Paul Feig’s sequel to A Simple Favor, titled Another Simple Favor, will open this year’s SXSW Film and TV Festival in Austin, Texas. The festival organizers announced on Tuesday that the highly anticipated film will premiere on March 7.
The movie, starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, follows Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) as they travel to Capri, Italy, for a wedding. Fans can expect another suspenseful story filled with mystery, betrayal, and unexpected twists.
Claudette Godfrey, vice president of the festival, shared excitement about the film’s selection. “When we watched it last fall, we immediately knew it had to open SXSW. It gave us that thrilling feeling we love as programmers,” she said.
Feig has a history with SXSW, having previously screened films like Bridesmaids in 2011 and Spy in 2015.
This premiere also marks Lively’s first movie release since It Ends With Us, which was followed by legal disputes involving her and the film’s director and co-star, Justin Baldoni. Lively filed a lawsuit in December, accusing Baldoni and his production company of harassment and damage to her reputation. In response, Baldoni sued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion, seeking $400 million in damages. A trial is scheduled for March 2026.
SXSW will also feature other big premieres, including Seth Rogen’s new Hollywood comedy series, The Studio. The festival, now in its 32nd year, runs from March 7-14.
