5 Shocking Revelations About Anna Kendrick And Blake Lively’s Relationship On The Set Of ‘Another Simple Favor’

The enduring fascination with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively’s professional relationship has reached a fever pitch, especially with the highly anticipated sequel, Another Simple Favor, making waves after its SXSW 2025 premiere. As of December 10, 2025, the conversation is no longer about whether the sequel is happening, but about the explosive on-screen chemistry and the persistent, yet fiercely denied, rumors of an off-screen feud that have followed the two stars since the 2018 original. Their dynamic—a blend of witty banter, undeniable talent, and contrasting public personas—is the secret ingredient that makes their collaboration a must-watch event, constantly fueling fan curiosity and media speculation.

The core of the intrigue lies in the stark contrast between Kendrick’s quirky, often awkward, yet endearing persona and Lively’s glamorous, sharp-witted, and sophisticated image, mirroring their characters Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson. Director Paul Feig has been vocal in shutting down the "feud" narrative, insisting the two actresses are "amazing" together, a sentiment that only seems to intensify the scrutiny. This deep dive uncovers the latest updates on their working relationship, the new plot details for the sequel, and the definitive truth about the alleged drama that has captivated Hollywood for years.

The Dynamic Duo: Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively's Complete Biography

The foundation of the two stars' global appeal is built on diverse careers that, while distinct, share a common thread of critical and commercial success. Understanding their individual journeys provides crucial context for their powerful on-screen pairing in the A Simple Favor franchise.

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Anna Kendrick: The Broadway Star Turned Oscar Nominee

• Full Name: Anna Cooke Kendrick
• Born: August 9, 1985, in Portland, Maine, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Kendrick began her professional career as a child actor, earning a Tony Award nomination at age 12 for the 1998 Broadway musical revival of High Society. She received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 2009 film Up in the Air. She achieved global fame for starring as Beca Mitchell in the musical-comedy film series Pitch Perfect (2012–2017). Other notable films include The Twilight Saga, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and the recent thriller Woman of the Hour.
• Persona: Often known for playing amiable, awkward, and highly relatable characters in comedies and musicals.

Blake Lively: The Fashion Icon and Hollywood Powerhouse

• Full Name: Blake Ellender Brown (Professionally known as Blake Lively)
• Born: August 25, 1987, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.
• Career Highlights: Lively was born into a show business family and landed a major role in the 2005 film The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Her career skyrocketed with the lead role of Serena van der Woodsen in the hit teen drama series Gossip Girl (2007–2012). She has starred in films like The Town, The Age of Adaline, and The Shallows. She is also a successful entrepreneur, having founded the non-alcoholic mixer company Betty Buzz.
• Persona: Recognized as a major fashion icon, known for her glamorous style and sophisticated, often powerful, on-screen roles.

The Truth Behind the 'Feud': On-Set Chemistry vs. Hollywood Rumors

The most enduring storyline surrounding Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively is the persistent rumor of a dramatic feud, a narrative that has followed them through the first film and intensified during the production and promotion of the sequel. However, the reality, according to those closest to the production, paints a very different picture.

The rumors often suggest growing tensions and a refusal to promote the films together, a narrative that gained traction again in 2024 and 2025. However, director Paul Feig has consistently and emphatically denied any drama. In January 2025, Feig directly addressed the online speculation, stating that the rumors were unfounded and that the two stars were "amazing" in the sequel.

Kendrick herself has offered candid, if sometimes jokingly contradictory, comments on their working relationship. In one interview, she jokingly mentioned that she had "blocked" Lively, but later in October 2024, she made a "sweet comment" about her co-star. More telling was her description of their dynamic during the filming of the original, calling it a "partner-in-crime vibe." This suggests a professional relationship built on mutual respect and collaborative energy, essential for the complex, chemistry-driven nature of their roles as Stephanie and Emily.

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Despite the director's and Kendrick's reassurances, the feud narrative continues to be a major talking point, likely because the idea of conflict between the two contrasting personalities is inherently dramatic and click-worthy for the media. The fact is, the film's success hinges on their intense chemistry, and they were reportedly contractually obligated to spend time together promoting the new film, further suggesting a necessary professional alignment.

Another Simple Favor: What to Expect from the Highly Anticipated Sequel

The sequel, officially titled Another Simple Favor (or often referred to as A Simple Favor 2), is one of the most talked-about follow-ups in recent years. The film reunites the core cast and creative team, promising more twists, high fashion, and dark comedy.

The Plot and Setting

The new film, which filmed in the spring of 2024 in Italy, picks up with Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) heading to the stunning island of Capri. The central event of the sequel is Emily’s lavish wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman. Naturally, given the history of these characters, the wedding is expected to be anything but simple, with murder and betrayal inevitably following the duo.

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The change of scenery from suburban Connecticut to the glamorous, high-stakes world of an Italian island wedding provides a fresh backdrop for the psychological thriller elements. This allows Blake Lively’s Emily Nelson to lean even further into her fashion-forward, mysterious persona, continuing the trend of her character wearing sharp, expensive men's suits that became a signature of the first film.

Returning Cast and Creative Team

The sequel sees the return of the original cast members, which is crucial for maintaining the film’s unique tone:

• Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers, the timid single mother turned true-crime podcaster.
• Blake Lively as Emily Nelson, the bold schemer and enigmatic fashion executive.
• Paul Feig returns to the director’s chair, ensuring the sequel retains the blend of stylish thriller and dark comedy that defined the original.
• Henry Golding and Andrew Rannells also reprise their roles, adding to the ensemble's dynamic.

Early reviews from the SXSW 2025 premiere suggest that while the sequel is "twistier," it struggles to fully recapture the surprise and fresh appeal of the original. However, the praise for the chemistry between Kendrick and Lively remains a constant, with director Feig highlighting their intense on-screen connection.

The Enduring Appeal of the Emily and Stephanie Dynamic

The true draw of the A Simple Favor franchise is the magnetic, almost unsettling, relationship between Emily and Stephanie. It is a psychological study of opposites attracting and then colliding in spectacular fashion. Stephanie, the earnest, over-sharing mommy blogger, is drawn into Emily's world of secrets, high fashion, and deadly intrigue. The dynamic between the two actresses—Kendrick’s nervous energy and Lively’s cool, controlled power—is what elevates the material.

The ongoing feud rumors, whether true or manufactured, only serve to heighten the film’s topical authority and public interest. The speculation mirrors the film's central theme: the blurred lines between friendship and rivalry, truth and deception. This meta-narrative ensures that every interview, every red-carpet appearance, and every new plot detail for Another Simple Favor becomes a piece of the puzzle, keeping fans and media engaged in the mystery of Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively's real-life "simple favor" to Hollywood: delivering unforgettable, high-stakes entertainment.