IF's Post-Credits Scene Explained (2025)

The following contains spoilers for IF, now playing in theaters

Summary

  • IF does have a post-credits scene, serving as a tribute to Louis Gossett Jr.'s character Lewis.
  • The post-credits scene is a heartfelt farewell to Gossett as one of his final roles, highlighting his legacy.
  • The post-credits scene in IF effectively honors the performer and his impact on the film.

Considering how ubiquitous they've become in modern movies, audiences may be wondering if they need to stay through the ending of IF to catch a post-credits scene. The new family film directed by John Krasinski focuses on Bea, a girl who discovers she can see other people's imaginary friends. Known as IFs, many of the ones Bea encounters are retired and directionless in the wake of their kids outgrowing them.

Alongside her neighbor Cal (who can also see the IFs), Bea gets to work finding the imaginary friends new homes — and ultimately leading them back to the (now grown-up) children they used to play with. While IF's ending is very sweet and resolves the plot with a tidy bow, it does leave the door open for further exploration in a potential sequel. However, audiences looking for that kind of world expansion after the credits will be disappointed. Instead, the time is afforded to a far more emotional beat that reflects the real-life cast of IF.

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IF Does Have A Post-Credits Scene

It's A Tribute Instead Of A Tease

IF's Post-Credits Scene Explained (2)

IF does have a post-credits scene, in the form of a tribute to Louis Gossett Jr. Gossett appears in IF as Lewis. A kindly and old teddy bear, Lewis is portrayed as a leader of the IFs and is the founder of the imaginary friend's retirement home. Gossett passed away in March of 2024 at the age of 87. The post-credits scene shows several shots of the character from the film set to sentimental music. This serves as a sweet tribute to the performer and underscores Lewis's importance in the story.

The post-credits scene ends with a brief goodbye to Gossett and a thank you. Gossett has been a constant in the world of film, television, and theater for over half a century, earning accolades and awards for his acting for over half a century. The post-credits scene serves as an emotional farewell to the performer, as well as Lewis (who would likely not appear in any prospective sequels to IF due to the actor's passing).

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Louis Gossett Jr.'s Role In IF Explained

Louis Gossett Jr. Plays Lewis In IF

As one of Gossett's final roles, IF's Lewis feels like a fitting send-off for the performer. Within the film, the character of Lewis is universally beloved by the other IFs. This is similar to the adoration often paid to Gossett after an impressive and lengthy career as an actor. Gossett's biggest showcase in the film comes in a scene with Bea, where he uses his own imagination alongside hers to fill the largely abandoned boardwalk amusement park with life and activity.

It's a sweet moment that only becomes more effective in light of Gosset's passing, especially with the suggestion that the carnival was actually where he was first imagined untold decades ago. It's both a sweet ode to the past, while also serving as a moment of legacy as he shows a young generation the power of memory and imagination. The post-credits scene from IF is a very sentimental but effective farewell to one of the film's most iconic performers.

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IF

PG

Comedy Animation Drama Fantasy
IF's Post-Credits Scene Explained (5)

7/10

6/10

Release Date
May 17, 2024

Runtime
104 Minutes
Director
John Krasinski

Cast

See All
  • IF's Post-Credits Scene Explained (6)

    Ryan Reynolds

  • IF's Post-Credits Scene Explained (7)

    John Krasinski

WHERE TO WATCH

IF, originally titled Imaginary Friends, is a comedic fantasy film written and directed by John Krasinski. A young girl who experiences a tragic moment early in her life discovers she can see the imaginary friends of others who leave them behind as they grow older.

Writers
John Krasinski
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