The sequel to A Simple Favor is officially on its way—though it’s arriving at a time when one of its stars is making more headlines for off-screen drama than on-screen mystery.
Prime Video has announced that Another Simple Favor will make its world premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival on 7 March, before dropping on the streaming service globally on May 1st. The film sees Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their roles as Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson, this time heading to the stunning Italian island of Capri for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy businessman. But, true to form, the event isn’t just about vows and champagne—it’s a wedding where murder and betrayal have RSVP’d, and no one is safe.
The ensemble includes returning cast members Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, and Ian Ho, along with new additions such as Oscar winner Allison Janney, Michele Morrone, and Elizabeth Perkins.
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Director Paul Feig, who returns for the sequel, said in a statement:
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back at my favourite festival in the world where we successfully launched Bridesmaids and Spy, and I cannot begin to say how honoured I am to have our film opening it all. I’ve avoided making sequels to any of my films, but these characters were just too much fun not to revisit.”
Amazon MGM Studios Head Jennifer Salke hyped up the sequel, calling it “the perfect blend of mystery, wit, and unexpected twists,” adding:
“The cast, led by the extraordinarily talented Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, brings life to a script that propels the sequel to new heights.”
Lively at the Centre of Hollywood Drama
Of course, the film’s buzz isn’t just about its plot—Blake Lively is currently deep in real-life Hollywood drama. Her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us director and co-star Justin Baldoni has been making waves, with accusations flying about her alleged behind-the-scenes control over script changes and even film edits.
The controversy has led to a lawsuit from Baldoni’s PR team and… to poorly sum it up, let’s just say that accusations have been flying every which way. And with Another Simple Favor now in the spotlight, online commenters are speculating whether she pulled similar strings on this project, too.
When a commenter asked on social media, “Is it Paul Feig’s cut or Blake’s cut?” Feig quickly shut down the rumours, replying (as per Daily Mail):
“It’s my cut. There is no other cut … just wanted to clear that up.”
He also made it clear that, despite the swirling gossip, working with Lively has been nothing but a positive experience:
“Blake has been nothing but supportive and a dream to work with. She is the best and an amazing collaborator and I’m her biggest fan.”
Feud Rumours with Kendrick Resurface
And because one Hollywood controversy isn’t enough, the internet has also reignited long-standing speculation about tension between Lively and Kendrick.
The rumours started back in 2018 when the first film was released, with fans dissecting interviews and press appearances for signs of an off-screen feud. Then in 2021, The Celebrity Memoir Book Club podcast, hoseted by comedians Claire Parker and Ashley Hamilton, claimed that an alleged studio insider had said that the two actresses “hated each other” and weren’t even speaking after filming wrapped.
Now, with Another Simple Favor on the way, the drama is bubbling up again—especially after some fans pointed out that Lively’s name had been positioned slightly higher than Kendrick’s on the film’s poster (below).
Back on January 10th, Feig bluntly responded on X when asked whether the supposed feud was delaying the sequel:
“This is total BS. Sorry. The movie is finished and coming out soon. Don’t believe anything you read on social media these days.”
Will audiences be able to separate the scandal from the story? We’ll find out when the film lands on Prime Video this May.
