, attains. "Taylor is undeniably a cultural phenomenon unlike anything I have ever encountered," he added.
Given that all eyes, including cameras, were focused on Swift at the game, Levy made sure to maintain impeccable behavior. "On the way to the stadium, I told Ryan and Blake [Lively], 'I have never been more aware of how careful I should be with my words,'" he joked. "When you attend a football game in a box with Taylor, you have to assume that you are under constant camera surveillance, and they can even capture slow motion footage to read lips. Therefore, I made sure to stay out of trouble."
Joining Swift in her VIP suite were her friends Lively, 36, Sabrina Carpenter, Sophie Turner, and her brother, Austin Swift. This outing marked Taylor's second appearance at an NFL game, following recent rumors of her dating Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
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In a previous occurrence, she garnered attention by enthusiastically supporting Kelce, 34, alongside his mother, Donna Kelce, during the Chiefs' home game against the Chicago Bears on September 24. After the game, they departed together in a convertible and were subsequently captured in affectionate poses during a private postgame gathering.
Taylor and Travis have not publicly confirmed their relationship status, but a reliable source told We that Taylor is optimistic about their relationship. The insider revealed that Taylor is attracted to Travis because he is a normal and kind person who is unaffected by fame. Additionally, Taylor finds Travis attractive.
During a press conference in Kansas City on October 6, Travis expressed feeling incredibly happy amidst the speculation surrounding their romance. He acknowledged that many people care about Taylor, and he believes that it is for valid reasons. Travis stated that he plans to continue living, learning, and cherishing every moment. He also mentioned his proficiency in compartmentalizing and maintaining focus, emphasizing that he will persist with this approach.