Blake Lively is back, and she’s stealing the show in more ways than one. On May 1, 2025, the actress dazzled audiences with the premiere of Another Simple Favor, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 cult hit A Simple Favor. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video, this dark comedy-thriller reunites Lively with Anna Kendrick for a wild ride filled with betrayal, martinis, and jaw-dropping plot twists. Beyond the screen, Lively’s recent public appearances and her ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni have kept her in the headlines, sparking conversations across social media. Let’s dive into why Blake Lively remains a magnetic force in Hollywood.
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s Electric Chemistry
Another Simple Favor picks up five years after the original, with Lively reprising her role as the enigmatic Emily Nelson, now out of prison and planning a lavish wedding in Capri, Italy. Kendrick returns as Stephanie Smothers, the mommy blogger turned amateur sleuth who can’t resist Emily’s dangerous charm. Director Paul Feig, who also helmed the first film, has crafted a sequel that’s “twisty, turny, sexy,” according to Cinema Express. The chemistry between Lively and Kendrick is electric, with biting one-liners and a frenemy dynamic that keeps viewers hooked. Critics note the film leans into silliness, with Yahoo calling it “more mad” than its predecessor, yet Lively’s glamorous, devious performance anchors the chaos.
The film’s Capri setting adds a layer of opulence, with Lively’s character sporting flamboyant outfits designed by Renee Ehrlich Kalfus. From slouchy menswear to sky-high pumps, Emily’s wardrobe is a character in itself, earning gasps from audiences. Despite mixed reviews—Slate called the plot “out-of-sync”—the movie’s 84% Rotten Tomatoes score echoes the original’s success. Fans on X are buzzing, with posts praising Lively’s ability to embody Emily’s manipulative allure.
Blake Lively’s Off-Screen Drama
Beyond her on-screen triumph, Blake Lively is navigating a storm of off-screen controversy. In December 2024, she filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department against Justin Baldoni, her It Ends With Us director and co-star, alleging misconduct on set. Baldoni fired back with counter-allegations, and recent X posts reveal a twist: Lively’s team allegedly used a “sham lawsuit” to obtain Baldoni’s text messages months before their legal battle went public. A May 2025 Daily Mail report detailed how Lively’s company, Vanzan, filed a subpoena to access these texts, which were later leaked to the New York Times. X users like @justplainzack have called the move “shady,” while others speculate about ties to Taylor Swift.
Lively has remained tight-lipped, focusing on Another Simple Favor promotions. At the film’s SXSW premiere on March 7, 2025, she made her first solo appearance since the legal drama began, radiating confidence. She’s also set to appear on Late Night With Seth Meyers on May 1, 2025, to discuss the sequel. Her resilience in the face of scrutiny has only amplified her star power, with fans rallying behind her on social media.
Debunking Feud Rumors
Rumors of a feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick have swirled for years, but recent developments put them to rest. In January 2025, an X post claimed Kendrick was “pissed” and unwilling to work with Lively again, even suggesting the sequel might be shelved. Feig swiftly debunked this, tweeting, “Um … you’re wrong.” At the Another Simple Favor premiere in New York on April 27, 2025, Lively and Kendrick posed together, all smiles. Lively further quashed speculation by praising Kendrick’s Tonight Show performance on Instagram Stories, joking she’d make Kendrick’s “MMMBop/Beautiful Things” medley her ringtone.
In a Radio Times interview, Feig gushed about their “magic” on-set dynamic, saying the duo slipped back into their roles effortlessly. Kendrick told The Hollywood Reporter she questioned Stephanie’s decision to reconnect with Emily but leaned into the character’s naive optimism. Their mutual respect shines through, proving their bond is stronger than tabloid gossip.
Why Blake Lively Remains a Star
Lively’s ability to balance glamour, grit, and relatability sets her apart. In Another Simple Favor, she embodies Emily’s cunning while adding vulnerability, making the character both infuriating and irresistible. Off-screen, she’s a savvy businesswoman, with her Betty Buzz brand thriving and her legal moves showing strategic foresight. Her SXSW appearance, where she thanked her castmates via Instagram, highlighted her gratitude and professionalism.
The sequel’s ending teases a potential third film, with Business Insider noting a scene that sets up another chapter. Whether or not Another Simpler Favor materializes, Lively’s performance ensures she’ll remain a fan favorite. On X, users are already clamoring for more, with one calling her “the queen of unhinged thrillers.”
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What’s Next for the Sequel?
Here’s a quick look at Another Simple Favor’s key details:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Release Date | May 1, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video |
| Cast | Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding, Michele Morrone, Allison Janney |
| Director | Paul Feig |
| Runtime | 122 minutes |
| Setting | Capri, Italy |
| Critical Reception | 84% on Rotten Tomatoes, mixed reviews for plot but praise for performances |
The film’s streaming debut makes it accessible, and with a 30-day free trial, Prime Video is the perfect way to catch Lively and Kendrick’s latest caper. While some critics, like The Washington Post, called it “unnecessary,” the duo’s chemistry and Feig’s playful direction make it a guilty pleasure worth watching.
Final Thoughts
Blake Lively is at the top of her game, delivering a performance in Another Simple Favor that’s as captivating as it is chaotic. Her ability to navigate Hollywood’s highs and lows—legal battles, feud rumors, and all—proves she’s more than a pretty face. The sequel may not outshine the original, but it’s a stylish, silly escape that keeps you guessing. As Lively steps into the next chapter of her career, one thing’s clear: she’s a force to be reckoned with, and we can’t wait to see what she does next. Grab a martini, hit play on Prime Video, and let Lively and Kendrick take you on a wild ride.