The streaming release date for IF on Paramount+ has been unveiled, giving viewers a peek at when they can catch it on the platform.
IF, a creation of John Krasinski, initially hit theaters on May 17. The film follows a young girl, played by Cailey Fleming, who teams up with her neighbor, portrayed by Ryan Reynolds, to help forgotten imaginary friends (IFs) find new homes.
After its theatrical debut, IF made its way to digital and video-on-demand (VOD) platforms on June 18, marking a 32-day gap between its cinema release and availability for home viewing.
IF Gets Paramount+ Streaming Update
MGM+ has officially announced that IF will premiere on television on July 12th at 8 p.m. ET. This suggests a simultaneous streaming release on both Paramount+ and MGM+, reflecting a growing trend among studios to optimize viewership across multiple platforms.
If this indeed becomes IF’s streaming debut date, it will come 56 days after its theatrical release. This timeframe is longer compared to other recent Paramount animated films:
- Sonic the Hedgehog 2: 46 days
- Scream VI: 50 days
- Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves: 46 days
- Transformers: Rise of the Beasts: 46 days
- Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning: 197 days
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem: 48 days
- PAW Patrol: The Mighty Movie: 46 days
Despite a moderate box office performance with $184.5 million globally, the extended streaming release date for IF suggests Paramount is carefully strategizing its digital distribution plan for the film.
Will There Be an IF 2?
The conclusion of John Krasinski’s IF sets the stage for a potential sequel, despite the lack of official updates and mixed reviews that gave it a modest 49% on Rotten Tomatoes. The family-friendly narrative follows Bea (played by Cailey Fleming) and her neighbor Cal (portrayed by Ryan Reynolds) as they reunite lost imaginary friends with their human companions.
While details on a second installment remain uncertain, the film’s ending, which unveils Cal’s true identity and Bea’s return home, suggests ample room for further adventures in the vibrant world of IFs. This potential sequel could delve into new characters and deeper storylines, expanding the universe introduced in the original.
IF may also find renewed popularity among children watching at home, particularly through platforms like Paramount+. Increased viewership and fan engagement could pave the way for a direct-to-streaming sequel or even spin-off series exploring the lives of its beloved characters.
Currently, IF is available for digital purchase online, providing audiences the opportunity to revisit its imaginative universe at their convenience.
