It has been years since Stephanie Smothers first invited Emily Nelson in for a gin martini. Remember that? The 2018 original was a weird, neon-soaked fever dream that felt like Gone Girl on a sugar high. People loved it. It wasn't just the clothes or the Blake Lively suits, though those were incredible. It was the messy, high-stakes friendship that felt genuinely dangerous. Since then, fans have been asking for A Simple Favor 2. Finally, it’s actually happening. Lionsgate and Amazon MGM Studios aren't just talking about it anymore; they are deep in production.
Paul Feig is back. Honestly, that’s the biggest relief. Without his specific blend of "moms who drink too much" and "high-fashion noir," this could have easily felt like a cheap cash grab. But Feig has a very specific eye for these characters. He knows Stephanie isn't just a "mommy blogger"—she’s a tactical, slightly unhinged survivor. And Emily? Well, Emily is a shark in a pinstripe suit.
Where the story goes after that wild ending
The first movie ended with Stephanie’s vlog blowing up and Emily landing in prison. She was doing time, playing basketball, and basically running the yard. It felt final. But in Hollywood, prison is just a temporary location change. For A Simple Favor 2, the setting has shifted drastically. We aren't in the Connecticut suburbs anymore.
The sequel takes us to Italy.
Specifically, the island of Capri. It’s for Emily’s wedding. Yeah, you read that right. The woman who faked her own death and tried to murder her husband is getting married to a rich Italian businessman. It’s exactly the kind of chaotic pivot we expect from her. Stephanie, of course, is invited. You can already see the visual contrast: Stephanie’s bright, craft-store aesthetic clashing with the crumbling, ancient elegance of the Mediterranean.
But it’s Emily. Nothing is ever just a wedding.
Before the first toast is even poured, bodies start dropping. There’s a murder. There are betrayals. The plot involves a "lavish wedding" that turns into a "game of murder and deceit," which sounds like a logline written by a PR firm, but in the context of this franchise, it actually carries weight. You’ve got the same DNA of the first film—secrets buried under beautiful surfaces—but with a much higher budget for scenery.
Who is actually coming back?
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively were the heartbeat of the first one. Their chemistry was lightning in a bottle. If one of them had said no, the sequel wouldn't exist. Period. Both are confirmed and have been spotted filming in Italy. They seem to be having the time of their lives, which usually translates well to the screen.
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Henry Golding is also returning as Sean.
It’ll be interesting to see where he fits in. Is he still the "helpless" husband, or has he grown a spine? The supporting cast is filling out with some heavy hitters, too. We’re looking at Allison Janney, Tony Hale, and Alan Cumming. Adding Janney to a Paul Feig movie is basically a cheat code for quality. She has that dry, cutting wit that fits perfectly into the world of Stephanie and Emily.
- Blake Lively as Emily Nelson (likely with a new identity or two).
- Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers (still vlogging, presumably).
- Henry Golding as the ever-confused Sean Townsend.
- Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, and Joshua Satine are also slated to return.
The new additions like Michele Morrone and Elena Sofia Ricci add that necessary Italian flair. Morrone, known for 365 Days, brings a specific kind of intensity that suggests he might be more than just a handsome fiancé. He’s likely the catalyst for whatever dark secret Emily is hiding this time around.
Why the shift to Italy matters for the sequel
Setting a movie in Italy can sometimes feel lazy. It’s the "vacation sequel" trope. Think White Lotus but with more intentional homicide. However, for a sequel to A Simple Favor, the location is a character. The first movie used the sterile, modern architecture of Emily’s house to reflect her coldness. Italy offers something different: history and shadows.
Feig has mentioned in interviews that he wanted to lean into the "glamour" of it all. He's a guy who wears a three-piece suit to direct in the middle of a desert; he loves style. By moving to Capri, the costumes—overseen again by the legendary costume designers—can go even harder. Expect more suits from Blake Lively. Expect more "accidental" chic from Anna Kendrick.
There is a specific kind of tension when you put an American "mommy blogger" in the middle of old-world European wealth. It’s uncomfortable. It’s funny. It allows for the satire of the first film to expand. Stephanie isn't just navigating a neighborhood anymore; she's navigating international high society.
Addressing the "Do we really need a sequel?" question
Some people think the first movie was a perfect standalone. I get that. It had a tight ending. But the reality of the film industry in 2026 is that if a mid-budget thriller makes money and gains a cult following on streaming, a sequel is inevitable.
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The good news? The script is written by Jessica Sharzer again.
Consistency in writing is rare for sequels. Usually, they bring in "script doctors" who mess with the tone. Keeping Sharzer and Feig together means the voice of the characters should remain intact. They understand that the "mystery" is actually secondary to the "friendship." People aren't just watching to find out who died; they're watching to see Stephanie and Emily out-manipulate each other. It’s a chess match where both players are cheating.
There’s also the rumor—and keep in mind, it's just a rumor—that the sequel will dive deeper into Emily’s past. We learned a lot about Hope and Faith in the first one, but Emily is a woman of a thousand lives. Italy might not just be a wedding destination; it might be a place where one of her old lives is catching up to her.
Production updates and release windows
The film has been moving fast. Filming took place throughout the spring and summer of 2024 across various locations in Italy. Post-production is the current phase. While a specific day-and-date hasn't been plastered on every billboard yet, it’s looking like a late 2025 or early 2026 release.
Unlike the first one, which had a traditional theatrical run, this is a co-production with Amazon MGM. That means it’s almost certainly going straight to Prime Video, or at least having a very short theatrical window before hitting streaming. It sucks if you like the big screen experience, but it makes sense for the "Discover" audience. This is the kind of movie people watch on a Friday night with a bottle of wine. It’s built for the streaming era.
The Stephanie Smothers evolution
One thing to keep an eye on is Stephanie’s growth. In the first film, she started as a "pollyanna" and ended as someone who knew how to wear a wire and play the game. In the sequel, she won't be the underdog. She’s experienced now. She’s seen the dark side.
Will she still be the "good" one? Probably. But her brand of goodness is now stained with the thrill of the chase. She likes the drama. She might claim she’s just trying to help, but we all know she’s addicted to the chaos Emily brings into her life. That’s the "simple favor" that never ends. It’s a codependency that is both toxic and hilarious to watch.
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What to do while you wait for the release
If you're hyped for the return of this duo, don't just sit around. There are a few ways to prep for the vibe of the sequel.
Check out Paul Feig’s other work if you haven't. Spy is a great example of how he handles action and comedy simultaneously. It has that same "unlikely hero" energy that Stephanie Smothers carries.
Rewatch the original A Simple Favor on a platform like Netflix or Prime. Pay attention to the small details in the background of Stephanie's vlogs—some fans think there are Easter eggs that point toward Emily's broader connections.
Follow the cast on social media. Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick have a legendary "fake feud" on Instagram that often ramps up during production. It’s half the fun of the marketing campaign.
Look for the official trailer to drop roughly three to four months before the release date. Given the production cycle, we should see a teaser by the end of this year. Once that trailer hits, we’ll get our first look at the Italian fashion and, more importantly, the first hint of who the new victim is.
Keep an eye on the rating. The first was a hard PG-13/R-rated blend. The sequel is expected to maintain that edge. This isn't a Disney movie. It’s meant to be sharp, a little bit dirty, and very stylish.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Set a Google Alert for "A Simple Favor 2 trailer" to be the first to see the new footage.
- Monitor Prime Video's "Coming Soon" section starting in late 2025 for the official streaming debut.
- Verify casting rumors via official trade publications like Variety or The Hollywood Reporter to avoid social media misinformation regarding plot leaks.