Anna Kendrick Distances Herself from Blake Lively Amid Legal Battle with Justin Baldoni

Entertainment
Alex Jane
February 13, 2025
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7 minutes read

Anna Kendrick reportedly wants to limit joint appearances with Blake Lively due to Lively’s ongoing legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni, according to Daily Mail. With the highly anticipated sequel to the 2018 thriller A Simple Favor set for release on May 1, studio executives are now reconsidering promotional plans to navigate the growing media scrutiny surrounding Lively’s lawsuit.

An insider revealed that Kendrick has expressed concerns about being linked to the controversy and is actively working with the studio to distance herself from the legal drama. Anna and Blake have a working relationship, but they’re not close friends,” the source stated. “Last-minute talks are underway because Anna is keen to distance herself from Blake to avoid getting caught up in the drama.”

While the original plan involved both actresses participating in the film’s promotional tour, Kendrick may now take the lead, potentially handling press interviews and major appearances solo. One key event on the film’s schedule is its premiere at the SXSW Film and TV Festival on March 7, where Lively is expected to make an appearance. However, her role in the wider promotional campaign remains uncertain.

Lively’s legal dispute with Baldoni has been escalating since last year when she accused him of sexual harassment in a lawsuit. In response, Baldoni filed a staggering $400 million countersuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, alleging defamation. The high-profile case is set for trial in March 2026, adding further complications to the film’s release.

Meanwhile, the first promotional materials for Another Simple Favor have sparked mixed reactions on social media. While Kendrick received widespread support from fans, Lively faced backlash, with some users even calling for a boycott of the film. Despite the controversy, director Paul Feig has publicly defended Lively, praising her as a “dream to work with.”

However, as the film’s release date nears, industry insiders speculate that promotional efforts may continue to shift, with Kendrick taking center stage while Lively maintains a lower profile. With the legal battle looming over the film’s marketing strategy, how the studio handles the situation in the coming weeks could play a significant role in its box office performance.