Bryce Dallas Howard, the star of the upcoming spy thriller Argylle, has revealed that Taylor Swift influenced her portrayal of the film’s protagonist, Elly Conway.
Howard, who plays the author of the bestselling novel that the movie is based on, denied the rumors that Swift was involved in writing the book, but admitted that there was some inspiration from the pop star for her character.
“We can’t pretend she was involved,” Howard, 42, said on Friday’s episode of The Graham Norton Show. “The reality is she was in many ways a great inspiration.”
Howard explained that she was a fan of Swift’s music and admired her ability to reinvent herself and tell stories through her songs.
“I think she’s a genius, and I love how she constantly surprises us with her creativity and her vision,” Howard said. “She’s also someone who has faced a lot of challenges and criticism in her career, and she always comes out stronger and more confident. I think that’s something that Elly can relate to, as she goes on this incredible journey of discovering her true identity and her destiny.”
Argylle, directed by Matthew Vaughn and based on the novel by Ellie Conway, follows the adventures of a young woman who finds out that she is actually a spy and the heir to a secret kingdom. The film boasts an impressive cast that includes Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, John Cena, and Dua Lipa, who also makes her acting debut and provides original music for the soundtrack.
The film is expected to be released in late 2024 and is the first installment of a planned trilogy. Howard said that she was thrilled to be part of the project and to work with such talented and diverse co-stars.
“It was an amazing experience, and I’m so grateful to Matthew and Ellie for trusting me with this role,” Howard said. “It was also a lot of fun to work with such a fantastic cast, who brought so much energy and humor to the set. I think the audience will love this film, because it has everything: action, romance, comedy, drama, and of course, Taylor Swift.”
