Channel your inner child and step into a magical world of imaginary friends in the new live-action fantasy comedy IF, which comes out in theaters on May 17. The film stars Ryan Reynolds, Cailey Fleming, is directed by John Krasinski, and includes a star studded cast of voice actors. We got to chat with Cailey Fleming who plays Bea ahead of the film’s release to learn more about working with John and Ryan, how the IFs worked during filming, and funny behind the scenes moments. 

In IF, Bea is going through a difficult time in her life but gets the power to see imaginary friends (IFs) who have been abandoned by the kids they help. Bea discovers that her neighbor Cal, played by Ryan Reynolds, can also see the IFs and together they join forces to reunite the IFs with their former kids. John Krasinski wrote, directed, produced, and acted in the film and stars including Steve Carell, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Maya Rudolph, Blake Lively, and more voice some of the IFs. 

 

“I walked in and I immediately felt relief, I was comforted by everyone. Our crew was amazing and I think that makes a huge difference.”

Cailey Fleming has been acting since she was seven years old and is also known for her role as Judith Grimes in The Walking Dead, and as the young versions of Rey and Sylvie in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Loki. This was Cailey’s first lead role in a movie and while she was both nervous and excited during her first day on set, she was instantly comforted by the cast and crew, which she said made her feel right at home. 

“We shot for three months and I basically felt like I was walking in Disneyland everyday.”

We asked Cailey what it was like to work with both John Krasinksi and Ryan Reynolds, two of the biggest actors and talents in the world. Cailey said it was incredible seeing John writing, acting, producing and directing, calling him a superhero. 

“I have never worked with someone who acted in their own movie before so I was really curious to see how that worked.”

She also said Ryan Reynolds was also very kind and had a big heart and that was evident both on set and while watching the film. Both John and Ryan are known for their humor and Cailey said it was always a fun time on set and she had so many laughs with the both of them. 

“Everyone knows [Ryan Reynolds] as this really funny, hilarious guy which he is and you see that a lot in our movie, but he is also very very sweet and has a big heart.”

Since the IFs are animated, Cailey revealed that they didn’t do much work on a greenscreen but instead had actors say the IFs dialogue which made it much easier to imagine acting with them. The crew also used puppets to mimic the IFs and Cailey said even John was the one behind the puppets sometimes. 

“This movie just resparked my love for [acting]. I didn’t realize how much I loved it till I stepped on this set.”

Thank you, Cailey, for chatting with Young Entertainment. Follow her on her Instagram at @caileypresleyfleming. Watch the rest of the video where we ask her more about her time on set, funny behind the scenes moments, and what she loves most about acting. 

Consider this: 

• Try to learn as much as possible from actors with more experience while on set. You can learn a lot just by watching them act. 
• Don’t be afraid to have fun while on set. You earned this moment so stay present and enjoy it!