Fans of twisty mysteries and dark comedies can mark their calendars: Another Simple Favor, the long-awaited sequel to the stylish 2018 thriller A Simple Favor, is officially premiering on May 1, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video. Directed by Paul Feig, who returns after the success of the first film, the sequel brings back Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively as frenemies Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson, promising more secrets, lies, and jaw-dropping plot twists.
Unlike the original, which was released theatrically by Lionsgate, this sequel is heading straight to streaming—a move reflecting Amazon MGM Studios’ growing focus on high-profile, exclusive content for its platform. The decision to premiere Another Simple Favor on Prime Video highlights Amazon’s continued strategy of building a star-powered library to compete with streaming giants like Netflix and Apple TV+.
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively Return to Stir Up More Trouble in Another Simple Favor
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick reunite in Another Simple Favor, diving back into their deliciously toxic friendship that blurred the line between ally and adversary. This time, their story takes them to the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, where Emily invites Stephanie to her extravagant wedding. But as fans of the first film know, nothing is ever simple when it comes to Emily Nelson.
The sequel shifts from the suburban Connecticut backdrop of the original to the lavish, high-stakes world of Italian luxury. According to director Paul Feig, the setting plays a major role in the tone of the film, bringing an opulent, glamorous vibe that contrasts sharply with the story’s sinister undertones. Feig describes the new installment as “even more dangerous, seductive, and wickedly fun” than the first.
Michele Morrone (365 Days) joins the cast as Emily’s mysterious new fiancé, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already volatile dynamic. Allison Janney also boards the sequel, though her role remains tightly under wraps. Early buzz from its premiere at SXSW calls the sequel “supremely silly” and “outrageously fun,” with critics praising Lively’s standout performance for adding sharp wit and dark charm to Emily’s character.
What Made A Simple Favor a Cult Hit—and How the Sequel Raises the Stakes
When A Simple Favor premiered in 2018, it quickly developed a cult following, blending Hitchcockian suspense with biting satire. The film earned over $97 million at the worldwide box office against a modest $20 million budget, with critics praising its playful take on the mystery-thriller genre. Audiences were captivated by Blake Lively’s fashion-forward femme fatale and Anna Kendrick’s seemingly innocent but surprisingly savvy mommy vlogger.
Another Simple Favor picks up where the first left off, but this time the stakes are higher. Paul Feig promises “more murders, more mystery, and more twists,” with the sequel diving deeper into themes of identity, trust, and reinvention. Fans can expect the same high-fashion, high-drama energy, with costume designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus returning to style Lively in a new collection of jaw-dropping ensembles, likely to spark another wave of fashion buzz as they did in the first film.
Early Reactions: Critics Are Divided but Intrigued
Following its SXSW debut, Another Simple Favor has sparked a range of reactions. Some critics hail it as a worthy follow-up that embraces its over-the-top sensibilities. Business Insider called it a “delightful” return to the world of Emily and Stephanie, while The Guardian described it as “supremely silly,” leaning into the absurdity with confidence.
However, not all feedback has been glowing. Vulture noted that while the film starts strong, it “loses coherence” in its second half. Some reviewers have argued that the plot twists, while entertaining, stretch believability more than the original.
Despite the divisive reviews, there’s no denying the appeal of seeing Kendrick and Lively back in action. Their chemistry remains the franchise’s greatest asset, and fans of the first film will likely be eager to see how far these characters are willing to go—for friendship, for revenge, or for another simple favor.
Final Thoughts: A Glamorous Return with Darker Twists
Whether you’re in it for the fashion, the mystery, or the dark humor, Another Simple Favor looks set to deliver another wild ride. With a new setting, a stellar supporting cast, and the return of its two magnetic leads, the sequel aims to be an even glitzier, deadlier adventure.
Another Simple Favor streams on May 1, 2025, exclusively on Prime Video.
Key Takeaways
- “Another Simple Favor” premieres on Prime Video May 1, 2025, reuniting Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in their roles from the popular 2018 black comedy.
