Movies

Blake Lively on being thrown an ‘uncomfortable’ curveball by ‘Another Simple Favor’

BBG News

At Austin, Texas – Any apprehensions that Blake Lively’s recent legal issues could overshadow the world premiere of “Another Simple Favor” at SXSW were swiftly dismissed as the film commenced on Friday. With an energetic stride, Lively entered the Paramount Theatre, exchanging greetings with friends in the aisle and pausing for photo opportunities with fans. A security guard knelt behind her to avoid being captured in the photos. Later, Lively settled into her seat among the cast and crew of the film, with co-star Anna Kendrick seated a row ahead.

The upcoming movie is a follow-up to the 2018 film “A Simple Favor,” which initially had a successful run but has since gained more popularity due to its availability on streaming services. In the original production, directed by Paul Feig from a script penned by Jessica Sharzer, Anna Kendrick portrayed Stephanie Smothers, a widowed mom who befriends the stylish Emily Nelson. This friendship leads them into a mystery involving deceit, murder, cocktails, multiple personas, progressively complex background stories, and stunning hairstyles.

When discussing “Another Simple Favor,” Feig explained: “Usually, I steer clear of sequels as they scare me, for the simple reason that many sequels aren’t top-notch. However, we were really drawn to these characters and thought, ‘We simply adore them too much.’

Feig, clad in a detailed western attire including boots, hat, and fringed coat, remarked: “I sensed there was more to these characters. However, if we don’t want to replicate the first film, what can we do? How about Italy? That’s where they’ll be going for this movie. I believe you’re in for a treat. We had a blast creating it.

In the opening scene of the movie, credited to Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis, we find Stephanie, played by Kendrick, under house arrest on the beautiful island of Capri. She stands accused of murdering Emily’s new husband. As the story unfolds, it jumps back in time to depict Emily, who seems to have been released from prison, re-entering Stephanie’s life and preparing for a lavish Italian wedding with the enigmatic, attractive, and affluent Dante (Michele Morrone).

Once more, Stephanie questions Emily’s intentions, taking in the beautiful scenery as the mystery intensifies upon meeting Elizabeth Perkins, Emily’s mother, and Allison Janney, her aunt. The plot thickens when Dante, Emily’s husband, dies shortly after their wedding, having spontaneously destroyed his prenuptial agreement. Somehow, Stephanie finds herself accused of the murder, and the complexities continue to pile up.

Movies

For Subscribers

Justin Baldoni’s tumultuous road to the center of a Hollywood scandal

The individual who is both an actor and director has established a professional path by seamlessly integrating his Baha’i principles with narrative crafting. However, accusations surrounding Blake Lively and ‘It Ends With Us’ are potentially damaging his public persona.

Following the screening, Feig joined Kendrick and Lively, accompanied by Perkins, Morrone, and other castmates including Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, and Alex Newell on stage.

Lively expressed her deep affection for this character, stating it’s likely the most beloved role she’s ever performed. When Paul invited them to reprise their parts, she was thrilled but also apprehensive due to initial uncertainties about the genre – drama or comedy. However, when they inquired, Paul responded vaguely, which didn’t clarify the question, but it ultimately worked out. This time around, she felt more confident and relaxed, only to be surprised before filming when Paul shared a surprising twist.

Lively noted, “It certainly heightened the suspense. Watching it in the cinema with everyone else was quite unsettling.

Upon revisiting her role, Kendrick commented: “Stephanie, as the young ones put it, is hooked on avoiding responsibilities. So I thought, ‘Can I just be casually sloppy yet comfortable?’ I was thrilled to portray Stephanie, but in sneakers.

As a cinephile, I’d put it this way: Just before we rolled the cameras for our latest project, I found myself drawn back to “Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.” The cool, nonchalant approach Robert Downey Jr.’s character had towards murder and chaos was something that intrigued me. So, when it came to my character’s precarious situations, I decided to adopt a similar attitude. In essence, I thought, “If I’m stepping into danger with this character, perhaps I should approach the peril with a touch of casualness.

During their Q&A session, Kendrick and Lively were careful not to reveal too much about certain major plot twists in the film. When Feig mentioned that the audience had already watched the movie, Kendrick responded by pointing out that there were numerous cameras among the viewers.

“There’s this thing called the internet, Paul,” Kendrick said to a great laugh from the crowd.

Read More

2025-03-08 07:31

Previous post Honor of Kings March 2025 Event Calendar: New skins, events and more
Next post Blake and Anna’s ‘Subdued’ Showdown: The Premiere Tension Too Hot for Cameras!