“Another Simple Favor” Sequel to Premiere at SXSW 2025 \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The highly anticipated sequel to A Simple Favor, titled Another Simple Favor, will premiere at the SXSW Film and TV Festival on March 7. Directed by Paul Feig, the Amazon MGM film reunites Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively for another thrilling tale of deception, this time set in Italy. The premiere also marks Lively’s first major film release since her legal dispute with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni.
Quick Looks
- Another Simple Favor, the sequel to the 2018 noir comedy, will open SXSW 2025.
- Paul Feig returns as director, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their roles.
- The plot follows Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) heading to a wedding in Italy.
- Festival organizers praised the film’s energy and intrigue.
- Feig has a long history with SXSW, previously premiering Bridesmaids and Spy.
- This will be Blake Lively’s first film since her legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
- SXSW also features the premiere of The Studio, a Seth Rogen-led comedy series.
Deep Look
The SXSW Film and TV Festival is set to kick off in grand fashion with the highly anticipated world premiere of Another Simple Favor, the sequel to Paul Feig’s 2018 dark comedy thriller A Simple Favor. The film, an Amazon MGM Studios production, will debut on March 7, 2025, in Austin, Texas, marking one of the most talked-about openings in the festival’s 32-year history.
This sequel reunites Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, reprising their roles as Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson, respectively. The plot transports the two women to an extravagant wedding on the picturesque Italian island of Capri, promising another round of deception, betrayal, and shocking twists.
A Fitting Opener for SXSW 2025
SXSW vice president Claudette Godfrey expressed enthusiasm about the film’s selection, stating that festival programmers knew it had to be the opening feature the moment they watched it.
“When we saw this film last fall, we instantly knew it had to open SXSW — it gave us that electric feeling we live for as programmers,” she explained.
Paul Feig is no stranger to SXSW, having previously showcased his work at the festival. His breakout hit Bridesmaids had a work-in-progress screening there in 2011, and his spy comedy Spy, starring Melissa McCarthy, had its world premiere at the festival in 2015. Feig’s reputation for delivering stylish, witty, and engaging films makes him an ideal choice to launch SXSW 2025.
With its mix of dark humor, crime, and high fashion, Another Simple Favor fits seamlessly into Feig’s signature style and the spirit of SXSW, which thrives on films that push genre boundaries and captivate audiences with fresh storytelling.
Blake Lively’s Big-Screen Comeback Amid Legal Controversy
One of the most intriguing aspects of Another Simple Favor‘s premiere is that it marks Blake Lively’s first major film release since her involvement in a high-profile legal battle.
In December 2023, Lively filed a lawsuit against actor-director Justin Baldoni, his production company, and others involved in It Ends With Us, alleging sexual harassment and damage to her reputation. The lawsuit, which seeks unspecified damages, has become a major Hollywood controversy.
Baldoni counter-sued in January 2024, accusing Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of defamation and extortion while demanding at least $400 million in damages. The legal dispute, with a trial scheduled for March 2026, has cast a shadow over Lively’s recent career, making her return to the screen with Another Simple Favor even more significant.
Despite the controversy, Lively remains a bankable star, known for her effortless charisma and ability to command the screen. Her role as the enigmatic and manipulative Emily Nelson was a standout in the first film, and her return in Another Simple Favor is one of the major draws for audiences.
What to Expect from “Another Simple Favor”
The original A Simple Favor blended elements of noir, mystery, and dark comedy, drawing comparisons to Gone Girl but with a playful, satirical edge. The film followed single mother and vlogger Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) as she was drawn into the glamorous yet sinister world of her best friend, Emily Nelson (Lively), only to find herself entangled in lies, murder, and double-crosses.
While plot details for the sequel remain largely under wraps, what we do know is that Stephanie and Emily’s friendship takes them to a luxurious wedding on Italy’s Amalfi Coast. Given the first film’s penchant for shocking reveals, stylish visuals, and razor-sharp dialogue, fans can expect a similarly thrilling experience—perhaps even more heightened due to the exotic setting.
With its combination of crime, comedy, and psychological twists, Another Simple Favor is set to deliver the same suspenseful energy that made the first movie a hit while introducing new layers of intrigue.
The Creative Team Behind the Sequel
Paul Feig, known for his ability to blend comedy and mystery effortlessly, returns as the director, ensuring that the sequel maintains the same stylish and suspenseful atmosphere. Feig has built a strong reputation for crafting female-driven films with sharp humor, from Bridesmaids to The Heat and Ghostbusters (2016). His continued involvement in Another Simple Favor suggests that the film will retain the mix of sophistication and playfulness that defined the original.
Jessica Sharzer, who penned the screenplay for the first film, also returns for the sequel. Having previously written for American Horror Story, Sharzer has a knack for blending dark, dramatic elements with biting wit—something that will likely be on full display in Another Simple Favor.
The supporting cast has yet to be fully revealed, but the return of Kendrick and Lively ensures that the film will carry the same dynamic chemistry that made their on-screen relationship so compelling in the first installment.
The Impact of SXSW on “Another Simple Favor”
Premiering at SXSW is a strategic move for Another Simple Favor. The festival has long been a launchpad for films that go on to achieve both critical and commercial success. Given the festival’s reputation for embracing bold, genre-defying films, Another Simple Favor is in an ideal position to generate buzz ahead of its wider release.
The choice to premiere at SXSW also allows the film to reach an audience that appreciates stylish, unpredictable storytelling. The festival’s past selections, which have included breakout hits like Everything Everywhere All at Once and Us, demonstrate a preference for films that subvert expectations—something Another Simple Favor is likely to do.
Other Notable SXSW Premieres
While Another Simple Favor is the festival’s most high-profile opening night film, SXSW 2025 also features the debut of The Studio, a new Hollywood comedy series starring Seth Rogen. The festival, which runs from March 7-14, continues to expand its programming to include both film and television, making it a key event for industry insiders and audiences alike.
The addition of Another Simple Favor to the lineup further cements SXSW’s reputation as a premiere destination for major film launches, attracting attention from critics, journalists, and fans eager to catch the next big thing.
Final Thoughts
Another Simple Favor arrives at SXSW with plenty of anticipation, reuniting two beloved leads, a proven director, and a franchise with a built-in fanbase. Its blend of noir, humor, and unpredictable storytelling makes it a perfect fit for the festival’s eclectic lineup.
For Blake Lively, the film represents both a return to the spotlight and an opportunity to shift the conversation away from her ongoing legal drama. For Anna Kendrick, it’s another opportunity to showcase her versatility in a film that demands both comedic timing and dramatic intensity.
With its world premiere just around the corner, Another Simple Favor is poised to be one of the most talked-about films of SXSW 2025. Whether it lives up to the hype remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—this stylish, suspenseful sequel is ready to make a splash.
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