Did Lily James Feel Like a Fraud While Filming ‘Swiped’?

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Did Lily James Feel Like a Fraud While Filming ‘Swiped’?

Synopsis

In a candid interview, actress Lily James reveals her discomfort playing a dating app creator in 'Swiped,' as she's never used one herself. As she dives into her role, she reflects on the lost art of in-person connections amidst the digital dating landscape and discusses her upcoming projects.

Key Takeaways

  • Lily James feels a sense of discomfort portraying a dating app creator.
  • She used a friend's phone to research for her role.
  • James emphasizes the importance of real-life interactions.
  • She is concerned about the decline of traditional dating.
  • James will star in the upcoming reboot of 'Cliffhanger'.

Los Angeles, Sep 23 (NationPress) Actress Lily James expressed that she felt a "bit of a fraud" portraying the role of the creator of dating applications in her latest film, “Swiped”, as she has never personally used a dating app.

The 36-year-old actress, who takes on the role of entrepreneur Whitney Wolfe Herd in the biopic, shared with the Sunday People newspaper, "I feel guilty and a bit of a fake playing this creator of these apps, having never really done it."

To better understand the dating app experience, the actress resorted to using her friend's phone for "research" ahead of the film's premiere, according to femalefirst.co.uk.

She mentioned, "I did steal my friend's phone in preparation for this film, for research. A lot of actually doing this movie kind of speaks to people. One of the long-term producers on this film met their partner on Bumble, and it's pretty profound."

Having previously dated former Doctor Who star Matt Smith from 2014 to 2019, James remarked that she has always favored face-to-face interactions.

James expressed her concern, stating, "I am scared that we are losing this - a lost art of seeing someone in the bar and just catching their eye and going over. I hope that that doesn't disappear."

In addition to “Swiped”, James is set to star in a reboot of Sylvester Stallone’s classic 1993 action-thriller Cliffhanger, where she plays Naomi Cooper after taking over from Stallone.

She remarked about the upcoming film, which also features Pierce Brosnan, "It is the most amazing film, and I guess Sylvester Stallone wasn't available, so they just thought ... Lily James."

The original Cliffhanger, directed by Renny Harlin, follows Gabe Walker (originally played by Stallone) as he becomes embroiled in a failed air heist by a gang of international criminals.

Pierce Brosnan plays mountaineer Ray Cooper, while James portrays his daughter Naomi, who must “save her family” and “fight for survival in the Italian Dolomites.”

The synopsis of the Cliffhanger reboot reads: “In this reboot of Cliffhanger, seasoned mountaineer Ray Cooper (Pierce Brosnan) and his daughter Sydney run a mountain chalet in the Dolomites.”

Point of View

It's crucial to highlight the juxtaposition between traditional dating and modern methods. Lily James' reflections serve as a reminder of the importance of genuine connections in an increasingly digital world, aligning with the ongoing discourse on mental health and social interactions.
NationPress
23/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What role does Lily James play in 'Swiped'?
Lily James portrays Whitney Wolfe Herd, the entrepreneur behind dating apps.
Has Lily James ever used a dating app?
No, Lily James has never personally used a dating app, which made her feel like a 'bit of a fraud' in her role.
What is the main concern Lily James has about dating today?
Lily James is worried that the art of in-person connections is being lost in the digital age.
What other projects is Lily James involved in?
Lily James is set to star in the reboot of 'Cliffhanger,' where she plays Naomi Cooper.
When is the 'Cliffhanger' reboot scheduled for release?
The 'Cliffhanger' reboot is set to be released in 2026.
Nation Press