DirectorPaul Feigis doing his part to dispel rumors thatAnna KendrickandBlake Livelyhad a falling out duringAnother Simple Favor. Feig reunited the actresses for theA Simple Favorsequel, which premiered at SXSW on March 7. The director has been vocal in addressing speculation surrounding Lively’s control over the film and her relationship with Kendrick, but it’s not stopping social media from assuming the worst.
Most recently, Feig responded to a post on X (formerly Twitter) by YouTuber Melanie King. King, like many other influencers, has dissected the Justin Baldoni/Lively drama and is firmly Team Baldoni. King’s post claimed that Lively was “terrified to walk the carpet as Anna is pissed and never wants to work with her again.” Feig bluntly refuted this, replying, “Um… you’re wrong.” Acknowledging the director’s response, King shared that Feig was “fighting for his life defending Blake.”
‘Another Simple Favor’ Director Paul Feig Addresses Sequel Comparison to Blake Lively & Justin Baldoni Drama
Fans are making comparisons to her character and the real-life drama Lively currently finds herself in.
Interestingly, in a video posted by Entertainment Tonight, Lively is seen atAnother Simple Favor’s SXSW premiere, where she says reuniting with Kendrick is “the best.” In a separate video, Kendrick is asked what it’s like working with Lively again. her response? “Oh, you know.” Looks like Feig won’t be done fighting those feud claims any time soon.
Blake Lively’s Legal Battle and Public Opinion
Theongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni(herIt End With Usdirector and co-star) has significantly impacted Lively’s public image. Since the press tour forIt Ends With Us, Lively has faced criticism for downplaying the film’s serious themes of domestic violence. In December, Lively filed legal documents accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, retaliation, and fostering a toxic work environment. Baldoni denied those allegations and countered with lawsuits alleging defamation, extortion, and invasion of privacy, naming Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist. While both trials are set for March 2026, the court of public opinion, particularly on social media, appears to largely side with Baldoni.
Feig has repeatedly shown supportfor Lively during this time. Praising Lively, the director has said she is a “dream to work with” and “an amazing collaborator.” Following her December filing, he took to X to share:
“I’ve now made two movies with Blake and all I can say is she’s one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented and kind people I’ve ever worked with. She truly did not deserve any of this smear campaign against her. I think it’s awful she was put through this.”
Despite the off-screen drama,Another Simple Favorhas opened to generally favorable reviews (currently holding a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes). Ironically, critics have consistently praised the on-screen chemistry between Kendrick and Lively. While many feel that the sequel doesn’t quite capture the magic of the 2018 original, we expect the comedy thriller to become a streaming success. Not only was its predecessor a critical and commercial success, but audiences immersed in the Lively/Baldoni battle will be interested in forming their own opinions about the dynamics between Kendrick and Lively.
Another Simple Favor
