Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’ Video: Graham Norton, Iconic London Club Spark Buzz

LONDON (Azat TV) – Pop icon Taylor Swift has released the music video for her latest single, “Opalite,” a track from her 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl. The video, which premiered on February 6, 2026, on Spotify Premium and Apple Music, is drawing significant attention for its star-studded cast, including British talk show host Graham Norton, and its distinctive filming location at London’s historic Mildmay Club. Its upcoming wider release on YouTube this Sunday, February 8, is strategically timed to coincide with Super Bowl Sunday, further amplifying its reach among Swifties and beyond.

The concept for the “Opalite” music video, which Swift herself wrote and directed, was sparked during her appearance on The Graham Norton Show in October 2025. Swift recounted on Instagram that the idea “crash landed” into her imagination while doing promotion for her album. She praised Norton’s show for its unique, dinner-party-like atmosphere, where she shared the famous orange sofa with a diverse group of actors and musicians. It was a joke from actor Domhnall Gleeson during that show about appearing in one of her music videos that ultimately led to the project’s inception, culminating in Gleeson taking on the starring role in the “Opalite” video.

Graham Norton’s Role and ‘Opalite’s’ Genesis

Graham Norton, renowned for his charismatic and quick-witted hosting style, plays a notable role in the ‘Opalite’ video. He appears as a salesman for a reverse serum called “Nope-alite,” a clever nod to the video’s fantastical and whimsical tone. Norton expressed his excitement on Instagram, calling it “The thrill of a lifetime and the hardest secret I’ve ever had to keep!!” His participation, alongside other guests from his show, underscores his growing transatlantic appeal, with clips from The Graham Norton Show frequently going viral in the US, as noted by The Guardian.

Swift’s vision for the video extended to inviting all her fellow guests from that memorable night on Norton’s show. To her delight, everyone made the effort to join the project, which she playfully described as “a school group project but for adults and it isn’t mandatory.” This collaborative spirit brought together a glittering lineup of talent, marking a distinct approach to her traditionally epic music video productions.

Star-Studded ‘Opalite’ Cast Unveiled

Beyond Graham Norton and Domhnall Gleeson, the “Opalite” video features a host of other familiar faces. Gleeson portrays Swift’s shy love interest, whose life transforms after she uses the magical “Opalite” potion. Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy makes a subtle cameo, providing a voiceover and appearing as a billboard image, which has generated considerable buzz among fans, according to Geo.tv. Other prominent figures include Greta Lee, who mimes along to Swift’s song as a fictional singer-songwriter on MTV; Jodie Turner-Smith, appearing as a fitness instructor; and fellow chart-topping musician Lewis Capaldi, cast as a mall photographer. This ensemble cast has been praised for contributing to the video’s nostalgic ’90s vibe and clever concept.

Taylor Swift’s ‘Opalite’ Filming Location

The “Opalite” music video was filmed at The Mildmay Club, an iconic London venue established in 1888. This historic club served as Swift’s dance club in the video, providing a retro backdrop that perfectly complements the ’90s aesthetic. The Mildmay Club enthusiastically shared stills of Swift and Domhnall Gleeson dancing on their Instagram, confirming that the rumors were true and acknowledging Swift’s visit. This is not the first time the club has been a filming location; it has also been featured in Lily Allen’s music video for “Let You W/In” and was a setting for Netflix’s hit show Baby Reindeer, as reported by The Mirror.

Social Media Reacts to ‘Opalite’ Video

Since its initial release, the “Opalite” video has quickly become a trending topic across social media platforms. Fans have lauded its satirical commercial opening, which transitions into a charming rom-com storyline. The video also reunited Swift with cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto, known for his work on “All Too Well: The Short Film,” ensuring a high-quality visual narrative. Interestingly, the video has even sparked a humorous online “beef” with Elmo, the beloved Sesame Street character. Elmo took to X/Twitter to express mock dismay, writing, “Ms. Taylor Swift… you have got to be kidding Elmo,” with some commenters playfully suggesting the video’s ending, where Swift forms a new friendship with Gleeson’s character, is a ‘Rocco diss track,’ according to indy100.

The strategic release of “Opalite” not only highlights Taylor Swift’s continuous evolution as a storyteller and director but also demonstrates her masterful ability to weave personal experiences and high-profile collaborations into culturally resonant events, leveraging both traditional media influence and social media trends for widespread impact.