The entertainment world buzzed with speculation in early 2025 after rumors surfaced that Blake Lively’s highly anticipated sequel, A Simple Favor 2, had been shelved due to an ongoing legal battle involving the actress. These rumors, rapidly spreading across social media, suggested that Amazon Studios, the film’s distributor, had indefinitely postponed the release in response to Lively’s lawsuit against her It Ends With Us costar and director, Justin Baldoni. The lawsuit centered on allegations of sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment on the set of the Hoover adaptation. However, director Paul Feig swiftly addressed the circulating rumors, categorically dismissing them as "total BS" in a social media post. He confirmed that the film was complete and slated for release, urging the public to disregard the unsubstantiated claims proliferating online. Feig further emphasized his enthusiasm for the project, praising the performances of both Lively and her costar Anna Kendrick, heightening anticipation for the sequel’s eventual premiere.
The original A Simple Favor, released in 2018, garnered considerable success, establishing a dedicated fanbase eager for the continuation of the story. The film followed the intertwined lives of Stephanie, a mommy vlogger portrayed by Anna Kendrick, and Emily, a glamorous enigma played by Blake Lively. The plot thickens when Emily mysteriously vanishes, prompting Stephanie to embark on an investigation that unravels a web of secrets and lies. The chemistry between Lively and Kendrick, coupled with the film’s intricate plot twists, resonated with audiences, making the prospect of a sequel all the more enticing. The reunion of the two actresses for A Simple Favor 2 in 2024 generated significant excitement, further fueled by Feig’s recent assurances of the film’s impending release.
The legal battle between Lively and Baldoni, however, cast a shadow over the anticipation surrounding A Simple Favor 2. Lively’s lawsuit, filed in December 2024, detailed allegations of a hostile work environment fostered by Baldoni during the filming of It Ends With Us. She accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he orchestrated a campaign to damage her career and reputation through social manipulation. These accusations sparked considerable controversy and media attention, drawing public scrutiny to both parties involved. Baldoni vehemently denied the allegations, counter-suing the New York Times for $250 million for their reporting on Lively’s claims. He characterized the situation as a "vicious smear campaign" orchestrated by Lively and her team, accusing the newspaper of biased reporting and contributing to the damage to his reputation.
Baldoni’s legal representative, Bryan Freedman, issued a strong statement condemning the New York Times for allegedly succumbing to the influence of "powerful ‘untouchable’ Hollywood elites." He accused the publication of manipulating texts and omitting crucial information that contradicted their narrative, thereby contributing to a pre-determined outcome designed to bolster Lively’s public image and counter online criticism. This statement further intensified the already heated public discourse surrounding the legal battle, framing it as a clash between powerful figures within the entertainment industry. The accusations and counter-accusations created a complex and contentious environment, with both Lively and Baldoni firmly maintaining their respective stances.
Lively, in response to Baldoni’s claims, refuted the accusations and underscored the legitimacy of her administrative complaint. She denied that the complaint was a strategic maneuver to avoid a lawsuit, asserting that litigation was indeed her ultimate goal. Her statement, released through Us Weekly, emphasized the genuine nature of her grievances and her commitment to pursuing legal action against Baldoni, Wayfarer Entertainment, and others involved. This back-and-forth exchange of statements further entrenched the opposing positions of both parties, with each side presenting conflicting narratives and interpretations of the events.
The controversy surrounding Lively and Baldoni’s legal battle inevitably raised questions about the potential impact on A Simple Favor 2. Despite the swirling rumors, director Paul Feig’s firm denial provided reassurance to fans eager for the sequel’s release. His confirmation of the film’s completion and impending arrival suggests that, at least for now, the legal dispute will not derail the project. However, the ongoing controversy undoubtedly adds another layer of complexity to the film’s reception, as public perception of both Lively and Baldoni continues to be shaped by the unfolding legal proceedings. The future impact of the lawsuit on their respective careers, and on the film itself, remains to be seen as the legal battle progresses and more details emerge.
