Did Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s Feud Doom Another Simple Favor?

The release of Another Simple Favor on May 1, 2025, was met with high expectations. The sequel to the 2018 cult hit A Simple Favor promised more of the deliciously twisted chemistry between Blake Lively’s glamorous schemer Emily Nelson and Anna Kendrick’s earnest vlogger Stephanie Smothers. Directed by Paul Feig, the film transported its chaotic duo to a sun-soaked wedding in Capri, Italy, complete with murder, deceit, and oversized hats. Yet, despite the star power and a campy premise, the film has been labeled a flop by some, with mixed reviews and underwhelming audience reception. Whispers of a feud between Lively and Kendrick have fueled speculation that off-screen tension derailed the project. But is there truth to these rumors, or is the narrative of a feud just another Hollywood plot twist? Let’s dive into the drama, the film’s reception, and whether personal clashes truly sank Another Simple Favor.

The Rumored Feud: Fact or Fiction?

The story of a supposed rift between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick isn’t new. It first surfaced during the promotional tour for A Simple Favor in 2018. Fans and tabloids picked up on subtle cues—Kendrick’s witty, sometimes sharp remarks and Lively’s more reserved demeanor—interpreting them as signs of discord. Social media buzzed with theories, and by the time Another Simple Favor was announced, the feud narrative had taken on a life of its own. Posts on X amplified the speculation, with some claiming Kendrick was “pissed” at Lively or that Lively’s behavior made Kendrick reluctant to work with her again. One X post from March 2025 even suggested that Lively was “terrified” at the SXSW premiere because Kendrick didn’t want to collaborate further.

However, those close to the production have consistently debunked these rumors. Director Paul Feig has been vocal in dismissing the feud narrative, calling it “total BS” and praising the “magical” on-screen chemistry between the two actresses. In interviews, Feig emphasized that both Lively and Kendrick were enthusiastic about reuniting, with Kendrick describing the experience as “lovely” and Lively calling it “the best.” An insider told Us Weekly in February 2025 that “there aren’t any issues between Blake and Anna right now,” noting their mutual love for the sequel. Public appearances further undermine the feud claims—Lively and Kendrick posed together amicably at the New York premiere on April 27, 2025, and Lively shared supportive words for Kendrick on social media, praising her performance on The Tonight Show.

The feud rumors seem to stem more from public perception than reality. Kendrick’s dry humor and Lively’s polished persona create a contrast that some mistake for tension. Additionally, Lively’s high-profile legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni has cast a shadow over her public image, potentially amplifying scrutiny of her professional relationships. Some X users have speculated that Lively’s “problematic behavior” has made studios wary, with one claiming audiences watched Another Simple Favor for Kendrick, not Lively. Yet, these claims lack concrete evidence and may reflect bias against Lively amid her legal drama rather than genuine insight into her dynamic with Kendrick.

Another Simple Favor: A Flop or a Misunderstood Gem?

Labeling Another Simple Favor a flop requires nuance. The film, which follows Emily’s release from prison and her lavish wedding to Italian businessman Dante Versano, has received mixed reviews. Critics praised the chemistry between Lively and Kendrick, with outlets like ABC News calling it “delightfully deranged” and highlighting the fun of their opposing energies. However, others found the plot convoluted and less compelling than the original. Slate criticized its “mad” storyline and failure to match the first film’s wit, while CinemaBlend questioned the plausibility of Emily and Stephanie’s renewed friendship after the original’s betrayals. Some audience reactions on X were harsher, with one user calling the film “gross” and “nasty,” citing controversial elements like incest jokes.

Box office metrics don’t fully apply here, as the film premiered on Amazon Prime Video, but streaming performance offers clues. Amazon reported that Another Simple Favor hit number one globally upon release, suggesting initial viewer interest. However, sustained buzz appears limited, and the film hasn’t generated the cultural staying power of its predecessor. The 2018 original benefited from a simpler, snappier plot and the novelty of Lively and Kendrick’s frenemyship. The sequel, with its escalated twists—triplets, mob ties, and a polarizing incest-themed scene—may have alienated viewers expecting the same balance of camp and cleverness.

