Blake Lively And Anna Kendrick Are Reuniting For 'A Simple Favor' Sequel

Jordan Claes
Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively drinking martinis in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

Almost five years ago to the day, the world bore witness to A Simple Favor. This black-comedy mystery movie starred Anna Kendrick, alongside Blake Lively, and was one of the surprise hits of the summer.

It has now been confirmed by both Amazon Studios and Lionsgate that a sequel is indeed in the works. What's even more exciting is that the entirety of the principal cast will be returning, along with director Paul Feig.

Back in 2018, Lionsgate gave the world one of the best movie team-ups in recent cinema history.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

The film was A Simple Favor, a black-comedy mystery/thriller starring Anna Kendrick as mommy-vlogger Stephanie Smothers, alongside Blake Lively as the mysterious socialite, Emily Nelson.

After a chance run-in at their kids' school, Stephanie and Emily develop a fast friendship.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

It doesn't take long for Stephanie to become totally enamored by Emily's life. She covets her newfound friend's home, her swanky lifestyle, and eventually — her husband.

Then one day, Emily up and disappears without a trace.

Anna Kendrick putting up missing poster in 'A Simple Favor'.
Giphy | A Simple Favor

This sends Stephanie into a tailspin. She becomes obsessed with trying to solve the mystery of Emily's disappearance and eventually is made to realize that her friend is far more than simply what she appears to be.

'A Simple Favor' was a surprise smash success, raking in $16 million at the box office in its opening weekend alone.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

The film has an impressive Audience Score of 73% on Rotten Tomatoes and has been Certified Fresh with a Tomatometer score of 84%.

Recently, Lionsgate and Amazon Studios confirmed that a sequel is indeed in the works.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

What's even more exciting is that both Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively will be reprising their respective roles, and Paul Feig is also coming back to direct.

The Twitterverse has been clamoring for a sequel to 'A Simple Favor' since the early days of the pandemic.

Anna Kendrick crying in 'A Simple Favor'.
Giphy | A Simple Favor

Although news of a sequel has come seemingly out of thin air, Paul Feig has been teasing its release for years.

Paul confirmed that it was indeed in the works back in September of 2020.

Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

"We have a great idea for it," Feig confirmed via Twitter. "I’d be happy to do it for whatever studio or streamer would want it."

Unlike the first film, which was based on the novel written by Darcey Bell, there is no source material for the sequel.

Anna Kendrick in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

This means that both Paul Feig and screenwriter Jessica Sharzer will need to be at the top of their game in order to recapture the essence of the first film.

So far, the news has been met with high praise and eager anticipation.

Fans can't seem to contain their excitement at the prospect of seeing Blake and Anna reunited on screen. Considering the chemistry they had in the first film, it's not hard to understand why.

"This was an underrated movie, in my opinion," Twitter user @mep757 tweeted out.

Anna Kendrick in 'A Simple Favor'.
Lionsgate | Lionsgate

"I’d love a sequel! But will @AviationGin be returning as well?"

Eagle-eyed fans of the first film may have noticed that Aviation Gin is Emily's drink of choice.

This was a cheeky call out to Ryan Reynolds, Blake's husband, who also happens to be the owner of the company.

Hugh Jackman pouring out Aviation Gin.
Giphy

Considering that Feig has recently made his own foray into the liquor business, it remains to be seen. But regardless of which martini mixer Emily and Stephanie will be swilling, rest assured that the sequel will leave audiences feeling both shaken and stirred.