- The sequel takes place in Capri, Italy, centering around a wedding with new cast members Michele Morrone and Allison Janney joining the mix.
- Paul Feig returns to direct, promising the same blend of dark humor, fashion, and suspense that made the original film successful.
Background and Development
The journey from “A Simple Favor” to its sequel spans several years of creative development and production challenges. The continuation of Stephanie and Emily’s complex relationship brings back the dark comedy elements that made the original film successful.
Prequel Overview
“A Simple Favor,” released in 2018, was a dark comedy thriller directed by Paul Feig. The film starred Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers, a mommy vlogger, and Blake Lively as Emily Nelson, a mysterious fashion PR executive.
Their unlikely friendship takes a sinister turn when Emily disappears suddenly. The plot unravels into a twisted tale of secrets, betrayal, and murder.
The film was based on Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel of the same name. It received positive reviews for its stylish direction, sharp screenplay, and the chemistry between Kendrick and Lively. “A Simple Favor” performed well at the box office, grossing over $97 million worldwide against a $20 million budget.
Sequel Conception and Announcement
Following the success of the original film, discussions about a potential sequel began in late 2019. Director Paul Feig expressed interest in continuing the story but wanted to ensure a compelling narrative before committing.
Lionsgate officially announced “Another Simple Favor” in May 2022, confirming both Kendrick and Lively would reprise their roles. Feig returned as director, maintaining creative continuity with the first film.
The sequel was initially developed as a joint venture between Lionsgate and Amazon MGM Studios. This partnership represented a shift from the original film’s distribution model and reflected the changing landscape of film distribution.
Production faced delays due to industry strikes and scheduling conflicts with the lead actors’ other projects.
Adaptation from Source Material
Unlike the first film, “Another Simple Favor” is not directly based on Darcey Bell’s literary work. Bell’s novel was a standalone story without a published sequel at the time of the film’s development.
The screenplay was crafted by Jessica Sharzer, who wrote the original film, with contributions from Laeta Kalogridis. This writing team aimed to maintain the tone and style that fans appreciated in the first installment.
The story reportedly takes the characters to Italy for a wedding, introducing new characters while building on the established dynamics. Michele Morrone and Allison Janney joined the cast to bring fresh energy to the franchise.
The writers focused on preserving the dark humor and unexpected twists that defined the original film while creating a distinct narrative.
Legal Developments
The production of “Another Simple Favor” encountered legal complications in early 2023. A dispute emerged between Lionsgate and Amazon MGM Studios regarding distribution rights and marketing strategies.
The legal battle temporarily halted production while executives negotiated terms. Industry insiders reported that the conflict centered on streaming versus theatrical release plans.
By late 2023, the parties reached an agreement that allowed production to resume. The resolution involved a compromise on distribution, with plans for both limited theatrical release and streaming availability.
These legal challenges pushed back the release date from late 2024 to May 2025. Despite these obstacles, the creative team maintained their commitment to delivering a worthy sequel that honors the original while taking the story in new directions.
Casting and Characters
“Another Simple Favor” brings back the dynamic chemistry between its lead actresses while introducing new faces to the intrigue-filled sequel. The cast combines returning favorites with fresh additions who promise to add new dimensions to the story.
Returning Cast
Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick reprise their roles as the enigmatic Emily Nelson and mommy vlogger Stephanie Smothers. Their complex relationship formed the heart of the first film, with Lively portraying the mysterious fashion PR executive and Kendrick as the seemingly innocent suburban mom who becomes entangled in Emily’s web.
The sequel appears to maintain their frenemies dynamic, though with a new twist. Based on the trailer, Emily is now getting married, which serves as the catalyst for their reunion.
It’s unclear whether Henry Golding will return as Sean, Emily’s husband from the first film. His character played a significant role in the original’s love triangle, but details about his involvement in the sequel remain limited.
