Anna Kendrick Dodges Blake Lively’s Legal Drama at SXSW Premiere
At the premiere of “Another Simple Favor,” Anna Kendrick artfully dodged questions about her co-star Blake Lively’s ongoing legal tumult. The event, which took place at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival, marked Lively’s first major appearance since her lawsuit against “It Ends with Us” director Justin Baldoni, where she accused him of sexual harassment and retaliatory smear campaigns—a claim Baldoni vehemently denies. The plot thickens, as Baldoni countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation and extortion.
When a Variety reporter inquired how the movie might be affected by the legal drama surrounding Lively, Kendrick, sporting a bemused expression, responded, “Why, what happened?” She added a whimsical note about her recent Ayahuasca experience, indicating that she might be a tad out of the loop. This playful evasion suggests that Kendrick is keen to keep the focus on the film rather than the high-profile legal disputes overshadowing it.
The film itself promises to be a rollercoaster, whisking viewers away to the charming island of Capri for a wedding brimming with “murder and betrayal.” Directed by Paul Feig, who expressed delight in reuniting with Kendrick and Lively, the film’s first poster ignited a flurry of comments on social media, with fans debating the hierarchy of names listed—Lively’s being more prominent than Kendrick’s.
Despite the surrounding drama, sources have reportedly reassured that there is no rift between the two actresses. A close insider mentioned Kendrick is “not used to being caught up in any drama,” and the negative comments on social media have left her somewhat upset, particularly those suggesting fans would boycott the film due to Lively’s legal issues. However, plans for press appearances featuring both stars together hint at a united front when promoting the film.
As the world waits to see how the public will react to “Another Simple Favor,” which begins streaming on Prime Video on May 1, it’s clear that Kendrick and Lively are determined to navigate their professional paths amid personal upheavals. In Hollywood, after all, the show must go on, even when the drama off-screen can be just as compelling as what unfolds on it.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and People Magazine, Variety, Insider
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