Anna Kendrick Dodges Blake Lively Questions Amid Legal Drama at "Another Simple Favor" Premiere
Anna Kendrick skillfully navigated potentially awkward questions about her co-star Blake Lively at the "Another Simple Favor" premiere held during the South by Southwest Conference and Festival (SXSW). The "Pitch Perfect" star, known for her sharp wit, offered humorous deflections when reporters inquired about the controversy surrounding Lively’s ongoing legal battles with Justin Baldoni, her director and co-star on the film adaptation of "It Ends with Us."
The red carpet was abuzz with anticipation, not only for the premiere of the sequel to the popular "A Simple Favor" but also for any potential insight into the real-life drama unfolding around one of its leading ladies. Lively’s appearance at the event was significant, marking one of her rare public outings since her relationship with Baldoni reportedly deteriorated, culminating in a series of competing lawsuits.
During a red carpet interview, a Variety reporter broached the subject, asking Kendrick if she believed the movie’s reception might be impacted by "everything going around in the world," a thinly veiled reference to Lively’s legal entanglement. Kendrick, ever the quick thinker, responded with a dose of playful absurdity. "Why, what happened?" she quipped. "I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone, but I heard the movie is amazing." She then blew a kiss and gracefully excused herself, sidestepping the potentially thorny topic.
The actress’s adept handling of the situation showcased her ability to maintain a professional demeanor while acknowledging, without directly addressing, the elephant in the room. Her comedic deflection allowed her to focus on promoting the film without getting embroiled in the complexities of the legal dispute.
Later, while interacting with fans at SXSW, Kendrick faced another pointed question about working with Lively again. She simply responded, "oh you know," before shifting her attention to taking a photo with a fan, effectively steering the conversation away from potentially sensitive territory.
"Another Simple Favor" sees the return of Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively), years after the dramatic events of the first film. The sequel picks up with Stephanie en route to Emily’s wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman, played by Michele Morrone. The premise sets the stage for further twists and turns as the narrative revisits the complex relationship between the two women, a relationship that previously involved a joint murder-suicide mission that landed one in jail and the other with a lucrative publishing contract. Now, with Emily seemingly rehabilitated and ready for a fresh start, she chooses Stephanie as her maid of honor, hinting at lingering secrets and unresolved tensions.
The on-screen chemistry, or lack thereof, between Kendrick and Lively has long been a subject of speculation, fueling rumors of a possible feud. Back in July 2021, during an episode of "Watch What Happens Live," guest Henry Golding, who also starred in "A Simple Favor," was asked directly about any potential friction between his co-stars. Golding responded cautiously, stating, "No, definitely not. I think they got on pretty reasonably well… I think. Uhm, definitely no friction that I noticed." Host Andy Cohen, however, playfully seized upon the ambiguity of Golding’s words, remarking that the "key words are ‘reasonably’ and ‘that I noticed.’"
Lively’s presence at the SXSW premiere was particularly noteworthy given the circumstances surrounding her legal battle with Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios. Despite "It Ends with Us" premiering in August, the film was overshadowed by a series of reports detailing a fractured relationship among the cast.
As 2024 drew to a close, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and several public relations strategists, alleging a range of offenses, including sexual harassment in a workplace setting, retaliation, breach of contract, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. The lawsuit painted a disturbing picture of the working environment surrounding the production of "It Ends with Us," further fueling public interest and scrutiny.
The convergence of the "Another Simple Favor" premiere with the ongoing legal drama surrounding Lively created a delicate situation for all involved. Kendrick’s skillful navigation of the red carpet questions demonstrated her professionalism and her desire to focus attention on the film itself, rather than getting entangled in the personal and legal complexities of her co-star’s situation. By deflecting with humor and brevity, Kendrick managed to avoid adding fuel to the fire while still acknowledging the undercurrent of tension surrounding the event.
The premiere served as a reminder of the challenges faced by actors and actresses when their professional lives intersect with personal controversies. How they choose to address, or not address, these situations can significantly impact public perception and ultimately influence the success of their projects. In this instance, Anna Kendrick chose a path of skillful avoidance, prioritizing the promotion of "Another Simple Favor" and leaving the legal matters to be resolved in the appropriate forum. The film now takes center stage, hoping to captivate audiences with its blend of mystery, humor, and the undeniable chemistry, real or perceived, between Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. The audience will be the judge of if they delivered.
