Blake Lively's latest movie premiere was marked by controversy and mixed emotions. Yet, the actress reflects on feeling an overwhelming love from the audience, making the event memorable.
- March 12, 2025
AceShowbiz - Blake Lively gushed over the premiere of "Another Simple Favor" during the South By Southwest Film Festival in Texas. Despite facing a turbulent reception, Lively took to Instagram to express her gratitude and shared several snaps from the event.
The premiere was fraught with controversy, starting with a protestor holding a sign reading, "Justice for Justin Baldoni. Blake lied," coupled with a perceived frosty reception from co-star Anna Kendrick.
Further fueling the drama, some alleged that the audience was artificially inflated, pointing to Laurie Feig, wife of the film's director, posing as a fan in the crowd.
Nevertheless, Lively described the event as akin to a "rock concert" in her Instagram caption, stating, Watching @asimplefavor opening night @sxsw felt like a rock concert. Thank you to the very best audience. Texas turns it out.
She added, Making this movie was already the gift, every element of it. To share it with you all and feel the love returned to us was the best feeling. Thank you for having us Austin.
Fans also scrutinized Lively's red carpet interaction with another co-star Michele Morrone, but any feud rumor was squashed by the two on Instagram. Lively posted a series of pictures showing her playing a friendly game of ping pong with Morrone.
"Final Austin roundup for @asimplefavor," she wrote. "I know how fortunate I am to work with each of you. Thank you to my friends and loved ones for making this weekend so special. Ok. Back to sweatpants now. That was fun."
Amid the chaos, Lively's outfit also drew attention. She confirmed that her plunging dress was made of latex, sharing details of her ensemble, including a $5,795 Judith Leiber martini-shaped purse - a nod to her character Emily Nelson's martini preference.
Inside the venue, the tension between Lively and Kendrick was palpable. Fans speculated on their strained relationship, with body language experts noting Kendrick's discomfort. The rumor mill buzzed with stories of a "secret feud" between the two, further fueled by Kendrick's muted reaction to questions about working with Lively.
However, director Paul Feig vehemently dispelled the reports, saying any speculation of growing tensions between his two female leads is simply not true.
The premiere's drama unfolded against the backdrop of Lively's ongoing legal battles with Justin Baldoni. The duo, entangled in lawsuits stemming from their previous collaboration, "It Ends With Us," have no end in sight to their legal confrontations, with trials scheduled for 2026.
Despite the controversies, Lively's social media posts radiate positivity, focusing on the support from fans rather than the negativity surrounding the event. With "Another Simple Favor" slated for a May 1 release, it remains to be seen how the ongoing drama will impact the film's reception.
