Pop superstar Taylor Swift has released the music video for her latest single, "Opalite," from her album "The Life of a Showgirl." Swift wrote and directed the video, which features a strong 1990s aesthetic and includes appearances from several notable celebrities.
The video debuted just ahead of the Super Bowl, a time when Swift herself was a focal point last year due to her fiancé Travis Kelce's team, the Kansas City Chiefs, playing in the championship game. This year, attention has shifted to her new creative work.
Key Takeaways
- Taylor Swift wrote and directed the music video for her new single "Opalite."
- The video features a distinct 1990s theme, including elements like MTV and mall trips.
- Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson and other guests from the Graham Norton Show appear in the video.
- "Opalite" is the second full music video from Swift's album "The Life of a Showgirl."
- The video is exclusively available on Apple Music and Spotify Premium until February 8.
A Nostalgic Trip to the 1990s
The "Opalite" music video takes viewers on a journey back to the 1990s. It incorporates various cultural touchstones from the decade, creating a sense of nostalgia for many. Viewers will see references to classic MTV programming, trips to the mall, and even cheesy commercials.
Swift's creative vision for the video emerged during promotional activities for her 12th studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl." She shared insights into the video's conception on her Instagram account, noting that the idea "crash landed into my imagination."
Interesting Fact
The music video includes a '90s-style couple's photo shoot, adding to its retro charm and reflecting the era's popular trends.
Inspiration from a Talk Show Appearance
A significant part of the video's inspiration came from Swift's appearance on the UK's Graham Norton Show. She was a guest on the show on October 3, 2025, alongside a group of actors and musicians. These guests included Cillian Murphy, Domhnall Gleeson, Greta Lee, Jodie Smith, and singer Lewis Capaldi.
During the show, Domhnall Gleeson, known for his roles in the Harry Potter films, made a lighthearted comment about appearing in one of Swift's music videos. This joke sparked the idea for Swift to include him, and eventually other guests from the show, in her new project.
"The idea for the Opalite music video crash landed into my imagination when I was doing promo for The Life of a Showgirl," Swift wrote on Instagram.
Star-Studded Cast and Playful Metaphors
Swift described the collaboration as a "school group project but for adults and it isn't mandatory." To her delight, everyone from the Graham Norton Show agreed to participate. This collective effort brought a diverse group of talent to the video, enhancing its appeal.
Viewers might also recognize additional familiar faces within the "Opalite" video, with Swift hinting that some individuals from The Eras Tour also made appearances. This adds another layer of connection for her dedicated fanbase.
Background Information
Taylor Swift's album, "The Life of a Showgirl," is her 12th studio album. The "Opalite" music video marks the second full video release from this album, following previous singles.
Thematic Elements and Symbolism
The song "Opalite" itself explores themes of love. This theme is fitting, considering that the opal is the birthstone of Swift's fiancé, Travis Kelce. The video introduces a magical element in the form of an "Opalite spray" that possesses the ability to transform inanimate objects into humans and vice versa.
In one notable scene, Swift keeps a rock as her best friend. The narrative then introduces Gleeson, who is depicted in a challenging relationship with a small cactus. A spray from the magical "Opalite" transforms the cactus into Swift, creating a whimsical and metaphorical storyline.
- The video features a magical "Opalite spray."
- This spray can turn objects into people and people into objects.
- Domhnall Gleeson's character has a cactus that transforms into Swift.
- Swift's character has a pet rock that serves as her best friend.
A Fun and Creative Endeavor
Creating the "Opalite" music video was clearly an enjoyable experience for Taylor Swift. She expressed immense satisfaction with the process, highlighting the fun she had and the new connections formed during production. The video allowed her to explore new creative avenues.
Swift noted that she "had more fun than I ever imagined," and that she "made new friends, metaphors, and fashion choices." This enthusiasm is evident in the playful and imaginative nature of the final product. She described the entire process as "an absolute thrill to create this story and these characters."
Availability Details
For a limited time, the "Opalite" music video is exclusively available for viewing on Apple Music and Spotify Premium. This exclusive window lasts until February 8, after which it may become more widely accessible.
The release of "Opalite" provides fans with new content and showcases Swift's continued evolution as both a songwriter and a director. Her ability to weave personal inspirations with creative storytelling resonates strongly with her global audience.
The video serves as a testament to her ongoing artistic vision, combining catchy music with engaging visuals and a touch of personal narrative. It reinforces her status as a prolific artist who consistently delivers fresh and imaginative projects.