Paul Feig Shuts Down Blake Lively & Anna Kendrick Feud Rumors—Don’t Believe the Internet Rumors

Amid the excitement surrounding the premiere of Another Simple Favor at SXSW, rumors of a feud between stars Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick have swirled, leaving fans wondering what might have sparked such speculation. Director Paul Feig was quick to shut down these rumors, calling them “total BS” and urging fans not to believe what they read on social media. But despite his firm denial, certain events and behaviors surrounding the film’s premiere seem to have fueled the ongoing speculation, which continues to draw attention to the actresses’ relationship.

The Alleged “Terrified” Claims and Kendrick’s Cryptic Response

The rumors began gaining traction when YouTuber Melanie King claimed on March 7th that Lively was “terrified to walk the carpet” at the Another Simple Favor premiere because Kendrick was allegedly “pissed” and “never wants to work with her again.” This post ignited a flurry of social media chatter, prompting Feig to respond the following day, stating simply, “Um … you’re wrong.”

While Feig dismissed the rumors outright, the spark for the speculation may have come from the actresses’ behavior at the premiere. At past events promoting A Simple Favor, the duo was often seen posing together for photos, exuding camaraderie and a strong professional bond. However, at the SXSW premiere, they did not appear together for a photo op, which struck many as unusual and was quickly noted by fans and the media alike.

The lack of a shared moment on the carpet led some to wonder whether there was tension between the two, especially given the highly publicized drama surrounding Lively’s ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. When asked about her reunion with Kendrick, Lively told Entertainment Tonight that being back with her co-star was “the best,” but Kendrick’s response was more cryptic, leading some to interpret her answer as a subtle sign of discomfort or disinterest. In the now-viral interview, Kendrick simply replied, “Oh, you know…” when asked about her time working with Lively again, prompting fans to speculate on the state of their relationship.

A Look at the Bigger Picture: Legal Drama and Pressures

While the tension at the premiere might have been misinterpreted, it’s important to consider the larger context of Lively’s personal and professional life. The actress has been embroiled in a legal battle with Baldoni, which became public in December when Lively filed a lawsuit against him for sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni countersued in January, accusing Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, of extortion and defamation. The drama has been highly publicized, with both parties accusing each other of smear campaigns.

In light of this, it’s understandable that Lively may have been under significant stress, and her interactions with Kendrick could have been influenced by the pressures of her legal situation. While Kendrick’s cryptic response at the premiere may have seemed out of character, it’s possible that external factors, such as the ongoing legal battle, played a role in the way both actresses responded to questions.

Moreover, Kendrick’s earlier statements about working with Lively were notably positive. In an interview with People in October, she described their reunion as “lovely” and expressed how much fun it was to revisit their characters’ “weird chemistry.” This stands in stark contrast to the claims of a feud, suggesting that any tension between the actresses, if it existed, may have been temporary or perhaps overstated by outside observers.

Paul Feig’s Strong Support

Director Paul Feig has been an outspoken supporter of Lively throughout the controversy. In December, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that Lively is “one of the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented, and kind people” he has ever worked with, and expressed his anger over the “smear campaign” against her. Feig reiterated that the legal drama between Lively and Baldoni had no impact on the production of Another Simple Favor, calling rumors that the film’s release had been delayed due to the feud “total BS.”

Feig’s words, however, may not have been enough to quell public curiosity. Despite his personal support for Lively, the lack of visible interaction between Kendrick and Lively at the premiere may have been enough to perpetuate rumors, even if the actresses were simply focused on their professional obligations.

Conclusion

While Paul Feig’s emphatic denials and Kendrick’s humor in response to questions about the alleged feud make it clear that no significant tension exists between the two actresses, the rumors may have been fueled by a combination of factors. The ongoing legal drama surrounding Lively, the perceived distance between her and Kendrick at the Another Simple Favor premiere, and Kendrick’s cryptic response all created a perfect storm for speculation. However, with both actresses having publicly praised each other in the past, it seems likely that any perceived discord is more a result of external pressures than any personal animosity between them.

Ultimately, the focus should remain on the film, which has already earned praise from fans and critics alike. As for the rumors, it seems they are little more than a distraction from the true success of the Simple Favor franchise.