As the long-awaited sequel to A Simple Favor approaches, rumors of a behind-the-scenes rift between stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick are reigniting. Did their on-screen chemistry mask real tension?

The glamorous world of Hollywood thrives on illusions—on-screen friendships, dazzling red carpets, and perfectly curated public personas. But behind the scenes, things aren’t always as picture-perfect.

With the upcoming release of Another Simple Favor, whispers of past friction between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick have resurfaced, casting a shadow over the film’s promotional efforts.

The 2018 original film, a stylish, dark comedy thriller, introduced audiences to the unlikely friendship between Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick), an awkward single mom, and Emily Nelson (Lively), a mysterious and glamorous woman with a hidden past.

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While their chemistry onscreen was electric, reports from insiders suggest that off-camera, things were far from harmonious.

At the time, both actresses brushed off feud rumors with lighthearted jokes. In a press interview during the film’s release, Lively playfully described working with Kendrick as “horrible” before quickly clarifying that they had “so much fun together.”

Kendrick, ever the comedian, chimed in sarcastically, saying, “I’m actually being held here against my will.” While meant as humor, these exchanges, in hindsight, have taken on a different weight.

More recently, speculation about tension between the two stars has intensified, particularly as Another Simple Favor gears up for its debut on Prime Video this May.

According to reports, there have been internal discussions about how to handle the film’s promotional campaign—specifically whether Kendrick and Lively should appear together at press events.

Some sources suggest Kendrick is actively seeking to distance herself from Lively amid ongoing controversy surrounding the Gossip Girl star’s legal battle, which has reportedly cast a shadow over the sequel.

Further fueling rumors of discord, new behind-the-scenes details from the original A Simple Favor have emerged.

According to one insider, by the time filming wrapped, Kendrick and Lively were “not speaking” and had to be advised by the studio to maintain a friendly front for the sake of the movie’s success.

The source also claimed that Kendrick was particularly competitive about promotional appearances and even insisted on minor adjustments—such as reportedly having her cleavage enhanced in marketing materials to ensure she appeared as prominent as Lively.

Tension over billing also became a sticking point. In the original film, Kendrick’s name appeared first in promotional materials, a decision seemingly based on her lead role and reputation in the comedy genre following Pitch Perfect.

However, for the sequel, Lively allegedly pushed for equal billing, leading to a compromise where their names would appear staggered—Kendrick’s first, but Lively’s positioned higher on the right.

Neither actress was reportedly thrilled with the final outcome, but both ultimately accepted the decision to avoid further delays.

The rumored feud, however, hasn’t only played out in industry negotiations. Fans have noticed subtle signs of tension in public interactions.

One resurfaced interview clip from MTV News featured Kendrick seemingly taking playful jabs at Lively’s talent, joking about their differing skill levels and quipping, “Oh muffin, it’s so hard being you,” in response to Lively’s comment about not being able to play a Disney princess.

While some fans dismissed the exchange as harmless banter, others speculated that underlying resentment was bubbling to the surface.

Director Paul Feig, who helmed both A Simple Favor films, has downplayed any suggestion of animosity between his leads, calling Lively a “dream to work with” and an “amazing collaborator.”

However, fans quickly noticed that when Feig shared the first promotional poster for the sequel, he tagged all major cast members—except Lively.

Whether intentional or an innocent oversight, the omission did not go unnoticed, sparking further debate about the film’s internal dynamics.

Adding to the tension, Lively’s recent legal battles have become an unspoken elephant in the room. She is currently involved in a lawsuit against actor and producer Justin Baldoni, whom she accused of misconduct on the set of It Ends With Us.

In response, Baldoni has filed a massive $400 million defamation suit, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of attempting to derail his career.

The situation has created a media frenzy, with some fans actively boycotting Lively’s projects—including Another Simple Favor.

Meanwhile, insiders claim Kendrick has been in “last-minute talks” with studio executives about potentially adjusting her promotional schedule to avoid being too closely linked to Lively’s ongoing controversy.

While both actresses are contractually obligated to promote the film, sources suggest that Kendrick is prepared to take on the bulk of the marketing responsibilities alone, should Lively choose to limit her appearances.

The upcoming SXSW Film Festival, where Another Simple Favor will premiere, is expected to be the first major test of how the two stars will navigate their rumored rift.

While Lively is expected to attend, sources suggest it may be one of her few promotional appearances for the film, leaving Kendrick to lead the press tour.

Despite all the behind-the-scenes drama, Another Simple Favor remains one of the most anticipated releases of the year, with fans eager to see how the sequel builds on the stylish, twisted fun of the original.

But as the countdown to its release continues, one question lingers—will Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick be able to keep up appearances, or will their rumored feud overshadow the film itself?