7 hours ago
82
Their failure to interview together for It Ends With Us set off a flurry of rumours about Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s relationship off screen.
Now, Lively, 37, looks set to go it alone again, or swerve the promotional trail altogether, for her upcoming film Another Simple Favor, with insiders claiming her costar Anna Kendrick, 39, would prefer not to team up.
The actresses reunited for the long-awaited sequel to Paul Feig’s 2018 hit A Simple Favor, set for release on May 1, but the movie is at threat of being overshadowed by the media circus around Lively’s ongoing legal battle with Baldoni and his Wayfarer Studios.
After Lively reportedly did little to address how her saga has tarnished the early reception to the new film, insiders claim Kendrick has been in talks with bosses about distancing herself from her costar.
‘These movies are basically all Anna and Blake have in common,’ a source told DailyMail.com. ‘They have a working relationship, by no means a close friendship or bond.
‘Last-minute talks are underway with execs as Anna would prefer to distance herself from Blake going forward.
Anna Kendrick would prefer not to team up with Blake Lively to promote their upcoming movie Another Simple Favor due to her ongoing legal issues, insiders have told DailyMail.com
After Lively, 37, reportedly did little to address how her saga has tarnished the early reception to film, insiders claim Kendrick, 39, has been in talks with bosses about distancing herself
'It was originally planned that the two would do much of the promotion together. That’s what the studio requested, and Anna and Blake agreed to it.
‘But Anna could go it alone over fears she will get caught up in the drama.’
The first poster for Another Simple Favor was revealed last week, along with the announcement that it will premiere on March 7 at the SXSW Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas.
A second insider claimed Lively will most definitely attend the event which may be her only promo for the movie.
'Beyond this, Anna and the others do not anticipate any deep level of involvement,' they said.
'In fact, Anna is prepared to handle the promotion responsibilities alone. She would prefer this because she does not want to have to dodge questions about Blake’s lawsuit or have every interview turn into a Lively v Baldoni Q&A session.
‘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.’
The source added that her recent request for a one-month extension to file her amended complaint on February 10 is ‘advantageous’ as it could provide the ‘perfect scapegoat’ to avoid promotional work.
'Anna is prepared to handle the promotion responsibilities alone. She would prefer this because she does not want to have to dodge questions about Blake’s lawsuit,' a source said
The Gossip Girl alum is currently locked in a bitter battle with Justin Baldoni, 41, whom she accused of sexual harassment in a bombshell lawsuit last year (pictured in It Ends With Us)
It comes after DailyMail.com reported that Lively has been given a private coach to ‘school her’ ahead of SXSW, and that executives are working with Feig, 62, to ensure everything centres on the movie and not her legal issues.
Kendrick received an outpouring of sympathy when she shared the promotional poster for their upcoming film last week - a stark contrast to the scathing comments targeted at Lively.
‘Did Ryan rewrite a scene?’ asked one user in reference to Baldoni's claim that Lively rewrote a scene in It Ends with Us.
Another said: ‘Nope nope nope. Sorry Anna, will watch the next one. Not supporting this movie or anything with Blake Lively in it.’
A third echoed: ‘Love you Anna, but I can't stand Blake more. Will not be watching this movie.’
Feig also posted the image, but unlike the original, he tagged everyone but Lively.
However, he did jump to her defence as he responded to one user: 'It’s my cut. There is no other cut. Blake has been nothing but supportive and a dream to work with.
'She is the best and an amazing collaborator and I’m her biggest fan. Just wanted to clear that up.'
Kendrick received an outpouring of sympathy when she shared the promotional poster for their upcoming film last week - a stark contrast to the scathing comments targeted at Lively
The Gossip Girl alum is currently locked in a bitter battle with Baldoni whom she accused of sexual harassment in a bombshell lawsuit last year.
The New York Times later released a story based on Lively's legal filing that accused him of orchestrating a smear campaign against her.
Baldoni is now countersuing both Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds, 48, for $400million, claiming the Hollywood couple conspired to trash his reputation.
All parties have vehemently denied the allegations.
A trial is scheduled for March 9, 2026.
Earlier this week Baldoni admitted he has been dealing with 'emotional stress' during an 'intense year'.
English (US) ·