“Another Simple Favor” to Premiere at SXSW Film Festival
The upcoming film “Another Simple Favor,” directed by Paul Feig, is set to open this year’s South by Southwest (SXSW) Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas. This sequel to the 2018 hit features Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their roles in a story filled with intrigue and unexpected twists. The film will premiere on March 7, marking a highly anticipated event for festival-goers.
The plot takes Stephanie Smothers, played by Kendrick, and Emily Nelson, portrayed by Lively, on a wild adventure as they attend a wedding in beautiful Capri, Italy. Claudette Godfrey, the festival’s vice president, expressed excitement about the film, saying, “When we saw this film last fall, we instantly knew it had to open SXSW — it gave us that electric feeling we live for as programmers.”
SXSW has a history of showcasing Feig’s work, including early screenings of fan-favorites like “Bridesmaids” and “Spy.” “Another Simple Favor” will be significant for Lively as it is her first new release since last year’s “It Ends With Us.” The film also comes amid a legal dispute involving Lively and her co-star Justin Baldoni, which has added drama to her career narrative.
In December, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and his production company, alleging sexual harassment and damage to her reputation. Baldoni countered last month with a lawsuit of his own, claiming defamation and extortion against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. A trial date has been set for March 2026.
In addition to “Another Simple Favor,” SXSW has announced another premiere for opening night — a comedy series titled “The Studio” featuring Seth Rogen. This year’s film festival, now in its 32nd year, will take place from March 7 to March 14, promising a week full of engaging films and events.
