Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick captivated audiences in the 2018 dark comedy-thriller A Simple Favor, portraying two strikingly different women whose friendship takes a thrilling turn. Their undeniable onscreen chemistry left fans intrigued—was it genuine, or simply the magic of filmmaking?
Since the film’s debut, speculation about their off-screen dynamic has only grown, with many closely observing their interactions. As anticipation builds for the sequel, one question remains: What is the real story behind Blake and Anna’s relationship when the cameras aren’t rolling?
From Co-Stars to “Enemies”? The Origins of the Rumors
Speculation about Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick’s relationship took off in 2021 when a supposed insider from the A Simple Favor set claimed on the Celebrity Memoir Book Club podcast that the two “hated each other.” Though these allegations, reported by StyleCaster, remained unverified, they quickly spread online. The rumors gained even more traction when a viral TikTok resurfaced claims that their press tours had to be arranged separately to prevent any conflict.
Back in 2018, while promoting the film, Kendrick made a playful remark about meeting Lively through Ryan Reynolds, joking, “I thought she seemed nice. And little did I know…” Her signature dry humor was on full display, but fans were quick to analyze the comment, wondering if there was more to it than just a lighthearted tease.
For years, any rumored tension remained purely speculative—until the two actresses reunited for the highly anticipated sequel.
Anna Kendrick Clears the Air
In October 2024, Anna Kendrick finally spoke out about the long-standing rumors during an interview with People magazine while promoting A Simple Favor 2. When asked about reuniting with Lively for the sequel, Kendrick responded with warmth and ease, putting speculation to rest.
“It was lovely. And it does feel a little bit like riding a bike,” Kendrick shared, surprising fans who had bought into the long-running rumors of tension between the two actresses. Her calm and upbeat demeanor gave no indication of past drama, contradicting the narrative that tabloids had fueled for years.
Director Paul Feig Sets the Record Straight
Director Paul Feig, who helmed both A Simple Favor and its upcoming sequel, provided further clarification on the rumors. When a fan on X (formerly Twitter) suggested that Blake Lively deliberately skipped a red carpet event to avoid Anna Kendrick, Feig offered a straightforward rebuttal: “You’re wrong.” His concise response backed the promotional narrative, in which both actresses appeared genuinely supportive of the film and enthusiastic about its return. Having worked closely with both stars over two projects, Feig sees no substance in the feud rumors, reinforcing the notion that the drama was more myth than reality.
A Complicated Legacy of Online Speculation
In an industry where fan theories and digital rumors can quickly morph into “facts,” it’s common for co-stars—particularly female ones—to be cast as rivals. The calm, professional rapport between Lively and Kendrick was enough for some to spin a story suggesting they didn’t get along. However, the reality may simply be that they maintain a respectful, professional relationship rather than a deep personal bond, which is entirely normal. Neither actress has ever resorted to personal attacks or hostile remarks; instead, they let their work speak for itself, allowing their performances to silence the gossip.
What’s Next for the Duo?
With A Simple Favor 2 now officially in production, the spotlight returns to Blake and Anna. Although their off-screen connection might not evolve into the Hollywood best-friend narrative some fans hoped for, their strong professional collaboration is undeniable. Their upcoming roles serve as a reminder that compelling storytelling does not rely on real-life closeness but on two talented actors committed to delivering their best performances. Recent interviews and red carpet appearances indicate that, despite the rumors, the mutual respect between the two remains very much intact.
