Politics

I'm the banana featured in Ryan Reynolds' film.

Peter Maffay's classic song goes, "I never desired adulthood," and he elaborates further, "Deep within me, I remained a child." This sentiment may have been shared by John Krasinski (44, "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan"), the Hollywood actor, while penning down his latest movie "IF: Imaginary Friends."...

SymClub

May 27, 2024

2 min read

News, Blunt Emily, Movie releases of the week, Reynolds Ryan, Hollywood, Cinema, People, Render Tobias, Krasinski John, Cinema releases

BILD-Reporter Tobias Render im Aufnahmestudio, um für den Kinofilm „IF: Imaginäre Freunde“ die... — BILD-Reporter Tobias Render im Aufnahmestudio, um für den Kinofilm „IF: Imaginäre Freunde“ die Rolle der Banane einzusprechen. Das eigene Aussehen ist beim Synchronisieren eines Films zum Glück nebensächlich. Auch müde Augen oder unrasierte Bärte sind egal. Das Wichtigste: die Stimme. Nur sie zählt

BILD journalist conducts personal experiment - I'm the banana featured in Ryan Reynolds' film.

As a performer, I've only attempted voice work since my less-than-remarkable high school theater days. Yet, I've frequently observed actors at work on film sets. But what happens when only the audio is heard? How are animated flicks synchronized?

To learn more, I agreed to voice a character in Krasinski's latest Hollywood family film!

In "IF: Imaginary Friends," Ryan Reynolds (47) commands the lead role, while Lina Larissa Strahl (26, "Bibi & Tina") and Rick Kavanian (53) secure the pivotal speaking roles in the German adaptation. And guess who's also part of the cast? Me.

Comedian Rick Kavanian gibt dem BILD-Reporter Tipps fürs Synchronisieren

The film's premise: All children have an imaginary friend. However, as they grow older, the recollections of these friends fade away. So, Bea (Cailey Fleming, 17) interacts with various lonely IFs - from a banana that functions as a fitness teacher to a talking bicycle wheel. And I supply the voice for this wacky fitness guru!

How do I execute the role? The director's guidance confuses me. I'm warned against monotone delivery, yet instructed not to overact as there will be too many audio interference caused by the mic clinging to my chest. I take a deep breath and give it a go.

Bea bespricht sich mit Cal (Ryan Reynolds), der imaginäre Kumpel Blue (gesprochen von Rick Kavanian) ist ebenfalls dabei

Suddenly, Rick Kavanian (53) steps in, laying down the soundproof recording room's door. The comedian boasts extensive experience as a voice actor.

His advice? "Immerse yourself in the character, no matter how absurd you find it." Rick shrugs a fitness headband onto my head. At first, I take it as a joke, but I comply with his instructions. When the banana in the movie shouts "high" and "low" and "Squat, ladies!" during the fitness class, I make the motions now.

Regisseur John Krasinski (r.) bespricht sich mit seinem Hauptdarsteller Ryan Reynolds („Deadpool“)

What does this resemble? Don't pry. But it enables me to stroll through my lines with ease.

How does it appear on film? "Dad, that banana sounds like you," my 6-year-old daughter exclaims, eyes wide with excitement, as we watch in the cinema hall. I ignore the inquisitive glances of the other spectators.