Blake Lively’s much-anticipated return to the big screen has arrived, and it’s already making waves. Another Simple Favor, the sequel to the 2018 hit thriller A Simple Favor, premiered as the opening night film at the 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas. But while the film was met with enthusiasm and excitement from fans and critics alike, the event unfolded under the shadow of Lively’s ongoing legal battle against her It Ends With Us co-star and director, Justin Baldoni.
A Star-Studded Premiere
Held at The Paramount Theater, the premiere was an event to remember. Lively was joined by co-star Anna Kendrick, as well as director Paul Feig, and supporting cast members including Andrew Rannells, Elizabeth Perkins, and Alex Newell. The audience greeted the film with roaring applause, a sign that the sequel had lived up to fans’ expectations.
Speaking during the post-screening Q&A session, Feig expressed his eagerness to revisit the world of A Simple Favor. “I love these characters so much and thought they would be fun to bring back,” he said.
Lively didn’t hold back her excitement either. Calling her character, Emily Nelson, the “favorite character I have ever been fortunate enough to play,” she hinted at how much she relished slipping back into the role after nearly seven years.
The Plot Thickens
Fans of A Simple Favor know that the original film was a mix of psychological thriller and dark comedy, laced with shocking twists. Another Simple Favor raises the stakes even further.
The sequel follows Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) as they reunite in the luxurious setting of Capri, Italy, where Emily is preparing to marry a wealthy Italian businessman. But as expected, nothing in Emily’s life remains simple—murder, betrayal, and deception quickly creep into their lives once again.
Lively revealed that the film takes its unpredictability to another level. “Right before we started shooting, Paul [Feig] gave me a curveball about the story,” she said during the Q&A. “I won’t spoil anything, but it was definitely shocking—and uncomfortable to watch with a theater full of people.”
Kendrick, meanwhile, admitted she initially questioned why her character would willingly reunite with her seemingly untrustworthy friend. “On this one, I thought, ‘If I’m going with her into certain peril, I guess she wouldn’t take any of it that seriously,’” Kendrick explained. She even compared her character’s attitude to Robert Downey Jr.’s character in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang: “There is murder and mayhem, but I’m fine!”
A Cult Classic in the Making?
Upon its release in 2018, A Simple Favor surprised many by becoming a box office success, earning nearly $97 million globally. Since then, the film has steadily gained a cult following, particularly as audiences rediscovered its campy, stylish, and unpredictable storytelling on streaming platforms.
If early reactions at SXSW are any indication, Another Simple Favor is primed to follow in its predecessor’s footsteps. In fact, the sequel embraces its camp elements fully—bolder, more extravagant fashion choices, wilder plot twists, and even higher stakes.
The Legal Storm
Despite all the excitement surrounding the film’s premiere, Lively remains embroiled in a legal battle with Justin Baldoni, her former director and co-star in It Ends With Us. The ongoing dispute, which has made headlines in recent months, has added an unexpected layer of intrigue to her latest film’s promotional campaign. While Lively did not directly address the legal conflict at SXSW, her focus on Another Simple Favor suggests she remains committed to her career regardless of the challenges.
It’s unclear how the legal battle will develop, but for now, the spotlight is firmly back on Lively’s acting prowess.
Amazon’s Big Ambitions
Beyond Another Simple Favor, Amazon is making a significant push in the theatrical market. The studio, which produced and distributed the film, has positioned it as one of the key titles in its expanding lineup. Amazon MGM Studios executives Jennifer Salke and Courtenay Valenti revealed at SXSW that the company plans to release 12 to 14 movies theatrically in 2026.
Notably, Another Simple Favor isn’t the only Amazon-backed film making waves at SXSW. Ben Affleck’s The Accountant 2 and Nicole Kidman’s thriller Holland are also headlining the festival, proving Amazon’s commitment to big-screen entertainment.
What’s Next?
With Another Simple Favor set to debut on Amazon Prime Video on May 1, fans won’t have to wait long to see the next chapter in Emily and Stephanie’s twisted friendship. The film promises to deliver everything that made its predecessor a thrilling watch—only with even more glamour, deception, and jaw-dropping reveals.
But the larger question remains—will Another Simple Favor match or even surpass the cult reputation of the original? And how will Lively navigate both her professional and legal battles as she promotes her latest project?
For now, Another Simple Favor is proving that sometimes, a sequel can be just as stylishly scandalous as the original.
Source: Hollywood Reporter