Why Paul Feig Couldn’t Resist Making a Sequel to A Simple Favor Despite the Risks

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Filmmaker Paul Feig is behind numerous successful productions, such as the series “Freaks and Geeks” and popular comedies like “Bridesmaids” from 2011, “The Heat” from 2013, and “Spy” from 2015. In 2018, he ventured into a new territory as the director of the adaptation of “A Simple Favor,” which marked a break in his usual pattern because for the first time, he has now followed it up with a sequel, .

As a dedicated fan, I found it utterly fascinating during Draw & Vibe when Feig and his conversation partner delved into the topic of the new movie, but more importantly, what prompted him to revisit his role as director for the same project. What particularly piqued my interest was learning that it was A Simple Favor that deserved a sequel. Feig has an impressive repertoire, with films like Bridesmaids, which earned two Oscar nominations, and Spy. Interestingly enough, he had the opportunity to expand these universes, yet he chose not to revisit those worlds.

Feig shared his thoughts, saying, “I have a deep affection for these characters and I’ve always felt there was untapped potential in them, despite the fact that one of them ended up in prison.” He continued, “However, it’s important to remember that imprisonment isn’t necessarily an ending; it can be a new beginning for someone.

The film experienced a resurgence on streaming during the pandemic, leading to what appeared to be a dedicated fan base eager for more content. As such, its earnings of $97.6 million globally against a production budget of merely $20 million made it a financially successful venture.

As a devoted admirer, I resonate with Feig’s sentiments when he says, “The charm of avoiding sequels lies in the thrill of initially uncovering the characters, a joy that comes from discovering them for the first time.” Essentially, it’s about learning and growing with these characters, only to find oneself back in a situation where they either revisit an old problem or face a new one. It feels like asking, “Weren’t their issues addressed the last time?

People frequently request sequels, but end up being unhappy with the results. It’s as if to say, ‘Exactly what did you expect?’

Another Simple Favor Failed to Live Up to the Original

In contrast to the events in Darcey Bell’s novel, Another Simple Favor ventured into unexplored territories without a guiding script. The film reintroduced fan-favorite characters like Kendrick and Lively from the initial release, but it fell short of recapturing the enchantment of the first installment. Initially receiving rave reviews, its reception drastically altered upon its arrival on Prime Video.>

Differing significantly from Darcey Bell’s book, Another Simple Favor explored new waters without a blueprint. The film welcomed back popular characters such as Kendrick and Lively from the prior version, yet it missed the mark in rekindling the charm of the first installment. Initially praised by critics, this changed significantly once it was made available on Prime Video.>

The film’s ratings have declined since its release, but it still manages to maintain an acceptable 67% rating from the critics, which qualifies as a “fresh” score. On the other hand, it has a lower approval of 47% from viewers. However, A Simple Favor boasts a higher rating, with a Certified Fresh 84% from the critics and an impressive 73% from audiences.

Another Simple Favor is streaming on Prime Video.

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2025-05-03 22:07