New Additions
The sequel expands its cast with several notable actors. Michele Morrone, known for his work in “365 Days,” joins the ensemble in what appears to be a significant role. The Italian actor may be connected to Emily’s wedding storyline, though specific character details remain under wraps.
Award-winning actress Allison Janney brings her considerable talents to the sequel. Her casting adds further prestige to the production, though her character’s connection to the returning leads hasn’t been fully revealed.
Other new cast members reportedly include Elena Sofia Ricci, Alex Newell, and Kelly McCormack. Each brings unique talents to the film, promising to diversify the character dynamics established in the first movie.
The new additions suggest the sequel will expand its scope beyond the small-town setting of the original, potentially venturing into international territory.
Production Insights
The “Another Simple Favor” sequel brings together an impressive creative team working across international locations. Director Paul Feig returns to helm this follow-up, bringing his distinctive vision while facing unique production challenges.
Directorial Vision
Paul Feig’s return to direct “Another Simple Favor” ensures continuity with the original film’s darkly comic tone. Feig, known for blending comedy with thriller elements, approaches this sequel with a heightened sense of style and suspense.
His production company, Feigco Entertainment, partnered with Amazon Studios to develop this project. Feig noted in recent interviews that he wanted to push the characters into even more dangerous territory while maintaining the sharp humor that defined the first film.
The director emphasized visual contrasts between the characters, with Blake Lively’s Emily remaining sleekly fashionable while Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie shows a more confident evolution in her appearance.
Filming Locations
The production team selected Capri, Italy as the primary filming location, providing a glamorous backdrop for the wedding-centered plot. This Italian coastal paradise offers stunning Mediterranean vistas that contrast with the darker undertones of the story.
Several key scenes were filmed at a historic villa owned by an unnamed Italian businessman, who reportedly allowed the production access to areas never before featured on film. The location’s architecture and gardens create a sense of luxury that matches Emily’s character.
Additional filming took place in New York City, where interior scenes featuring Stephanie’s apartment and her vlog setup were created. The production design team worked to show the evolution of her character through subtle changes to her living space.
Production Challenges
Filming in Capri presented logistical hurdles for the production team. The island’s limited accessibility meant equipment had to be transported by boat, sometimes delayed by weather conditions.
Coordinating scenes with numerous glamorous guests for the wedding sequences required precise scheduling. The production team recruited over 100 extras who needed to be fitted in high-fashion attire consistent with the film’s aesthetic.
COVID-19 protocols also impacted the production schedule. Testing requirements and safety measures added complexity to filming intimate scenes between the leads. The team implemented innovative camera techniques to create the illusion of proximity while maintaining safety distances when necessary.
Despite these challenges, the production wrapped on schedule in late 2024, allowing for post-production to be completed in time for the May 2025 release date.
Plot and Themes
“Another Simple Favor” continues the twisted relationship between Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson as they reunite for a wedding in Italy, bringing fresh mysteries and darker secrets to light. The sequel promises to maintain the original’s blend of black comedy and suspense while introducing new characters and international intrigue.
Narrative Continuation
The sequel picks up several years after the events of the first film. Emily Nelson, played by Blake Lively, invites Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) to her wedding in Italy. This reunion between the former frenemies immediately signals trouble.
Based on the trailer, Emily appears to be marrying a wealthy Italian man portrayed by Michele Morrone. Stephanie, still running her mommy vlog, is asked to be Emily’s maid of honor – a request that comes with unexpected complications.
The Italian setting provides a glamorous backdrop for the unfolding drama. Emily’s motivations remain questionable, suggesting she may be planning another elaborate scheme rather than a genuine reconciliation.
Central Mystery
The core mystery revolves around “The Faceless Blonde,” a new enigmatic character or concept introduced in the sequel. This mysterious element appears to drive the main investigation that pulls Stephanie back into Emily’s dangerous orbit.
The trailer hints at multiple betrayals and potential murders connected to Emily’s new relationship. Allison Janney joins the cast, possibly as an investigator or someone connected to the new mystery.
