Anna Kendrick Got Real About Working With Blake Lively Again In 'A Simple Favor 2'
When anyone asks me for my favorite movie-viewing experiences, A Simple Favor (starring Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick) always makes the list. When I first watched the movie, I knew next to nothing about the plot, and it made the viewing experience ten times better — especially since I had a watch party with a bunch of friends who also had no expectations. I know A Simple Favor 2 is going to be just as sexy, unexpected, and gripping as the original. Keep reading for everything we know about the new movie, from the A Simple Favor 2 release date to casting announcements!
What is 'A Simple Favor 2' about?
Image via Lionsgate
A Simple Favor 2 will see the "return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman," according to the movie's synopsis (via People). "Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square."
The first leaked images show the aforementioned extravagant wedding, with Blake Lively's Emily in a wedding dress and Anna Kendrick's Stephanie standing by her side in a gorgeous floral midi dress. While the first A Simple Favor ended with Emily in prison, I have no doubt whatsoever that we'll see her make a grand escape to coastal Italy. The only thing chicer than martinis and crime at home is martinis and crime while basking in the Italian sun.
Anna Kendrick told PEOPLEthat the film is "nuts," alluding that it's somehow crazier than its predecessor. She said that it's "risky, twist, and plot-heavy" — and we would expect nothing less!
Is there 'A Simple Favor 2' movie?
Image via Lionsgate
Yes, Deadline confirmed in May of 2022 that we're getting A Simple Favor 2! The sequel film will be produced by Lionsgate and Amazon Studios, and reportedly, Paul Feig will direct again, while Jessica Sharzer will write the screenplay. I still talk about the script for A Simple Favor, so if Jessica is returning, I will be seated!
When is the 'A Simple Favor 2' release date?
Image via Lionsgate
I'm expecting A Simple Favor 2 to hit our screens in 2025. Filming was originally scheduled for the fall of 2023, but after the Hollywood strikes delayed a variety of projects, production on the film was pushed to 2024.
Anna Kendrick confirmed she filmed with Blake Lively all summer in Italy. Kendrick told PEOPLE she "felt spoiled rotten shooting there,” noting that the locations were "unbelievable." We can't wait to see all this goodness next year!
Who's in the 'A Simple Favor 2' cast?
Image via Lionsgate
We can expect to see Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick return for this sequel. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack are also set to star in A Simple Favor 2. Glee fans will also love knowing that Alex Newell is joining the cast along with Allison Janey! We can't wait to see the characters they'll be playing!
Anna Kendrick just shared with PEOPLEthat it felt "a little bit like riding a bike" to work with Blake Lively again. She said, "She lives on the East Coast, I live on the West Coast, so we don't get to see each other often. But it was lovely, and I think that those characters have such weird chemistry that it's so fun to just get the gang back together." To say I'm excited to get this pair back on screen together would be a gross understatement!
How does 'A Simple Favor' end in the book?
Image via Amazon
The A Simple Favor book ending is *wildly* different than the movie ending! Instead of Stephanie turning on Emily and joining Sean, and then Emily getting run over by a car and put in prison for the murder of her father and sister (plus, you know, all the other illegal activity), Stephanie actually takes Emily's side.
In the book, Sean stays in a hotel while Emily gets custody of Nicky. The novel ends with the police finding Emily's ring inside the car of her main victim (a move that was probably orchestrated by Stephanie since Sean gave her the ring), and Emily deciding to pack up her life and leave.
Are you excited for A Simple Favor 2? Do you prefer the ending to the A Simple Favor movie or the book? Follow us on Facebook for more movie news!
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This post has been updated.
Lead image via Lionsgate