Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s off-screen relationship has sparked countless rumors, particularly after their failure to do joint interviews for It Ends With Us.
Now, as Lively gears up for another high-profile film, Another Simple Favor, similar concerns are brewing, with Lively potentially opting out of most promotional events due to her ongoing legal issues with Baldoni.
Anna Kendrick Prefers to Keep Her Distance
The sequel to A Simple Favor, which was a major hit back in 2018, is due for release in May.
But sources close to the film have shared that the media circus surrounding Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios is already overshadowing the movie’s release.
Despite Lively’s role as the lead, it seems that her co-star Anna Kendrick, who plays a significant role in the sequel, is eager to distance herself from the drama.
“Anna and Blake really only have this professional connection,” one insider explained.
“They don’t have a deep friendship outside of their work, and Anna is now in talks with the studio to minimize her involvement in the promotion.
Anna is concerned that the focus will shift entirely to Blake’s legal battles instead of the movie itself.”
The SXSW Premiere and Lively’s Limited Role
The first poster for Another Simple Favor was recently unveiled, alongside the exciting news that the film will premiere at the SXSW Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas, on March 7.
Sources say that Lively is expected to attend, but beyond that, her promotional duties may be limited.
“Anna is prepared to take on most of the promotion alone if necessary,” an insider revealed. “She doesn’t want to be constantly answering questions about Blake’s legal issues.
If Blake decides to participate, it will likely only be at SXSW, and from there, her involvement will be her choice.”
The timing of Lively’s recent request for a one-month extension in her lawsuit filing could work out in her favor, giving her an easy out from additional promotional duties, sources speculate.
Tensions Between the Co-Stars and Fans’ Reactions
It’s clear that public sentiment is shifting, with many fans rallying behind Kendrick.
When Kendrick shared the movie’s promotional poster, fans flooded the post with supportive messages.
On the other hand, Lively has faced harsh criticism, with some saying they would no longer support any of her films, including the upcoming sequel.
Feig, the director, has made it clear he supports Lively, responding to detractors on social media.
He defended Lively’s professionalism, calling her a “dream to work with,” and emphasized that the film’s cut had always been his own.
Lively’s Ongoing Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni
Lively is embroiled in a bitter lawsuit with Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and launching a smear campaign against her.
The New York Times article, which detailed her allegations, further fueled the controversy.
Baldoni has since filed a countersuit, seeking $400 million in damages, accusing Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, of tarnishing his reputation.
Both parties have vigorously denied the accusations, and a trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, Baldoni has spoken about the emotional toll the legal battle has taken on him over the past year.
It remains to be seen how the ongoing legal drama will affect the promotional efforts for Another Simple Favor, but insiders suggest that Kendrick is doing everything she can to keep the spotlight on the film rather than the messy legal feud.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn