Honestly, it is a weird time to be a Blake Lively fan. You’ve probably seen the headlines. The drama surrounding It Ends With Us basically took over the internet last year, and now we’re staring down the barrel of her latest project: Another Simple Favor.
It’s the sequel nobody—and I mean nobody—thought was actually going to happen until it did. The first movie was this sharp, stylish little thriller that felt like a fever dream of martinis and capes. But this new one? It’s skipping the big screen entirely.
What is Another Simple Favor actually about?
The sequel, which just hit Prime Video on May 1, 2025, drags us back into the toxic, high-fashion friendship of Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively). This time, the setting isn't suburban Connecticut. We are in Capri, Italy. Why? Because Emily is getting married to a wealthy Italian businessman. Obviously.
If you remember the first film, Emily is basically a professional ghost. She faked her own death, went to prison, and somehow still has better hair than everyone you know. In Another Simple Favor, the wedding is just a backdrop for the usual chaos:
- Murder: Someone always dies. It’s a Paul Feig movie; it’s expected.
- Betrayal: Stephanie and Emily’s "friendship" is built on secrets.
- The Fashion: Lively is reportedly back in the sharp suits, though the Italian setting adds a bit more Mediterranean flair.
The plot kicks off when the wedding goes south—think disappearances and "who can I trust?" vibes. It’s less of a traditional mystery and more of a dark comedy that pokes fun at the "rich people behaving badly" trope.
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The controversy nobody talks about
You can't talk about Blake Lively new movie without mentioning the elephant in the room. The It Ends With Us fallout was messy. Like, lawsuit messy. Lively is currently in a legal battle with Justin Baldoni, alleging harassment and retaliation.
This drama has bled into the reception of Another Simple Favor. When the movie premiered at SXSW in March 2025, people weren't just asking about the plot. They were asking if there was a "Blake cut" versus a "Paul Feig cut."
Feig actually had to jump into Instagram comments to defend her. He was pretty adamant that she’s a "dream to work with" and that he holds the final edit. It’s rare to see a director have to get that defensive before a movie even drops.
Who else is in the cast?
It’s not just a two-woman show. The gang is mostly back together:
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- Henry Golding: He returns as Sean Townsend. His role is a bit more complicated this time around, given his history with both women.
- Andrew Rannells and Bashir Salahuddin: They provide the much-needed comedic relief as the judgmental friends.
- New Faces: We’ve got Elizabeth Perkins and the legendary Allison Janney joining the fray. Michele Morrone (of 365 Days fame) is also in the mix, likely to lean into that Italian heartthrob energy.
Is this the start of a new Lively era?
Lively is leanining hard into the producer role these days. She isn't just showing up to set; she's calling shots. Beyond the Simple Favor sequel, she has a few other things cooking that look way different from her Gossip Girl days.
One project to keep an eye on is The Survival List. It’s an action-rom-com where she plays a reality TV producer stranded on an island with a fake survival expert. It sounds like The Lost City meets Survivor. Lionsgate picked it up, and Marc Platt (the guy behind Wicked) is producing.
Then there’s Lady Killer at Netflix. This one is based on a Dark Horse comic. Lively plays a 1950s housewife who is secretly a contract killer for the local mafia. It feels like the natural evolution of her Simple Favor character—someone who looks perfect on the outside but is absolutely lethal underneath.
Why the streaming move matters
The fact that Another Simple Favor skipped theaters is a huge tell. Amazon MGM Studios decided to go straight to Prime Video. While some fans were bummed they couldn't see the Capri scenery on an IMAX screen, it suggests that mid-budget thrillers are finding their "forever home" on streaming.
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It’s a safer bet. Especially when the lead actress is currently a lightning rod for tabloid gossip.
If you're planning to watch, don't expect a masterpiece. Critics have been mixed, calling it "fun but chaotic." It doesn't quite capture the lightning-in-a-bottle shock of the first one, but if you want to see Blake Lively drink gin and look fabulous while potentially committing a crime, it hits the spot.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Where to Watch: Stream Another Simple Favor on Amazon Prime Video.
- What to Watch Next: If you like the "secret life" vibe, keep an eye out for Lady Killer on Netflix later this year.
- Stay Informed: Follow Paul Feig’s social media for the most accurate updates on production, as he tends to debunk rumors personally.
- Context: Re-watch the 2018 original first. The sequel relies heavily on you remembering the convoluted backstory of Stephanie and Emily’s initial "disappearance" plot.