Director Paul Feig seems to have maintained the signature twists and turns that made the original film compelling. The mystery appears to build upon the established dynamic between the main characters while introducing fresh stakes.
Stephanie’s detective skills will likely be tested again as she navigates increasingly dangerous situations. The wedding setting provides a perfect backdrop for secrets and lies among the well-dressed guests.
Thematic Undertones
The sequel continues exploring themes of female friendship, identity, and deception. The complicated relationship between Stephanie and Emily remains central, examining how their bond has evolved since the events of the first film.
Class differences again play a significant role, highlighted by the lavish Italian wedding setting. Emily’s apparent wealth and Stephanie’s more modest lifestyle create tension beneath their interactions.
The film maintains its dark comedic tone while examining serious themes of trust and betrayal. The trailer suggests an exploration of how well we can truly know someone, even after uncovering their previous deceptions.
Motherhood themes may return, as Stephanie’s identity as a mother was crucial to the original film. The sequel appears to expand these themes into questions about loyalty, self-preservation, and the lengths people will go to protect themselves.
Marketing and Promotion
The marketing campaign for “Another Simple Favor” began in early 2025, strategically building anticipation for the May 1 release on Prime Video. Amazon Studios implemented a multi-faceted approach spanning digital trailers, social media engagement, and exclusive event screenings.
Teaser and Trailer Releases
The first teaser trailer for “Another Simple Favor” dropped on February 26, 2025, giving fans their first glimpse of Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick reprising their roles as Emily Nelson and Stephanie Smothers. The 90-second teaser revealed the basic premise: Emily’s wedding and a new round of deception between the frenemies.
The full trailer followed on March 15, showcasing new cast additions including Michele Morrone and Allison Janney. It highlighted director Paul Feig’s signature blend of dark comedy and suspense while maintaining the stylish aesthetic established in the 2018 original.
Amazon strategically released additional character-focused teasers throughout March and April. These shorter clips emphasized the fashion elements that made the first film distinctive while building curiosity about the new plot twists.
Social Media Campaigns
Both Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick actively participated in the promotional campaign, sharing behind-the-scenes content on their Instagram accounts beginning in January 2025. Their posts generated significant engagement, with Lively’s fashion-focused content particularly driving conversation.
Amazon created dedicated social media channels for the film across platforms. The marketing team launched a clever “Friendship Challenge” TikTok campaign where users shared stories about complicated friendships, referencing the film’s central relationship.
A Pinterest board featuring Emily’s signature pantsuits and cocktail recipes from the film generated additional interest among fashion and lifestyle audiences. Director Paul Feig’s participation in Twitter Q&A sessions provided film buffs with insights into the production process.
Event Screenings
“Another Simple Favor” made its world premiere at South by Southwest (SXSW) on March 12, 2025. The Austin-based festival screening generated positive early buzz and featured a panel discussion with the cast and director.
Amazon organized exclusive preview screenings in major cities including New York, Los Angeles, and London during April. These events featured signature martini bars and photo opportunities mimicking the film’s stylish aesthetic.
Several fashion brands partnered with the production for co-branded screening events. These collaborations emphasized the film’s distinctive style elements while expanding its marketing reach beyond traditional movie audiences. Select influencers received early access to these screenings, generating additional social media coverage.
Distribution and Viewing
“Another Simple Favor” follows a distribution strategy that balances theatrical exhibition with streaming accessibility. Amazon MGM Studios has crafted a release plan that begins with a film festival premiere before making the movie available to global audiences through Prime Video.
Theatrical Release Strategy
“Another Simple Favor” will make its world premiere at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival, giving the sequel a prestigious launch platform. This strategic choice mirrors the approach taken by many studios to build critical buzz and audience anticipation before wider release. Unlike the 2018 original which was distributed by Lionsgate with a traditional theatrical run, this sequel appears to be taking a more festival-focused approach for its theatrical exhibition.
The film’s placement as the opening selection at SXSW demonstrates Amazon’s confidence in the project. This high-profile festival slot will provide the film with valuable media coverage and industry attention.
