Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick Set for A Simple Favor Sequel With Original Director Returning

It’s time to step back into the world of martinis, mysterious disappearances, and backstabbing. Word of a sequel to A Simple Favor began circulating a couple of years ago, but Amazon MGM Studios has made it official today with the announcement of the main cast returning under the direction of the original film’s director, Paul Feig.

Per Deadline, Amazon MGM Studios is full steam ahead on the sequel to A Simple Favor with all the key players in front of and behind the camera returning. This includes stars Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack. Feig will once again be helming the sequel while Jessica Sharzer, who penned the first film, is back on script duty for the follow-up. Shooting is expected to start this spring and a streaming release is being planned in 240 countries. With the announcement, also came official plot details for the sequel:

“In part two, we see the return of Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they head to the beautiful island of Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a rich Italian businessman. Along with the glamorous guests, expect murder and betrayal to RSVP for a wedding with more twists and turns than the road from the Marina Grande to the Capri town square.”

A Simple Favor Delivered Plenty of Twists and Turns

A Simple Favor is based on the 2017 novel of the same name by Darcey Bell, and it follows a small-town vlogger named Stephanie (Kendrick) who tries to solve the disappearance of her elegant and mysterious best friend Emily (Lively). Marketed in the same style as Gone Girl, the film played like a traditional missing woman mystery thriller before completely turning things on its head during the third act in a very funny and clever way. The film also cemented Henry Golding as a star to watch, coming out just one month after his breakthrough role in Crazy Rich Asians.

Related

Blake Lively’s Best Performances In Movies and TV Shows, Ranked

From her earliest to most recent work, here are Blake Lively’s best performances, ranked.

When the film was released in 2018, the movie became a hit with critics and audiences alike. The movie carries an impressive 84 percent on Rotten Tomatoes with a consensus that reads, “Twisty, twisted, and above all simply fun, A Simple Favor casts a stylish mommy noir spell strengthened by potent performances from Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively.” On a budget of just $20 million, A Simple Favor grossed $53.5 million domestically and $97.6 million worldwide.