Conspiracy Denied: Taylor Swift "Definitely Didn't Write" 'Argylle' Book

Director Matthew Vaughn is clarifying the situation: Taylor Swift is not the author of the book associated with ‘Argylle’. Vaughn, age 52, shared that he became aware of an internet conspiracy suggesting that Swift, 34, was the hidden author behind Argylle's source material, with Elly Conway being a presumed pseudonym. In the film, Bryce Dallas Howard portrays Elly as a fictional renowned spy novelist.

Not being particularly active on the internet, Vaughn was surprised when his daughter approached him about the theory. He recounted, "This is the power of celebrity and the internet — and said, 'You never told me Taylor wrote the book!'" Vaughn, amused, responded, "What are you talking about? Taylor Swift wrote the book? She didn't write the book!"

Despite the director's denial, Swift's fans had speculated online, pointing to various details in the book and movie that seemed like potential Easter eggs. This speculation included the book's cover featuring a Scottish Fold cat resembling Swift's pet, Meredith Grey. However, Vaughn dismissed these claims, emphasizing that Swift did not write the book.

Matthew Vaughn emphasized that there is indeed a genuine book associated with ‘Argylle’, and it is of high quality. Elly Conway is the credited author of the book, but Vaughn is clear that Taylor Swift is not the one behind it. Vaughn expressed his reluctance to contribute to any unfounded rumours, recognizing that Swift likely deals with numerous people attempting to associate themselves with her success.

Acknowledging the elaborate nature of internet conspiracies, Vaughn remarked, "But it’s not Taylor Swift. She definitely didn’t write the book.”

The author Elly Conway has been a subject of curiosity, with an Instagram account bearing zero posts and a biography on Penguin Random House's website providing limited information about being born and raised in upstate New York, writing the ‘Argylle’ novel while working as a late-night diner waitress.

Although Swift's fans speculated due to certain details, such as the Scottish Fold cat featured prominently in Argylle's marketing materials, Vaughn clarified that the cat, named Chip, belongs to his family. Vaughn's daughters were inspired to get Chip after seeing Swift's cat in her 2020 documentary 'Miss Americana.'

Chip even made his way into the ‘Argylle’ movie after the first cat hired for the film didn't work out. Vaughn humorously recalled discovering the new addition on Christmas, noting that it was a surprise gift obtained without his knowledge. Despite the unexpected acquisition, Chip proved to be a natural on set, earning the title of the "nepo cat."

– Farheen Ali