Streaming Availability
Amazon MGM Studios has confirmed “Another Simple Favor” will debut exclusively on Prime Video starting May 1, 2025. This direct-to-streaming approach represents the evolving distribution landscape for mid-budget adult-oriented films in the current entertainment market.
Prime Video subscribers worldwide will have immediate access to the film as part of their existing subscription. The streaming release eliminates traditional theatrical windows, allowing fans of the original to watch the sequel from home on day one.
The May timing positions the film as a key early summer release for Amazon’s streaming platform. This strategy allows Amazon to leverage the star power of Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick to attract subscribers to the service during a competitive viewing season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fans of the original film have many questions about this sequel that reunites Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick in their iconic roles. The new film expands the universe while maintaining the dark comedy elements that made the first movie successful.
What is the plot of ‘Another Simple Favor’?
‘Another Simple Favor’ picks up several years after the events of the first film. Emily Nelson (Blake Lively) is getting married, and she unexpectedly reaches out to her former friend Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick) to attend the wedding in Italy.
The reunion quickly spirals into another web of deceit and manipulation. What begins as a seemingly innocent invitation turns dangerous as old secrets resurface and new betrayals form between the two women.
The teaser trailer shows Emily and Stephanie engaging in their familiar pattern of friendship combined with psychological warfare, but with higher stakes and in a glamorous international setting.
Who are the new characters in the sequel, and how do they relate to the original cast?
Michele Morrone joins the cast as Emily’s new love interest and soon-to-be husband. His character becomes entangled in the complex relationship between Emily and Stephanie.
Acclaimed actress Allison Janney also joins the ensemble in an undisclosed role that appears to be significant to the plot. Her character seems to have connections to Emily’s mysterious past.
The sequel maintains the core relationship between Emily and Stephanie as its central focus. New characters serve to amplify the tensions and complicate the already strained dynamic between the two women.
Can ‘Another Simple Favor’ be watched independently if viewers have not seen the first movie?
Director Paul Feig has created the sequel to stand on its own while rewarding fans of the original. The film includes enough context for newcomers to understand the complex history between the main characters.
Key events from the first film are referenced through dialogue and flashbacks. This makes the sequel accessible to new viewers while maintaining continuity for those familiar with the original story.
First-time viewers might miss some nuances in the characters’ relationship. However, the main plot points are designed to be engaging regardless of prior knowledge of the franchise.
What are the primary themes explored in the sequel?
Trust and betrayal remain central themes, with the sequel exploring how these issues evolve in long-term relationships. The film examines whether people truly change or if they simply become better at hiding their true natures.
Female friendship and rivalry continue to be examined in complex ways. The sequel dives deeper into the power dynamics between women who both admire and fear each other.
Identity and reinvention also play major roles, particularly through Emily’s character. Her ability to transform herself serves as both her strength and the source of her inability to form genuine connections.
Has ‘Another Simple Favor’ deviated from the dark comedy genre of its predecessor?
The sequel maintains the dark comedy elements that defined the original film. It continues to balance moments of genuine suspense with sharp, witty dialogue and unexpected humor.
The trailer suggests that the fashion-forward aesthetic of the first film has been amplified. Emily’s striking suits and Stephanie’s evolution from mommy blogger to more sophisticated dresser indicate the visual style remains distinctive.
Director Paul Feig’s signature blend of comedy and tension appears intact. The film embraces its identity as a stylish thriller with comedic undertones rather than shifting to a more serious tone.
What critical reception did ‘Another Simple Favor’ receive upon its release?
As ‘Another Simple Favor’ hasn’t been released yet (scheduled for May 1, 2025), critical reception is not available. The film will premiere at SXSW before its general release, which will provide the first professional reviews.
Early buzz from the trailer release has been positive. Fans have responded enthusiastically to seeing Lively and Kendrick reprise their roles.
Industry expectations are high due to the success of the original film, which was praised for its unpredictable plot twists and the chemistry between its leads.
