A puzzling new mystery surrounding the identity of an unknown author who wrote a book that claims to “reinvent the spy genre” has taken the literary world by storm, with some critics convinced that the upcoming thriller was written by Taylor Swift.
Although Elly Conway’s Argylle has not yet been released, it has already been adapted into a film by Matthew Vaughn, which is scheduled to hit theaters in February.
The plot follows introverted spy novelist Elly Conway (played by Bryce Dallas Howard), who is drawn into the real world of espionage when the plot of her books gets a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate.
It stars Henry Cavill as lead agent Argylle alongside femme fatale Dua Lipa in her feature-length acting debut. Apple Original Films reportedly paid a whopping $200 million for it.
The film was first announced in June 2021. The film was directed by Matthew Vaughn from a screenplay by Jason Fuchs based on an unpublished novel by a mysterious author named Elly Conway.
It stars Henry Cavill as lead agent Argylle alongside femme fatale Dua Lipa in her feature-length acting debut. Apple Original Films reportedly paid a whopping $200 million for it
However, surprisingly little was revealed about Elly – her name was spelled interchangeably Ellie and Elly in promotional materials
Elly’s Instagram account is empty – she only follows one person – her agent Eric Reid
“When I read this early draft of the manuscript, I felt like it was the most incredible and original spy franchise since Ian Fleming’s books from the ’50s.” “This will reinvent the spy genre,” enthused Vaughn, the mastermind behind Kingmens.
However, surprisingly little was revealed about Elly – her name was spelled interchangeably Ellie and Elly in promotional materials.
On the Penguin website, Elly’s bio simply states: “She lives in the United States and is currently working on the next installment of the series.”
Elly’s Instagram account is empty – she only follows one person – her agent Eric Reid.
Taylor Swift is known for leaving “Easter eggs” and clues for her fans in her work, leading many to believe she has hinted that she is Elly Conway.
So is the author really Taylor or is this a clever PR stunt by the team behind the film?
Maybe these are all bizarre coincidences, or is the real Elly just a Swiftie paying homage to her?
While a source close to the pop star insisted that Taylor is not the author behind the book, FEMAIL reveals all the evidence that has convinced fans otherwise…
Cat crossover
Left: Taylor Swift carries her cat in the Miss Americana film. Right: the advertising poster for Argylle
Director Matthew Vaughn and his cat Chip also star in the film
Taylor is known for her love of cats – which she references in her music and stars in her music videos.
The pop sensation currently includes Meredith Grey, Olivia Benson and Benjamin Button – all members of Scottish Fold.
Chip, who stars in Argylle (and is owned by director Matthew Vaughn and his wife Claudia Schiffer), is also a Scottish Fold with a striking resemblance to Taylor’s trio.
Chip also has his own Instagram account where he has posted several references to Taylor.
Chip also has his own Instagram account where he has posted several references to Taylor
Another image from the account shows a photoshopped image of Taylor Swift and Sophie Turner – on a recent evening in New York – with cat heads superimposed.
He most recently took a snap with the caption, “She’s a cheerleader and we’re in the stands,” a clear reference to the lyrics of Taylor’s hit “You Belong With Me.”
Taylor, her fan account Taylor Nation, and the NFL (where her boyfriend Travis Kelce plays) were all tagged.
Another image from the account shows a photoshopped image of Taylor Swift and Sophie Turner – on a recent evening in New York – with cat heads superimposed.
Argylle’s official Twitter account posted clips captioned with the star’s lyrics, including from “Wonderland,” “Blank Space” and “Style.”
CONWAY SWEATER
Taylor wore a sweater that said “Conway” — the author’s pseudonym
Before her record-breaking Era tour, Taylor wore a sweater that said “Conway Recording Studios.”
She shared the snapshot on Instagram and joked that she looked like her “Eras era.”
The sweater references the studio where many of their hits from 1989 and Red were recorded.
