“She Thought My Dad Was Eaten by a Lion”—Michele Morrone’s Wild Joke That Made Blake Lively His Best Friend

Michele Morrone, known for his role in Another Simple Favor, has revealed a surprising and unexpected story behind how he became great friends with both his co-star Blake Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. In an exclusive clip from the May 2 episode of Tommy DiDario’s “I’ve Never Said This Before” podcast, Morrone opened up about the unorthodox way he bonded with the Hollywood power couple, describing how their relationship evolved from colleagues to close friends who check on each other weekly.

A Lighthearted Joke that Sparked a Lifelong Friendship

Morrone, 34, recalled how downtime on the set of Another Simple Favor served as the perfect opportunity for bonding. The film’s production provided plenty of opportunities for the cast to relax and chat between takes, and it was during one of these moments that Morrone and Lively connected on a deeper level.

The turning point, however, came from an unusual joke that Morrone made about his father. “We were just sitting and waiting to start shooting, talking about our parents and what they do,” Morrone explained. “I made a weird joke about my dad passing away 20 years ago. I told Blake that my father died after falling into a lion’s cage at the zoo and getting ‘eaten by a lion.’”

Lively, initially unaware that Morrone was joking, responded with concern. However, Morrone didn’t immediately clarify the situation, keeping a straight face and letting Lively believe the outlandish story. Eventually, Morrone revealed the truth, bursting into laughter after seeing Lively’s genuine remorse. This moment of vulnerability and humor became the catalyst for their close friendship. “From that moment, me and Blake became very close. She has the same sense of humor,” Morrone shared. “We clicked in that moment.”

A Bond Built on Humor and Understanding

For Morrone, finding friends who shared his sense of humor was deeply meaningful. He emphasized the importance of laughter, especially in challenging situations. “Sometimes people think there should be boundaries, but we laugh. It’s healthy to be a little bit less intense. It’s OK to laugh,” he said. This shared outlook on life and humor helped him form a strong connection with both Lively and Reynolds, who have been known for their lighthearted approach to life in the spotlight.

Morrone also expressed gratitude for the familial bond he shares with Lively and Reynolds, noting that their friendship has developed into something akin to a sibling relationship. “We talk with each other every week to check on each other like, ‘How are you? Do you need anything? I am here for you,’” Morrone said. This genuine care for one another has cemented their status as close friends and, as Morrone put it, “family.”

Support Amid Legal Challenges

As Morrone reflected on his bond with Lively and Reynolds, he also took a moment to publicly support Lively during a difficult time. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and creating a “hostile work environment.” Baldoni subsequently filed a counter-lawsuit against Lively and Reynolds, making for a complex and public legal battle. Despite the tension, Morrone stood by his friends, sharing his support on social media.

“It’s usually not my thing to make those kinds of videos, but I think it’s time to stand up for a person I really love, and this person is Blake Lively,” Morrone wrote in an Instagram Story. “I personally met Blake during A Simple Favor 2. We shot this incredible film together and I felt something was wrong, and I felt the pain.”

What’s Next for Morrone, Lively, and Reynolds?

Morrone’s friendship with Lively and Reynolds remains as strong as ever, and fans are getting a front-row seat to their dynamic with the release of Another Simple Favor. The film, which debuted on Prime Video on May 1, 2025, is a sequel to A Simple Favor, featuring Lively’s character Emily at her extravagant wedding to an Italian businessman played by Morrone. The movie’s setting on the stunning island of Capri, Italy, and its thrilling storyline promise to bring plenty of twists and turns, all while showcasing the undeniable chemistry between Morrone and Lively.

As Another Simple Favor takes off, Morrone, Lively, and Reynolds continue to support one another both professionally and personally, proving that true friendship can blossom in the most unexpected ways, even in the midst of Hollywood’s chaotic world.