John Krasinski Reveals Playful Trick to Recruit Blake Lively for 'IF' Alongside Ryan Reynolds

John Krasinski Jokes He Used Emotional Blackmail to Get Blake Lively to Join Ryan Reynolds in IF

John Krasinski, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Getty Images (2)

Peer pressure can be effective, just ask actor-director John Krasinski.

During a visit to The Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon on Friday, May 10, Krasinski, 44, revealed that he used a form of "emotional blackmail" to convince Blake Lively to join the cast of his star-studded movie, IF. This cast already included her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

Krasinski shared that he was influenced by the fact that everyone else was involved in the project.

Lively, who has four children with Reynolds, joined other well-known actors like Steve Carrell, Bradley Cooper, and George Clooney in the film. Her character, Octopuss, is a cat who dresses up as an octopus to overcome her fear of water.

Krasinski reveals that the idea for the movie originated nearly ten years ago while observing his children at play. However, it was during the coronavirus pandemic that he felt a renewed sense of urgency to bring the concept to fruition.

He recalled how he used to watch his kids disappear into their imaginative world, feeling somewhat excluded as a parent. The pandemic highlighted a change in his children's demeanor, prompting him to take action. This led him to the decision to write the movie as a way to remind them that the magical world they once inhabited is always accessible.

John Krasinski Jokes He Used Emotional Blackmail to Get Blake Lively to Join Ryan Reynolds in IF

John Krasinski, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Ignat/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The Hollywood A-listers were very supportive of the idea, with Krasinski mentioning that he received the most positive responses of his career for the movie. Clooney's decision to be a part of the film was especially meaningful to Krasinski, as he was the first person to believe in the former sitcom star's transition into directing.

During the filming of Leatherheads, Clooney would take Krasinski out to dinner and share his plans for the next day's shoot, including camera placements. Krasinski recalled, "He was the first one who ever saw me as a director. He showed me drawings and said, 'You're not just going to be an actor, right?' It was a pivotal moment for me."

Krasinski shared that Clooney, who is 63 years old, recognized his desire to direct before he did. He joked that Clooney only "takes 10 percent" for his mentorship. The emotional reunions sparked by the film were not limited to the Clooney team-up. A video posted by Paramount Pictures showed Carrell and Krasinski reuniting for the first time in years during the movie's production. Krasinski revealed to Total Film Magazine that Carrell's speech to him brought tears to his eyes.

Despite the fun they had working together, the most impactful moment for Krasinski was Carrell's heartfelt speech. Carrell expressed how proud he was of Krasinski for pursuing his passion for filmmaking. He even mentioned that he felt honored to be a part of the project after reading the script. Krasinski shared that instead of laughing all day as he had expected, he found himself crying due to the emotional impact of Carrell's words.

IF hits theaters on Friday, May 17.

Editor's P/S:

The article highlights the power of peer pressure and the inspiring journey of John Krasinski's directorial debut. Krasinski's use of "emotional blackmail" to convince Blake Lively to join the star-studded cast is a testament to the persuasive influence of peer pressure. It underscores the importance of collaboration and the role it can play in achieving goals.

Moreover, the article sheds light on the profound impact of mentorship in Krasinski's career. George Clooney's early recognition of Krasinski's potential as a director and his guidance in the early stages were instrumental in shaping Krasinski's path. The emotional reunions and heartfelt speeches during the filming of "IF" further exemplify the transformative power of supportive and encouraging relationships. These personal anecdotes add depth to the article, providing a glimpse into the human experiences that accompany both the challenges and triumphs of filmmaking.