Could off-screen drama have contributed to the film’s mixed reception? It’s unlikely. The production process, from filming to promotion, showed no overt signs of conflict impacting the final product. Feig’s direction leaned into excess, a deliberate choice to “up the ante,” as Kendrick noted. If anything, the film’s issues stem from creative decisions—like an overstuffed plot or risky thematic elements—rather than interpersonal strife. Lively and Kendrick’s performances remain a highlight, with their costume designs by Renee Ehrlich Kalfus earning praise for reflecting their characters’ contrasting personalities. The film’s most memorable moments, like Emily’s grand staircase entrance in a striped hat “wider than a garbage-can lid,” owe much to their commitment to the roles.

The Bigger Picture: Lively, Kendrick, and Hollywood Dynamics

The feud narrative fits into a broader pattern of Hollywood gossip, where female co-stars are often pitted against each other. Lively and Kendrick, both accomplished actresses with distinct public personas, make an easy target for such speculation. Lively’s glamorous, fashion-forward image contrasts with Kendrick’s relatable, quick-witted charm, inviting comparisons that can be misconstrued as rivalry. The media’s focus on Lively’s legal issues with Baldoni, including allegations of harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign, has further fueled negative perceptions, with some projecting these tensions onto her work with Kendrick.

Kendrick, for her part, has navigated the rumors with characteristic deftness. At the SXSW premiere, she sidestepped questions about Lively with humor, saying, “Oh, you know…” when asked about their reunion. Her reluctance to engage directly may reflect a desire to avoid fueling the narrative, especially given her own directorial debut with Woman of the Hour in 2023, which has kept her in the spotlight. Meanwhile, Lively’s supporters, including Feig, have emphasized her professionalism, with the director calling her “one of the most collaborative, talented, and kind people” he’s worked with.

The film’s creative choices also reflect the actresses’ influence. Lively, who has a history of shaping her characters’ wardrobes, worked closely with Kalfus to amplify Emily’s outrageous style, inspired partly by Feig’s own sartorial flair. Kendrick, meanwhile, embraced Stephanie’s evolution from a naive vlogger to a more confident figure, even as the script pushed her character into morally gray territory. Their willingness to tackle the sequel’s wilder elements—like a controversial kiss scene involving Kendrick’s character—suggests a level of trust in Feig and each other, undermining claims of discord.

Why the Flop Narrative Might Be Overblown

Calling Another Simple Favor a flop may be premature. While it hasn’t matched the original’s critical acclaim, it has its defenders. The New York Times described it as a “self-aware” comedy that defies expectations for mainstream stars, and fans on X have celebrated the “through-the-roof” chemistry between Lively and Kendrick, with some joking about their on-screen intensity. The film’s streaming success, even if short-lived, indicates an audience drawn to its unapologetic weirdness. Feig is already eyeing a third installment, tentatively titled A Simple Favor 3, signaling confidence in the franchise’s future.

The feud rumors, while juicy, don’t hold up under scrutiny. They seem to reflect a mix of misread interactions, Lively’s unrelated controversies, and the public’s appetite for drama. If anything, the rumors may have boosted interest in the film, as curiosity about the stars’ relationship drove viewers to tune in. The real challenge for Another Simple Favor lies in its ambitious but uneven execution, not in any behind-the-scenes meltdown.

Conclusion: A Tale of Chemistry, Not Conflict

Another Simple Favor may not have recaptured the magic of its predecessor, but it’s far from a failure. Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick deliver performances that elevate a messy script, proving their dynamic remains the heart of the franchise. The feud rumors, while persistent, lack substance, overshadowed by evidence of their professionalism and mutual respect. As Hollywood continues to churn out sequels, the saga of Emily and Stephanie offers a reminder that on-screen chaos can be captivating, even if the off-screen story is far less dramatic. Whether a third film materializes, one thing is clear: Lively and Kendrick’s partnership, flawed or not, is still worth watching.