Blake Lively returns with co-star Anna Kendrick in “Another Simple Favor”, the sequel to the 2018 hit “A Simple Favor”. With the trial date for Lively’s notorious legal battle against Justin Baldoni being set for March 2026, speculation is rife on whether the film will survive the controversy surrounding one of its lead stars.
Fame and Fortune: No Publicity is Good Publicity
While promotion for her new film has been a metaphorical minefield for Lively, with the threat of Baldoni’s lawyers hanging over her head, the star has understandably kept the media attention to a minimum. Gone are the bold outfits and method dressing favored by the actress during both the original 2018’s A Simple Favor and the recent It Ends With Us press tours. This has proved to be a smart move, as any mention of Lively seems irrevocably linked to controversy.
Straight to Streaming: A Savvy Business Strategy to Save the Day?
While the original “A Simple Favor” was a theatre release and box office hit, grossing 97 million dollars from a budget of 20 million, the sequel saw a humble release straight to streaming on Amazon Prime. The immediate streaming has not only saved the film the hassle of selling tickets but also spared the audience the ethical dilemma of choosing between boycotting the movie and supporting the actress.
Separating Art From the Artist
Another Simple Favor has a 6/10 rating on IMDb and an 81% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes, proving that despite the controversy surrounding the star, the film seems to have found favor among the audience and critics alike. While public opinion about Blake Lively may not be changing anytime soon, it seems that the actress, with the help of minimal publicity and smart business strategy, has managed to pull the ship into harbor.
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