Why Michele Morrone Thinks Anna Kendrick Is the Only One Who Could Play Stephanie Smothers

Italian actor Michele Morrone, best known for his breakout role in the 365 Days film series, has expanded his international presence by joining the cast of Another Simple Favor, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 thriller A Simple Favor. Directed by Paul Feig, the film brings back Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers, alongside Blake Lively reprising her role as Emily Nelson. Set against the glamorous backdrop of Capri, Italy, Another Simple Favor explores themes of deception and intrigue. Scheduled for release on May 1, 2025, exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, the film has already generated significant buzz following its premiere at the South by Southwest Festival in March 2025.

Morrone plays Dante Versano, a mysterious figure from Emily’s past who is set to marry her in an extravagant Italian wedding. His involvement in the film marks a significant milestone in his career, further solidifying his growing international fame.

Michele Morrone’s Praise for Anna Kendrick

In a series of interviews around April 22, 2025, Morrone reflected on his experience working with Anna Kendrick, offering high praise for the actress’s dedication and talent. He described Kendrick as “so focused on her work” and emphasized that she was “so talented.” Notably, Morrone stated, “I don’t think that there could be any other actress playing the role of Stephanie,” underscoring his belief that Kendrick was the perfect fit for the character.

These sentiments were echoed across multiple media outlets, including The Times of India, Cinema Express, and Filmibeat, which reinforces the consistency and reliability of his remarks. Morrone’s praise highlights Kendrick’s professionalism, with the actor admiring her commitment to her craft and her irreplaceable role in the film.

The timing of these statements—released as part of the film’s promotional activities—suggests that Morrone’s comments were aimed at building excitement for the film’s release. His remarks reflect a positive and respectful working relationship with Kendrick, reinforcing the collaborative atmosphere on set.

A New Dynamic in Another Simple Favor

Another Simple Favor not only reunites Kendrick and Lively but also introduces Morrone as a new key player in the narrative. The film’s picturesque setting in Capri and its focus on a high-profile wedding ceremony adds a visually stunning backdrop to the film’s already compelling storylines. Morrone’s character, Dante Versano, plays a pivotal role, which likely involves significant interactions with Kendrick’s character, Stephanie.

While Morrone’s personal interactions with Kendrick on set were not extensively detailed beyond his praise for her professionalism, the nature of the film’s plot—centered around themes of trust, betrayal, and dysfunction—suggests a complex and challenging production environment. This could have fostered a deep appreciation for Kendrick’s talent and professionalism, particularly as the movie delves into high-stakes, emotionally charged scenes.

Comparative Insights: Morrone’s Reflections on Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick

In addition to his comments on Kendrick, Morrone also shared positive thoughts about his co-star Blake Lively, describing her as “one of the most polite, gentle, and truly professional co-stars that I’ve ever had in my career.” This distinction suggests that while Morrone holds both actresses in high regard, his remarks about Kendrick were specifically focused on her suitability for the role of Stephanie and her exceptional talent.

The positive tone in Morrone’s comments about both Kendrick and Lively reflects a harmonious and collaborative environment on set. His expressions of admiration for both actresses highlight the strong professional relationships that helped drive the success of the film’s production. Notably, there were no reports of conflicts or tensions, indicating a smooth and supportive working atmosphere.

Conclusion: A Strong Working Relationship and Bright Future for Another Simple Favor

Michele Morrone’s reflections on working with Anna Kendrick offer a glimpse into the positive dynamics behind the making of Another Simple Favor. His praise for Kendrick’s talent and dedication showcases the deep respect he has for his co-star, while also highlighting the importance of strong chemistry in a film focused on deception and high-stakes drama. With the film set to release globally on Amazon Prime Video, Morrone’s comments contribute to the growing anticipation for what promises to be an engaging and thrilling sequel. Fans can look forward to seeing Kendrick and Morrone together in what is sure to be an exciting continuation of the Simple Favor story.