Taylor Swift's '90s-inspired Opalite music video has become a massive sensation, and the pop icon is now treating her devoted fans to even more exciting content. The 36-year-old superstar recently shared a series of behind-the-scenes photos on Instagram, capturing hilarious moments from the shoot with newfound friends Graham Norton and Domhnall Gleeson, alongside cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto.
Behind-the-Scenes Revelations
In her Instagram caption, Swift expressed her joy, writing, 'I never want to forget a single detail of this hysterical shoot, and now I don’t have to!' She excitedly announced the release of two extended versions of the Opalite music video, packed with dance lessons, cameo appearances, camcorder footage, giant scrunchies, and fanny pack angles. Parts 1 and 2 are available now via the link in her bio, she added, amidst an ongoing trademark dispute with a home goods company.
Star-Studded Collaborations
The slideshow of photos emerged just a week after the February 7 premiere of the star-studded music video, which set a record as the most-streamed music video in a single day on Spotify. One snapshot shows Swift, Norton, and Gleeson wearing shocked expressions as they view footage on an iPad, with Prieto looking on. Other images feature Swift and Gleeson practicing bunny dance moves in sparkly tracksuits and filming the mall escalator scene at the real-life Whitgift Shopping Centre in South London.
Additional photos include Swift sharing a belly laugh with Gleeson while Norton maintains a straight-faced expression, and another where Swift sits on the floor with a towel over her shoulders as a stylist works on her hair. The video itself tells the whimsical story of a Lonely Girl, played by Swift, whose only companion is her pet rock until she is spritzed with Opalite and drops into the apartment of Lonely Boy, portrayed by Gleeson, and his loyal pet cactus.
Notable Cameos and Creative Origins
Graham Norton takes on the role of a salesman for 'Nope-alite,' a fictional antidote to the Opalite spray, which promises to eliminate problems and bring happiness. The music video also boasts cameos from comedian Lewis Capaldi as a tacky mall photographer, actress Greta Lee as the 'Indie Rock Goddess,' and Jodie Turner-Smith as a Jane Fonda-inspired aerobics instructor. Cillian Murphy lends his voice and image as the narrator and face of the magical Opalite spray.
Opalite is the hit single from Swift's album The Life of a Showgirl, released in October of last year. In a post accompanying the video's release, Swift revealed that the idea sparked during an appearance on The Graham Norton Show last October, when Gleeson joked about wanting to be in a Taylor Swift music video. She described it as a 'wild' concept that evolved into a collaborative project, with all the show's guests joining in to time travel back to the '90s.
Personal Projects and Future Plans
Swift, who wrote and directed the surreal music video, shared that she had immense fun creating new friendships, metaphors, and fashion choices. She also noted that some members from her The Eras Tour were involved in the production. Meanwhile, the hitmaker is balancing this creative endeavor with a more personal project—her upcoming summer wedding to Travis Kelce, 36, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end, after their engagement was announced in August of last year.
