What Really Happened With the Blake Lively Anna Kendrick Drama

Hollywood loves a good fight, doesn't it? Especially when it involves two of the biggest names in the business who are supposed to be "besties" on screen. If you've spent any time on TikTok or scrolling through entertainment news lately, you've definitely seen the headlines about the Blake Lively Anna Kendrick drama. It’s everywhere. People are dissecting every red carpet shrug and every "muffin" comment like they’re code-breaking for the CIA. But if we’re being honest, the story is way more complicated than just "two actresses don't like each other." It’s a messy mix of seven-year-old grudges, intense legal battles, and the weird pressure of a high-stakes sequel.

The tension isn't exactly new. It’s been bubbling under the surface since the first A Simple Favor came out in 2018. Back then, fans noticed their chemistry in interviews felt... off. While Blake was doing her usual "cool girl" charm, Anna was leaning into her signature dry, sometimes biting sarcasm. Some people called it wit. Others called it "chilly."

Fast forward to 2025, and the premiere of Another Simple Favor at SXSW has reignited the whole thing. And this time, the stakes are higher because Blake Lively is currently in the middle of a massive, headline-grabbing legal battle with her It Ends With Us co-star, Justin Baldoni.

The Origins: Was It Always This Awkward?

Let’s go back to 2017. Imagine you're on a film set. You’ve got Blake Lively—fashion icon, Gossip Girl royalty, and wife of Ryan Reynolds. Then you’ve got Anna Kendrick—the Oscar-nominated, Pitch Perfect star known for her "theatre kid" energy. On paper, they’re the perfect duo. But rumors quickly spread that they just didn't click.

One of the wildest stories to come out of that era involves, of all people, Taylor Swift. Sources claimed that Anna made a snarky comment about Taylor being "too perfect" or "Miss America," and Blake—who is famously tight with Swift—took it personally. Is it true? Who knows. But in Hollywood, a perceived slight against a friend can be just as damaging as a direct insult.

The Interview Clips That Never Die

If you want to see the "evidence," just look at their old MTV and Kjersti Flaa interviews. They’re legendary at this point.

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• The "Muffin" Incident: Blake was talking about how she couldn't be a Disney princess because she didn't have the voice for it. Anna’s response? A mock-sympathetic, “Oh, muffin, it’s so hard being you!”
• The "She’s So Stupid" Comment: In one clip, while Anna is talking about Harry Potter, Blake can be heard muttering “She’s so stupid” under her breath.
• The Blocking Joke: When asked about social media, Anna joked that she had blocked Blake on Instagram.

Now, if you did this with your best friend, it’s just banter. But when you do it with a coworker you’re rumored to dislike? It looks like a war of words. Honestly, it’s hard to tell where the "acting" ends and the real feelings begin.

Why 2025 Changed Everything

The drama reached a fever pitch in March 2025 at the SXSW premiere of the sequel. The world was already watching Blake because of her lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, which she filed in December 2024. She accused him of sexual harassment and defamation; he counter-sued for $400 million, claiming she was trying to destroy his career.

This legal mess cast a huge shadow over the Another Simple Favor press tour. Reports started surfacing that Anna Kendrick was "pissed" and "terrified" of the negative attention the lawsuit was bringing to their movie. Insiders told outlets like RadarOnline that Anna wanted to do press alone to avoid the inevitable questions about Blake’s legal woes.

The Red Carpet Moment Heard 'Round the World

At the SXSW premiere, the contrast in their energy was impossible to ignore. A reporter asked Anna what it was like to work with Blake again. Her response? A flat, three-word brush-off: “Oh, you know.” Compare that to Blake, who beamed and told reporters, “It’s the best! I’m so happy to be here.” It was a total "choose your own adventure" for fans. Either Anna was being her usual awkward self—she’s been open about her anxiety and imposter syndrome—or she was sending a very clear message that she was done playing nice for the cameras.

What Most People Get Wrong

People love a "Mean Girl" narrative. It’s easy. It sells. But the reality is often much more boring. Paul Feig, the director of both films, has been incredibly vocal about defending them. He’s called the feud rumors "total BS" and "frustrating." He insists they are professionals who work well together.

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We also have to consider the "Ayahuasca" factor. When Variety asked Anna how the movie was being impacted by "everything going on in the world" (a clear nod to the Blake/Justin lawsuit), she gave an iconic, evasive answer:

"Why? What happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life has just gone, but I’ve heard the movie is amazing!"

It was a masterclass in staying out of it. She didn't defend Blake, but she didn't throw her under the bus either. She just... checked out.

Is This All Just a PR Stunt?

There is a theory—and it’s a smart one—that this "drama" is exactly what the studio wants. Think about it. A Simple Favor is a movie about two women who have a deeply twisted, competitive, and untrustworthy relationship. What better way to market the sequel than by leaning into the idea that the actresses actually feel that way?

Some fans on Reddit have pointed out that they even coordinated their outfits for the press tour, wearing matching patterned blazers in different colors. That doesn't exactly scream "we can't stand to be in the same room." It looks like a carefully curated image.

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What Really Matters Here

At the end of the day, whether they’re best friends or just coworkers who tolerate each other for a paycheck doesn’t change the work. They have incredible onscreen chemistry. That’s why we liked the first movie.

The Blake Lively Anna Kendrick drama is a fascinating look at how the public perceives powerful women in Hollywood. We want them to be friends, but we're also obsessed with the idea that they're rivals.

Actionable Insights for Fans

If you're following this saga, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Context is everything. A 10-second clip of a "mean" comment can be a joke taken out of context.
• Separate the art from the artist. You can enjoy the movie without needing the lead actresses to share a bunk bed.
• Watch for the legal updates. The real drama isn't between Blake and Anna; it's the trial between Blake and Justin Baldoni, which is set for March 2026. That will likely have a much bigger impact on Blake’s career than a "chilly" red carpet interview.

Stop looking for a "villain" in every interaction. Sometimes, people are just tired, or they're having a bad day, or they're just two very different humans trying to do a job under a massive microscope.

To stay truly informed, follow the court filings in the Southern District of New York regarding the Lively-Baldoni case, as that is where the factual, non-speculative drama is actually unfolding. Ignore the "insider" quotes on Instagram and stick to the documented statements from the parties involved.