Argylle is a spy novel that has been making headlines for its star-studded film adaptation, directed by Matthew Vaughn and featuring Bryce Dallas Howard, Henry Cavill, Samuel L. Jackson, and Taylor Swift. But the book itself has been shrouded in secrecy, as its author, Elly Conway, was revealed to be a pseudonym for not one, but two writers. Who are they, and why did they choose to remain anonymous?
The Secret Collaboration
The real writers behind Argylle are Terry Hayes and Tammy Cohen, two established authors with different backgrounds and styles. Hayes is an Australian novelist and screenwriter, best known for his thriller I Am Pilgrim and his work on films such as Mad Max 2 and Dead Calm. Cohen is a British novelist who writes psychological suspense and domestic noir, such as The Broken and When She Was Bad.
The two writers were brought together by Vaughn, who had the idea of creating a companion novel for his film, based on his original story. He wanted the novel to be written by someone who could match his vision and pace, and he approached Hayes, who had previously collaborated with him on the screenplay for The Golden Circle. Hayes agreed, but he needed a partner, as he was busy working on his own projects. His publisher suggested Cohen, who had the skills and the availability to join him.
The two writers had never met before, and they had to work remotely, communicating via email and phone. They divided the chapters between them, and then edited each other’s work to create a consistent voice and tone. They also had to deal with the feedback and demands of the film studio and the streaming service, who had a stake in the project and its potential franchise. They had to sign non-disclosure agreements and keep their identities secret, even from their families and friends.
The Fake Persona
The pseudonym Elly Conway was chosen by Vaughn, who also named the main character of the film after her. Elly Conway is a reclusive novelist who lives in Scotland and writes spy novels. She is also the love interest of Argylle, a spy who discovers he is the heir to the throne of a fictional European country. In the film, Elly Conway is played by Bryce Dallas Howard, who carries a cat in a backpack, a detail that sparked rumours that the real author was Taylor Swift, who is known for her love of cats and argyle sweaters.
The writers had to maintain the illusion of Elly Conway, and they created a fake biography and a fake website for her. They also wrote a fake dedication and acknowledgements for the book, thanking Vaughn and Howard, among others. They even had to pretend to be Elly Conway in interviews and podcasts, using voice changers and scripted answers. They said it was fun at first, but it became stressful and exhausting as the release date approached.
The Big Reveal
The identity of Elly Conway was finally revealed by The Telegraph on February 4, 2024, a day before the film’s premiere. The newspaper had obtained a copy of the book’s contract, which showed the names of Hayes and Cohen. The writers confirmed the news and explained their reasons for hiding behind a pseudonym. They said they wanted to respect Vaughn’s vision and avoid any confusion or expectations from their existing readers. They also said they enjoyed the challenge and the opportunity to work on something different and exciting.
The reaction from the public was mixed. Some fans were disappointed that Elly Conway was not Taylor Swift, or a real person at all. Some critics were sceptical about the quality and originality of the book, and accused the writers of cashing in on the film’s hype. Some readers were curious and intrigued by the mystery and the collaboration, and praised the book for its action, humour, and romance.
The writers said they were proud of their work and hoped that people would judge the book on its own merits, not on its marketing or its authorship. They also said they had no plans to write a sequel or to collaborate again, as they wanted to focus on their own projects. They said they were grateful to Vaughn for the opportunity and the experience, and to each other for the friendship and the support. They said they had learned a lot from each other and from the process, and that they had fun writing Argylle.
