Paul Feig defends Blake Lively amid lawsuits and Another Simple Favor premiere details. Legal drama with Jason Baldoni explodes.
Why is Blake Lively in Legal Turmoil?
Paul Feig, director of A Simple Favor, continues to publicly back Blake Lively amid her escalating legal feud with It Ends With Us collaborator Jason Baldoni.
The conflict intensified when Baldoni filed a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their PR team in January, calling it “desperate” by her lawyers.
Both cases are set for court in March 2026.
What Sparked the “Director’s Cut” Debate?
Rumors of dual film edits emerged after Baldoni’s lawsuit against the New York Times alleged Lively commissioned her own version of It Ends With Us.
Feig addressed similar speculation about Another Simple Favor on Instagram, clarifying, “It’s my cut. Blake’s been a dream collaborator.”
His support contrasts sharply with the bitter disputes overshadowing Baldoni’s project.
How Has Feig Defended Lively?
Feig praised Lively’s professionalism on X (formerly Twitter), calling her “one of the most talented people I’ve worked with” and condemning the “smear campaign” against her.
He also debunked rumors of the sequel’s delay, stating, “The movie is finished and coming soon.”
The sequel reunites Lively with Anna Kendrick and Henry Golding, shifting the plot to a murder at an Italian wedding.
When Does Another Simple Favor Premiere?
The film will debut at SXSW in Austin on March 7, followed by a Prime Video release on May 1. The original 2018 thriller remains Lively’s highest-grossing film, adapted from Darcey Bell’s novel.
Will the sequel’s Capri-set drama overshadow its off-screen controversies?
What’s Next for the Legal Feud?
With court dates two years away, the clash casts a shadow over both projects. Baldoni’s lawsuit alleges harassment and defamation, while Lively’s team claims these are retaliatory tactics.
As Hollywood watches, the outcome could reshape alliances in the industry.
Quick Facts: Blake Lively & Another Simple Favor
- Lawsuit Timeline: Lively sued Baldoni Dec 21, 2025; he countersued Jan 16, 2026.
- Sequel Release: Premieres March 7 at SXSW, streams May 1 on Prime Video.
- Box Office Hit: Original A Simple Favor is Lively’s top-grossing film.
- Feig’s Support: Director calls rumors “total BS,” praises Lively’s collaboration.
- Plot Shift: Sequel moves the setting to Capri, featuring a wedding murder mystery.