Another Simple Favor: On-Set Drama Heats Up as Sharon Stone Alleges Casting Controversy
The already simmering pot of gossip surrounding the upcoming sequel, "Another Simple Favor," has reached a boiling point, thanks to a bombshell allegation dropped by none other than Hollywood icon Sharon Stone. Amidst swirling rumors of tension between stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, Stone has thrown a wrench into the narrative, claiming she was unexpectedly cast and then ousted from the film for reasons she remains unaware of.
In a surprising move, Stone took to the comment section of a recent E! News reel discussing the film, writing: "I LOVED being cast and removed from my role unexpectedly for no reason at all LOVED it," accompanied by a series of clapping emojis that added a layer of sarcastic emphasis to her statement. The comment has ignited a firestorm of speculation, leaving fans and industry insiders alike wondering what role Stone was initially slated to play and why she was ultimately removed from the project.
As of now, the specifics of Stone’s involvement, or lack thereof, remain shrouded in mystery. Neither Stone’s representatives nor the film’s production team have offered an official explanation for the alleged casting debacle. This ambiguity has only fueled further conjecture about the behind-the-scenes dynamics of "Another Simple Favor," adding another layer of intrigue to a film already steeped in controversy.
The timing of Stone’s revelation couldn’t be more impactful, as "Another Simple Favor" is already navigating a wave of rumors regarding on-set friction between Lively and Kendrick. The sequel, which promises to deliver more of the dark comedy and twisted plot twists that made its predecessor a hit, is set to see Lively and Kendrick reprise their roles as frenemies turned accomplices. However, much of the press surrounding the film has focused on alleged animosity between the two leading ladies.
At the film’s recent premiere, eagle-eyed fans meticulously analyzed every detail, from Kendrick’s body language to Lively’s sartorial choices, seeking clues to confirm or deny the rumored discord. Social media platforms buzzed with speculation, with some claiming to detect subtle signs of tension between the actresses.
Director Paul Feig has attempted to quell these rumors, taking to X (formerly Twitter) to denounce claims that Lively and Kendrick never wanted to work together again. Feig’s efforts, however, have done little to stem the tide of speculation, as the narrative of a potentially strained working relationship continues to dominate the conversation around "Another Simple Favor."
The challenges in managing Lively’s public image have been particularly pronounced in recent months. The "Gossip Girl" alum has been the subject of intense scrutiny and debate since her role in another film, "It Ends with Us," triggered a complex legal battle with her former co-star, Justin Baldoni.
Lively’s portrayal of a complex and at times morally ambiguous character in "Another Simple Favor" may further contribute to the film’s allure, as the off-screen drama involving Lively continues to unfold in both the court of law and the court of public opinion.
The dispute between Baldoni and Lively has escalated into a full-blown legal showdown, with each party accusing the other of misconduct. Lively has alleged that Baldoni sexually harassed her and others on the set of "It Ends with Us," and then orchestrated an online smear campaign to discredit her. Baldoni, in turn, has countered that Lively behaved unprofessionally on set and used her influence, alongside her husband Ryan Reynolds, to defame him.
The legal battle is scheduled to go to trial in New York in March 2026.
Amidst this backdrop of off-screen turmoil, fans are eagerly awaiting Kendrick’s response to the ongoing controversies. However, Kendrick has remained tight-lipped, choosing not to publicly address the rumors of on-set tension or the legal battle involving Lively.
Feig, on the other hand, has been vocal in his support of Lively, emphasizing that her role in "A Simple Favor" works precisely because it contrasts sharply with her genuine personality. He told USA TODAY earlier this month that Lively’s ability to convincingly portray a character so different from her true self is a testament to her acting talent.
"It’s not who she is at all," Feig said. "Blake is just the sweetest kind of Earth Mother. But she can snap into this character and just be so biting and asserting and scary, but funny at the same time."
The confluence of these factors – the alleged casting controversy involving Sharon Stone, the persistent rumors of tension between Lively and Kendrick, and the ongoing legal battle between Lively and Baldoni – has created a perfect storm of intrigue surrounding "Another Simple Favor." Whether this heightened level of attention will ultimately benefit or detract from the film’s success remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the behind-the-scenes drama has become as captivating as the film’s plot itself.
