Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick

Director Paul Feig dismisses rumors of a feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick at SXSW, assuring fans that the A Simple Favor co-stars have a great working relationship despite ongoing speculation.

Blake Lively, Anna Kendrick Weren't Feuding at SXSW, Paul Feig Says

For days, rumors swirled around Hollywood that Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick were locked in a bitter feud, after whispers of tension between the two resurfaced during their appearance at SXSW.

Fans speculated that the stars, who previously worked together on the 2018 psychological thriller A Simple Favor, were still harboring bad blood, reigniting long-standing gossip about their on-set dynamic.

But now, director Paul Feig has stepped in to set the record straight, shutting down the speculation and insisting that there’s no drama between the two actresses.

The SXSW event was meant to celebrate the upcoming sequel to A Simple Favor, with both Lively and Kendrick appearing alongside Feig and other members of the creative team.

However, eagle-eyed attendees quickly took to social media, claiming that Lively and Kendrick were keeping their distance, avoiding direct interactions, and barely acknowledging each other on stage.

This fueled existing rumors that their working relationship had been strained during the filming of the original movie, where reports surfaced that the two had clashed behind the scenes.

Paul Feig, known for his work on Bridesmaids and Spy, was quick to dismiss the speculation, stating that any perceived tension was pure fiction.

“They love each other,” Feig insisted, adding that both actresses were completely professional and had a great working dynamic. He expressed frustration that such rumors continue to follow them, despite no real evidence of conflict.

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The original A Simple Favor became a cult favorite due to its dark humor, stylish mystery, and the undeniable chemistry between Lively’s glamorous and enigmatic Emily and Kendrick’s socially awkward but determined Stephanie.

Fans were thrilled when a sequel was announced, but the resurfacing of these feud rumors had some worried that the project might be at risk.

However, Feig reassured audiences that both actresses are fully committed to returning, and that production is moving forward as planned.

Despite Feig’s attempts to squash the rumors, some fans remain unconvinced, pointing to past interviews and subtle moments from their first film’s press tour that hinted at an underlying tension.

Lively, known for her quick wit and playful sarcasm, had made several offhand comments that some interpreted as subtle jabs at Kendrick.

Meanwhile, Kendrick, who often embraces self-deprecating humor, had joked in the past about working with Lively being “intimidating”—remarks that were later dissected by fans looking for signs of trouble.

Adding fuel to the fire, Hollywood has long been known for its behind-the-scenes rivalries, especially when it comes to two strong, talented women leading a project together.

From classic feuds like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford to more modern rumored tensions between stars like Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall, audiences are often quick to believe stories of discord between female co-stars.

However, as Feig emphasized, these narratives are often blown out of proportion or entirely fabricated.

Paul Feig Responds To Anna Kendrick Blake Lively Rumor

It’s also worth noting that Lively and Kendrick have vastly different public personas. Lively is often seen as effortlessly cool, fashionable, and playful, while Kendrick has built her brand around a more relatable, down-to-earth, and sometimes awkward charm.

These contrasting personalities may have fueled speculation that they don’t get along, even if there is no real animosity between them.

As the sequel to A Simple Favor moves closer to production, both actresses have remained silent on the latest round of feud rumors, perhaps opting to let their work speak for itself.

With the film expected to delve even deeper into the twisted world of deception and secrets, fans are eager to see Lively and Kendrick reunite on screen—even if some still wonder about their dynamic off-camera.

For now, Paul Feig’s word may be the closest thing to the truth that fans will get.

Whether the drama is real or purely a product of Hollywood gossip, one thing is certain—the intrigue surrounding Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s relationship only adds another layer of mystery to their already thrilling A Simple Favor saga.

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