But could it also be a reference to her pseudonym? Some Swifties think so…
SUITABLE DATES & 112 DAY THEORY
The Argylle novel was originally scheduled for release on September 29, 2022, then was pushed back to March 29, 2023, and is now apparently scheduled for November 9, 2023.
November 9th is also the first day of the international leg of Taylor Swift’s Eras tour.
It’s about an international spy and the day on which the international leg of the Eras tour begins.
The film will also be released exactly 112 days after October 13th, when the Eras Tour film was released in theaters.
112 days is a popular theory among Swifties, who believe that Taylor releases each of her newly recorded albums 112 days apart.
Fans believe 112 Days is due to Taylor losing the rights to 112 songs when she was unable to purchase the masters of her first five albums.
Taylor has also often spoken of her lucky number being 13, and often releases albums on the 13th of the month or albums with 13 tracks. 1 + 12 in the 112 day theory equals 13.
RED HEAD AUTHOR
Perhaps the most telling nod to Taylor is that Elly Conway is played by a red-headed author in the film
In Taylor’s short film “All Too Well” she plays a red-haired author
Perhaps the most telling nod to Taylor is that Elly Conway is played by a red-headed author in the film.
In Taylor’s short film “All Too Well” she plays a red-haired author.
The film not only showcased her as an author, but also marked Taylor’s directorial debut.
Speaking about dropping Easter eggs shortly after the short film “All Too Well,” Taylor said, “It’s kind of a tradition that we started a very long time ago.”
“I think the first time I incorporated cryptic clues into my music was when I was 14 or 15, putting together my first album. I wanted to do something that would encourage fans to read the lyrics, because my lyrics are what I’m most proud of of everything I do…
“When I was a kid, I would read through CD booklets, just read the tiny small print, and I would obsess over it.”
“There are thousands of Easter eggs.” There are some that people still haven’t found. It will take decades for people to find them all,” she added.
LOVE FOR ARGYLE
Perhaps most strikingly, Taylor has often worn argyle prints over the years – and even sold argyle print merchandise. Pictured in 2014 in New York
Most tellingly, her Argyle sweater in her online store is linked to Red (Taylor’s Version), the same album in which she played a writer
Perhaps most strikingly, Taylor has often worn argyle prints over the years – and even sold argyle print merchandise.
Most tellingly, her Argyle sweater in her online store is linked to Red (Taylor’s Version), the same album in which she played a writer.
DUA LIPA CONNECTION
While Dua Lipa stars in the film, it could be the second time the two have worked together.
The Pop-Tars have yet to make music together, but during their Eras tour, Taylor wore a thick gold chain with pastel butterflies during her Lover set.
The necklace is actually from Dua Lipa’s new Versace collaboration.
Dua took to Instagram to thank Taylor for wearing it.
While Dua Lipa (pictured in the film) stars in the film, it could be the second collaboration between the two
The Pop-Tars have yet to make music together, but during their Eras tour, Taylor wore a thick gold chain with pastel butterflies during her Lover set
Both Henry, 40, and Dua, who had a small role in Barbie, play characters from the book by writer Elly Conway (Bryce Dallas Howard).
The actor takes on the role of Agent Argylle while Dua plays another spy.
The plot follows the introverted spy novelist who gets drawn into the real world of espionage when the plot of her books gets a little too close to the activities of a sinister underground syndicate.
When Aiden (Sam Rockwell), a spy, shows up to save her from being kidnapped, Elly and her beloved cat Alfie are immersed in a secret world.
The cast also includes Samuel L. Jackson, Bryce Dallas Howard, Bryan Cranston, John Cena, Catherine O’Hara, Ariana DeBose and Rob Delaney.
Samuel’s character, who has underworld connections through his winery in Burgundy, tells Elly: “It’s time for you to meet the real agent Argylle.”
The film is about “the world’s greatest spy, Argylle,” who “gets caught up in a globe-trotting adventure.”