Mumbai, May 10 (IANS): Filmmaker and actor John Krasinski has talked about how actor Ryan Reynolds, who is portraying Cal, Bea's neighbour who can also see 'IF', came onboard for the live-action/animated fantasy comedy children's film.

Before Krasinski began writing the screenplay, the filmmaker-actor shared that he decided to run the idea past a good friend and Hollywood star, Ryan Reynolds.

He said: "Ryan is, in my opinion, one of the most talented people out there. He knows comedy, he knows drama."

"We had been talking about doing a film together forever. I explained that I was developing a film about children and their imaginary friends. Would he want to be a part of it? He said, 'Yes, definitely'."

'IF' also stars Cailey Fleming, John Krasinski, Fiona Shaw, Alan Kim, and Liza Colon-Zayas, along with the voices of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Louis Gossett Jr., and Steve Carell.

The story revolves around a young girl and her neighbour who find themselves able to see imaginary friends (IF).

The film is set to release on May 17.