Bad timing?: Lively’s new film faces PR disaster before release

Blake Lively just dropped the first teaser for Another Simple Favor, but the timing couldn’t be worse. Her ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni has overshadowed the release. The controversy is turning into a publicity nightmare for the highly anticipated sequel. With so much drama in the air, will fans still be excited about the movie? Or will the scandal take center stage?

Legal drama takes over the headlines

The It Ends With Us scandal has put both Lively and Baldoni in the spotlight—but not in a good way. The Hollywood Reporter even featured them on its cover, turning their feud into a media spectacle. Despite the drama, the movie is still set to premiere at the 2025 SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 7. Fans can stream it on Prime Video starting May 1. The buzz around the film should be about its thrilling plot and star-studded cast, but instead, it’s being drowned out by controversy.

Trailer release sparks more controversy

Amazon MGM Studios released the trailer on YouTube on Wednesday, but something was off—the comments were disabled. This move followed backlash from the film’s poster reveal. Fans trolled the movie online, joking about whether Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, secretly directed the film. The negative attention only adds fuel to the fire. The studio’s decision to silence viewers speaks volumes. Are they trying to avoid another PR disaster, or do they already know how bad the backlash will be?

Star-studded sequel promises twists and turns

Lively reprises her role alongside Anna Kendrick, 39. Directed by Paul Feig, the story follows Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) as they head to Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding. But this isn’t just any wedding—it’s packed with betrayal and murder. The breathtaking setting may be luxurious, but danger lurks behind every corner. With secrets waiting to explode, this sequel promises just as many shocking moments as the first film.

A long-awaited sequel finally arrives

The follow-up to A Simple Favor was first announced in May 2022. The original film was based on Darcey Bell’s 2017 novel. Fans have been waiting for years, and now the wait is almost over. While audiences should be celebrating, all eyes are on the controversy instead. Can the film overcome the scandal and deliver the stylish thriller fans loved the first time around? Or will the off-screen chaos taint its legacy?

A-list cast joins the thrilling ride

Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, Ian Ho, and Kelly McCormack return for the sequel. Adding to the excitement, 365 Days heartthrob Michele Morrone plays Lively’s on-screen fiancé. With such a high-profile cast, expectations are through the roof. But with all the attention on Lively’s real-life drama, will the performances get the recognition they deserve?

Director Feig backs lively

Paul Feig, a longtime supporter of Lively, took to social media to praise her. “Blake and Anna deliver incredible performances. I can’t wait for everyone to see it,” he wrote, hyping up the film. His public endorsement speaks volumes. With Lively at the center of a media storm, having the director in her corner is crucial. But will his words be enough to shift the focus back to the movie?

Shocking twists teased in the trailer

The trailer reveals jaw-dropping moments. Kendrick’s character is stunned when Lively’s character—previously imprisoned—suddenly returns. Lively then shocks Kendrick with a bold question: “Do you think I invited you to get revenge? For stealing my life and taking my kid away from me?” The tension is undeniable. Betrayal, revenge, and long-buried secrets are about to explode. Fans hoping for drama won’t be disappointed. But will real-life headlines steal the show from the fictional twists?

Explosive legal battle with Baldoni

Lively is currently embroiled in a bitter lawsuit against Baldoni, 40. She has accused him of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. Baldoni has denied all allegations and responded with a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, Reynolds, and their publicist, Leslie Sloane. The stakes are massive. The legal fight is getting uglier by the day, dragging more people into the chaos. It’s no longer just about Lively and Baldoni—now Reynolds and Hollywood insiders are caught in the storm.

The Hollywood Reporter sparks more outrage

Lively recently blasted The Hollywood Reporter, calling their cover story sexist. The article featured an image of her launching a slingshot at Baldoni, which she called “outrageously insulting.” The portrayal sparked major backlash. Instead of focusing on the serious allegations, the media turned Lively into the aggressor. The actress isn’t staying silent. She’s making it clear—she won’t let the narrative be twisted against her.

Her spokesperson slammed the magazine, telling The Daily Mail, “The Hollywood Reporter should be ashamed. The framing of this picture plays into every sexist trope. It turns women who file workplace complaints into aggressors and suggests they deserve retaliation.” The strong response leaves no room for doubt. Lively and her team are ready to fight back against the media. But with public opinion divided, will they succeed?

The article also explored Baldoni’s Baha’i faith and how it may have contributed to the dispute. It referenced claims that he once told Lively he could speak to her deceased father. His spiritual beliefs were described as a potential source of misunderstanding in the conflict. The revelations add another layer to the drama. Could religious differences have fueled the conflict? Or is this just another attempt to shift the narrative?

Cultural clash or something more?

The piece suggested the controversy could stem from cultural differences. It questioned whether Baldoni’s faith-driven actions, like hugging and praying before filming, clashed with Hollywood’s post-#MeToo culture. But Lively’s team is having none of it. They see this as a dangerous distraction. The allegations aren’t about religion—they’re about workplace misconduct. The defense is raising eyebrows. Is this a valid perspective, or just an attempt to explain away the accusations?

Lively’s camp rejects the narrative

Her team shut down this argument, calling it “extremely offensive.” They accused the magazine of excusing Baldoni’s alleged behavior by labeling it a “cultural misunderstanding.” The backlash is swift and fierce. No one is buying the attempt to minimize the allegations. But the question remains—who will the public believe?

The Verdict: Will the movie survive the scandal?

With the film’s release fast approaching, will audiences focus on the movie or the off-screen drama? One thing is certain—this PR disaster isn’t over yet. The scandals keep piling up. The backlash keeps growing. And the world is watching every move. Will Another Simple Favor rise above the controversy? Or will the legal battle be the final nail in the coffin? The countdown to the truth has be