Director reveals why 'Another Simple Favor' opted for digital release

Director reveals why 'Another Simple Favor' opted for digital release
09 Mar 2025

Director Paul Feig recently premiered his newest film, Another Simple Favor at the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival.

The movie is a sequel to the 2018 hit A Simple Favor and is led by Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick and will be released on Prime Video on May 1.

The first part, however, was released theatrically and was a major commercial hit.

In an interview, Feig explained why the second part opted for a digital release.

Feig was aware that film will directly land on streaming
Decision

Feig told IndieWire, "It was always sold as a streaming movie, so that was not something that came out of nowhere."

"We knew going in. As a filmmaker do you like to have your movie on the big screen? Yes. That's why I love coming to this festival...but there's so many fans of this film."

"People are going to get together in their houses and watch it as a group that's my favorite thing."

Feig discusses challenges and changes in 'Another Simple Favor'
Production insights

Feig, who is famous for his works like Bridesmaids and Spy, was excited to team up again with Kendrick and Lively.

He admitted the pressure of living up to fans' expectations for the sequel.

"We were all cautious going in, because everybody really likes the first movie, so all we can do is either make something better or disappoint everybody."

"I always say, if you're going to make a sequel, make 'Godfather 2,'" he told IndieWire.

Feig shared insights into the script development process
Script evolution

Feig added that they had to discard the first version of the script because it wasn't perfect.

"We threw out the first version of the script that we came up with; I don't think it's what people wanted."

"Then we rewrote about 70% of it and came up with this and we're thrilled. Everybody [got] on board once we got it right."

His upcoming project is an adaptation of Freida McFadden's novel The Housemaid, starring Sydney Sweeney and Amanda Seyfried.

Here's what 'Another Simple Favor' is about

The official synopsis for Another Simple Favor reads: "Stephanie Smothers (Kendrick) and Emily Nelson (Lively) reunite on 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."

Henry Golding, Michele Morrone, Andrew Rannells, and Alex Newell co-star.