The upcoming film about imaginary friends, If, already has a lot going for it. It has a unique and interesting premise, and it’s stacked with a star-studded cast that includes Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinksi, Cailey Fleming and Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell. Krasinski wrote and directed the movie, which Reynolds describes as a “live-action Pixar film,” and the brief glimpses that we’ve been given thus far make it look like one of the most unique stories we’ve seen in a long time.
The creative and comedic talent involved with the film are sure to set expectations high, even for a film that isn’t based on an existing IP. Thankfully, it seems that the film’s marketing is ready for the challenge.
Today, If released a behind-the-scenes teaser in advance of an upcoming sneak peak that is expected during the Super Bowl this Sunday. However, unlike the standard quotes and clips that most such teasers offer, this featurette included a hilarious and fan-pleasing twist – Randall Park in the role of John Krasinksi.
Fans of The Office will remember the memorable episode of the beloved series when Krasinksi’s Jim Halpert played a prank on rival Dwight Schrute (Rainn WIlson) by having an actor played by Park pretend to be Jim (Season 9, episode 3 of The Office). The fact that the If team referenced that hilarious episode and incorporated it into their teaser is simply comedic brilliance.
What’s even more incredible is that the teaser doesn’t just have Park record a video with co-star Reynolds. That would be too easy. Instead, the various “behind-the-scenes” clips of the cast and crew allegedly filming the movie include Park actively involved. The If team fully embraced this joke in a way that immediately makes this teaser one of the greatest pieces of film marketing ever.
Watch the fantastic teaser below, prepare for a new look during the Super Bowl and watch If releasing in theaters this May.
Official Synopsis
From writer and director John Krasinski, IF is about a girl who discovers that she can see everyone’s imaginary friends — and what she does with that superpower — as she embarks on a magical adventure to reconnect forgotten IFs with their kids. IF stars Ryan Reynolds, John Krasinski, Cailey Fleming, Fiona Shaw, and the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr. and Steve Carell alongside many more as the wonderfully unique characters that reflect the incredible power of a child’s imagination.
Ron is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of POC Culture. He is a big believer in the power and impact of pop culture and the importance of representation in media.
