Lily James Discusses Transition to Producer Role for ‘Swiped’ Film

Lily James recently shared her excitement about producing her first feature film, “Swiped,” which tells the inspiring story of Bumble founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd. James, who also stars in the film, explained that she was drawn to this project because she wanted to be deeply involved in telling the story of one of the great female entrepreneurs of our time.

During an interview at the Toronto International Film Festival, James reflected on her experience working on “Swiped,” noting that it marked a significant career shift for her as she stepped into the role of producer. She emphasized her desire to be part of the project’s DNA, contributing not just as an actress, but also as a producer involved in all aspects of the film’s production.

Directed by Rachel Lee Goldenberg, “Swiped” dives into Herd’s journey in creating the popular dating apps Tinder and Bumble, shedding light on the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry. James expressed her commitment to exploring themes of gender equity, female empowerment, and the obstacles women encounter in both online spaces and the workplace.

For James, producing “Swiped” was a labor of love, as she was deeply involved in decision-making processes related to casting, music, and storytelling. She explained that she fought for what she believed in and worked closely with experienced professionals to bring the film to life. The actress hoped that the film would inspire and empower audiences, especially women, to pursue their dreams and find strength in challenging moments.

“Swiped” premiered at TIFF and is set to debut on Hulu on Sept. 19. Through this film, James and the team aim to share Herd’s remarkable story and spark important conversations about gender dynamics, online politics, and the power of perseverance.