Blake Lively’s Drama Didn’t Hurt ‘Another Simple Favor’—Paul Feig Spills All!

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In less than 24 hours, we’re set to witness the debut of “Another Simple Favor“, and before its arrival on Prime Video, director Paul Feig has shared insights into his experience working with stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick. Following their collaboration on “It Ends with Us“, did the residue from that set’s demanding Colleen Hoover adaptation cling to Lively, or was she able to leave it behind? According to Feig, there were no issues at all.

As I chatted with RadioTimes before the premiere of Another Simple Favor on May 1, 2025, Feig shared that Blondey (I’m referring to Blake Lively) and Redhead (that’s Anna Kendrick for you) were once more able to weave enchantment during the filming of his latest production. This new flick is actually a sequel to 2018’s A Simple Favor, and this time around, the devious Emily Nelson (Blondey) invites her on-again-off-again pal, Stephanie Smothers (Redhead), to be her maid of honor at her Italian businessman hubby-to-be’s wedding on the island of Capri. The story takes a dark turn with a murder, a plot twist or two, and perhaps even a complete loop as events unfold. For Feig, he remarked that it was effortless for Kendrick and Lively to continue where they left off seven years ago.

Whenever possible, I aim to capture a simultaneous reaction from two subjects by shooting them together. This approach allows us to see their immediate responses to each other in real-time. On the second or third day of filming, my producing partner Laura Fisher and I found ourselves exclaiming in amazement, as their chemistry was rekindled so swiftly, and it was so contagious that it felt like there was a magical connection between them.

The positive feedback about Blake Lively’s new comedy-mystery film, which has garnered a 81% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and received praise from critics such as Devesh Sharma of Filmfare, is a relief for fans who were concerned about the impact of set drama on It Ends with Us. Despite this, Lively delivered a strong performance, demonstrating her professionalism while working alongside Kendrick once more. This weekend, we can look forward to an entertaining watch!

Is There Another Favor in Store For Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick?

In 2018, the movie “A Simple Favor” surprised everyone by raking in $97 million at the box office on a budget of just $20 million. This success paved the way for a sequel, and though we had to wait seven years, we’re now eagerly anticipating more adventures for characters Emily and Stephanie. As for what lies ahead? Director Feig hinted to George Edleman from MovieWeb (pictured above) about another installment in the series, suggesting that there are indeed more tales to be told.

The two characters have changed dramatically over time, with Stephanie experiencing particularly significant growth. Now, she’s in a new phase, having dealt with numerous challenges and gaining a deeper understanding of Emily than ever before. I believe there are many possibilities for the development of their cautious friendship, as it may take unexpected turns.

Due to “Another Simple Favor” bypassing theaters and going directly to streaming platforms, it might be challenging to gauge its success. However, if it manages to accumulate sufficient viewership, there could potentially be another film in the series. Regardless, director Feig, actress Kendrick, and star Lively can take pride in having produced a hilarious comedy with an intriguing twist that keeps audiences guessing.

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2025-04-30 21:05