Anna Kendrick Reportedly Upset Over Fan Backlash Tied to Blake Lively’s Legal Drama During Another Simple Favor Release

Another Simple Favor, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 mystery thriller A Simple Favor, was meant to be a celebratory reunion between Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. Instead, its promotional rollout was marred by controversy—one that Kendrick never asked to be part of.

Sources close to the production say Kendrick, 39, was quietly but deeply upset by the wave of online negativity that surrounded the film’s release, much of it centered not on the movie itself, but on co-star Blake Lively’s ongoing legal battle with actor-director Justin Baldoni. The backlash, which included fan-led boycotts, appeared to cast a shadow over a project Kendrick was excited to share with audiences.

The sequel, directed once again by Paul Feig, premiered at SXSW on March 7, 2025, and was released on Amazon Prime Video on May 1. Set against the backdrop of a glamorous wedding in Capri, the film features returning cast members Henry Golding and Allison Janney. But it wasn’t the sun-drenched mystery that got fans talking—it was a firestorm ignited by real-life courtroom drama.

Lively, 37, has been entangled in a legal conflict with Baldoni since late 2024. She filed a federal civil rights complaint and lawsuit against Baldoni and his company, Wayfarer Studios, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation. Baldoni countersued for $400 million in January 2025, claiming defamation and extortion. The legal battle became a public spectacle, further fueled by his controversial website, thelawsuitinfo.com, which posts court filings for public consumption.

When the first poster for Another Simple Favor dropped on February 4, it was instantly met with vitriol online. Some users questioned the film’s promotion hierarchy, targeting Lively’s top billing and posting comments such as, “We are not watching this movie BLAKE. After what you did to an innocent man, Justin.” Others criticized her for not publicly presenting more evidence of her claims, calling for a boycott until the lawsuit resolved.

According to a People Magazine report dated February 14, Kendrick was deeply hurt by the response. “The comments on Instagram have upset her,” a source said. “Especially the ones saying fans are now refusing to watch the movie because they don’t want to support Blake.” While Kendrick has no involvement in the legal case, the fallout put her in a difficult position—caught in the crossfire of a controversy that wasn’t hers.

Trying to deflect tension during the SXSW premiere, Kendrick responded to a Variety reporter’s question about the drama with dry humor. “Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone, but I heard the movie is amazing,” she said before quickly exiting the interview. According to USA Today, the comment was her way of distancing herself without stoking the fire.

Despite rampant speculation, multiple sources have confirmed there is no personal feud between Kendrick and Lively. “There really is no drama or rift,” a source told People. Lively echoed this in an April 27 Instagram Story, calling Kendrick and Feig a “dream.” Director Paul Feig also shot down feud rumors on X, replying to one fan’s claim with a simple “Um… you’re wrong.”

In recent weeks, the controversy has faded from headlines, as media attention shifted back to the film itself. Reviews from NPR and Hollywood.com have focused more on the movie’s plot and style than its promotional challenges. Both Kendrick and Lively appeared at the SXSW premiere, seemingly on good terms, a moment captured by ABC News.

For Kendrick, who typically keeps a low profile and avoids public drama, the experience has likely been a frustrating lesson in the collateral damage of celebrity culture. But if fan reactions are any indication, many still admire her performance and hope she continues to rise above the noise.