Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively’s working relationship has once again come under scrutiny after an awkward exchange at the Another Simple Favor 

screening at the SXSW Film Festival. Kendrick’s reaction to a fan’s question about working with Lively has reignited long-standing rumors of tension between the two co-stars, 

especially as Lively remains embroiled in a legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni.

Anna Kendrick’s Tense Response Sparks Speculation

During the event in Austin, Texas, Kendrick, 39, was seen cheerfully greeting fans outside the screening. 

However, when asked how it felt to reunite with Lively for the sequel to A Simple Favor, her response was anything but enthusiastic.

Instead of offering an elaborate reply, Kendrick simply stated, “Oh, you know…” before quickly shifting her attention to taking selfies with other fans.

Her vague and seemingly dismissive response immediately fueled speculation that their rumored feud is far from over. In contrast, Lively, 36, was asked a similar question about working with Kendrick and gave an entirely different reaction. “Oh, it’s the best! I’m so happy,” she gushed before continuing to interact with fans.

The stark contrast between the two actresses’ reactions has only added to rumors that they do not get along behind the scenes, despite sharing the screen once again in the upcoming sequel.

A Sequel Shrouded in Drama

The highly anticipated sequel, Another Simple Favor, follows Kendrick’s character, Stephanie Smothers, and Lively’s Emily Nelson as they travel to the stunning island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy businessman. The movie, set to be released on May 1, 2025, also features an ensemble cast, including Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Michele Morrone, Allison Janney, Bashir Salahuddin, and Elena Sofia Ricci.

While the film itself has generated excitement among fans, its promotion has been overshadowed by Lively’s ongoing legal dispute with Baldoni. Last December, she filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual assault and defamation. He has since countersued for $400 million, also targeting Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane.

Reports have suggested that Kendrick is frustrated by the negative publicity surrounding Lively, particularly since some fans have vowed to boycott the movie in light of the lawsuit. A source previously revealed that Kendrick was troubled by social media backlash, especially comments from viewers refusing to support the project because of the legal drama.

On-Screen Collaboration, Off-Screen Distance

Despite working together again for the sequel, insiders have stated that Kendrick and Lively have never been particularly close. “These movies are basically all Anna and Blake have in common. They have a working relationship, by no means a close friendship or bond,” a source shared.

Tension reportedly escalated behind the scenes when Kendrick expressed concerns that the film’s promotional efforts were being derailed by Lively’s lawsuit. Some sources have indicated that last-minute discussions were held regarding how much the two stars would participate in press events together.

Initially, both actresses had agreed to do joint promotional appearances. However, insiders claim Kendrick is now considering handling media responsibilities alone to avoid being dragged into the controversy surrounding Lively’s legal battle.

Clashes Over Billing and Promotional Responsibilities

Rumors of a rift between Kendrick and Lively also stem from disputes over billing in the sequel. In the original 2018 film, Kendrick received top billing over Lively. However, Lively reportedly pushed for a change this time, leading to extensive negotiations.

After weeks of discussions, a compromise was reached—staggered billing, meaning Kendrick’s name would appear first, but Lively’s would be positioned slightly higher on the right. This agreement is considered equal billing in the industry, but sources suggest that the dispute created further tension between the two actresses.

More Awkward Moments on the Red Carpet

The SXSW Film Festival event wasn’t the only uncomfortable moment for Lively that evening. While posing for photos with co-star Michele Morrone, the Gossip Girl actress suddenly adjusted her strapless dress, leading to an awkward exchange between the two.

A body language expert analyzed the moment, suggesting that Morrone’s reaction—raising his hand and touching his head—indicated discomfort. Lively also crossed her legs and tapped her hip in a “self-diminishing” pose, hinting at possible unease.

Additionally, the event was briefly interrupted by a protestor supporting Baldoni. Though Lively continued with her appearances, the disruption highlighted how her ongoing legal battle is impacting her public outings.

Future Promotional Plans Remain Uncertain

While both actresses appeared together at the film festival, sources indicate that beyond SXSW, their joint promotional activities may be limited. Insiders claim that Kendrick prefers to keep her distance from Lively moving forward, as she does not want to be drawn into questions regarding her co-star’s lawsuit.

One source revealed, “Although Blake is obligated to promote the film, she retains the autonomy to determine the extent of her involvement beyond SXSW. They are now leaving this up to her to decide.”

Given the ongoing drama, Kendrick may take on the bulk of the film’s promotional responsibilities, allowing Lively to determine how much she wants to engage with the press.

The Growing Divide Between the Co-Stars

While both actresses have remained professional in public, it is clear that their working relationship is far from warm. With the film’s release approaching and the controversy surrounding Lively showing no signs of slowing down, the tension between the two may continue to play out in the coming months.

For now, fans can only speculate about the true nature of Kendrick and Lively’s dynamic. But if Kendrick’s brief and awkward response at SXSW is any indication, the rumored feud between them is far from settled.

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