The pop star’s affection for felines influenced a significant aspect of the new mystery thriller, featuring a cat sidekick alongside Bryce Dallas Howard
In the realm of contemporary cinema, Taylor Swift‘s influence stretches beyond her music to inspire elements of the new film ‘Argylle’, directed by Matthew Vaughn. The movie’s unique feature, a cat sidekick named Alfie, carried throughout by the protagonist, Elly Conway, played by Bryce Dallas Howard, traces directly back to Swift’s well-known love for cats.
The director revealed this delightful twist in a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter. He shared that the inspiration came from watching Swift in her Netflix documentary ‘Miss Americana’, where she appeared with her Scottish Fold cat, Olivia, in a backpack. “It was a crazy image that stuck with me,” Vaughn explained, highlighting how this visual sparked the idea to integrate Alfie into the film’s storyline.
Originally, the script did not include Alfie accompanying Elly throughout the entire film. However, Vaughn decided to adjust the storyline to keep the trio together, adding a whimsical element to the spy thriller. “Having them all on this adventure seemed fantastic,” he said, despite concerns about the trainability of cats.
The inclusion of the cat has turned out to be a significant selling point for ‘Argylle’, resonating with audiences and adding a unique charm to the film. This creative decision not only added depth to Howard’s character but also broadened the film’s appeal to cat lovers and fans of Taylor Swift.
Swift’s influence extends beyond the screen, as she is known for her affection towards her three cats, which often feature prominently in her public appearances and on social media. This public display of feline affection has boosted the popularity of cats in general, contributing to what the Hollywood Reporter calls a “big Hollywood Meow-Ment.”
Bryce Dallas Howard also acknowledged the influence Swift had on her portrayal of Elly Conway. In an interview on The Graham Norton Show, Howard mentioned Swift’s “unapologetic dorkiness” and her iconic cat backpack as inspirations for her role. She noted, “There’s a bit of Taylor in Elly, especially in how she embraces her quirks and her style.”
This blending of real-life inspiration with cinematic creativity showcases how artists like Swift can impact film narratives in unexpected and enriching ways. ‘Argylle’ not only benefits from this crossover but also highlights the broader trend of celebrities influencing artistic directions beyond their primary fields.
In conclusion, Taylor Swift’s impact on ‘Argylle’ serves as a testament to her far-reaching influence in popular culture, demonstrating that her artistic footprint extends well beyond the music industry to shape other forms of creative expression.
