The ongoing legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has divided Hollywood, leaving fans and insiders questioning where loyalties lie.
While the high-profile lawsuit continues to make headlines, rumors suggest that Lively’s strained relationships on set may extend beyond Baldoni.
Reports now claim that tensions are brewing between Lively and her Another Simple Favor co-star, Anna Kendrick.
With the sequel to their 2018 hit, A Simple Favor, set for release, speculation has emerged that Kendrick and Lively have clashed behind the scenes.
Allegedly, the two actresses are at odds over billing disputes and the negative attention surrounding Lively’s legal troubles,
which some believe could overshadow the movie’s release.
Anna Kendrick’s BAFTA Speech Sparks Speculation
Fan theories about a possible rift between Lively and Kendrick gained traction after a speech Kendrick gave at the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs). Presenting the award for Best Director, Kendrick emphasized the importance of respecting directors and their creative authority.
“We all have huge respect for directors,” Kendrick stated during her speech. “It’s one of the most exhilarating and exhausting jobs in the world. It’s juggling a million decisions, answering endless questions, and somehow still making sure that the story shines through.”
Although the comments may have seemed harmless on the surface, social media users were quick to dissect Kendrick’s words. Some speculated that her emphasis on “respect for directors” was a pointed reference to Lively’s ongoing dispute with Baldoni.
A video clip of Kendrick’s speech, originally posted by BAFTA’s official TikTok, was reshared on X (formerly Twitter). One user remarked, “There’s no way Anna Kendrick’s speech about directors in Hollywood was coincidental. She’s confirming those Blake Lively feud rumors, and I am living for this shade.”
Growing Division on the Set of Another Simple Favor
Fans have pointed out that Lively and Kendrick appeared to be close while promoting A Simple Favor in 2018. However, sources now claim that their dynamic has changed, particularly due to Lively’s legal battle with Baldoni. Reports suggest that Kendrick is reluctant to engage in joint press events with Lively and has been working with studio executives to minimize their interactions during the film’s promotional campaign.
An insider revealed, “These movies are basically all Anna and Blake have in common. They have a working relationship, but by no means a close friendship or bond. Last-minute talks are underway with execs, as Anna would prefer to distance herself from Blake going forward.”
The timing of Kendrick’s remarks at the BAFTAs has only fueled speculation that she is subtly taking a stance in the legal drama. While neither actress has publicly addressed the rumors, online discussions continue to suggest that Kendrick may be aligning herself with Baldoni in the ongoing feud.
Lively’s Legal Battle Casts a Shadow Over Her Career
Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni alleges that he engaged in inappropriate conduct while working on their recent film, It Ends With Us. Baldoni has denied the allegations and, in response, filed a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane. He accuses them of defamation, extortion, and using their influence to interfere with his career.
The controversy surrounding Lively has led to divided opinions in Hollywood. While some have expressed support for her, others have questioned the impact her legal troubles might have on her professional relationships and upcoming projects.
Baldoni’s counterclaims suggest that Lively sought excessive creative control over It Ends With Us, including script changes, wardrobe decisions, and even bringing in her own composer who had previously worked with Reynolds. Additionally, a key scene involving Baldoni and Lively’s characters—where they slow dance—has been cited as a focal point in her harassment claims, with Baldoni’s team arguing that she contradicted his directorial instructions.
Online Reactions: Fans Speculate on Kendrick’s Intentions
The clip of Kendrick’s BAFTA speech quickly gained traction online, with many interpreting it as a veiled dig at Lively. Social media users shared reactions such as:
“That pause before ‘respect’ was louder than the mic. The shade is so strong, I need SPF 100.”
“Anna really got on that stage and said, ‘I’m gonna direct this shade right where it needs to go.’ ICONIC.”
“Hollywood drama is my favorite genre, and Anna just gave us a masterpiece.”
While some believe Kendrick was making a subtle statement about Lively, others argue that her speech was purely professional and not intended as a personal jab. However, the timing of her remarks, combined with reports of behind-the-scenes tension, has kept speculation alive.
The Future of Another Simple Favor
As the release date for Another Simple Favor approaches, it remains unclear how the rumored rift between Lively and Kendrick will affect the film’s promotion. With Lively reportedly planning to avoid the film’s press tour due to her ongoing legal woes, Kendrick may take the lead in marketing efforts.
Whether the tension between the two actresses is real or exaggerated by online theories, the speculation only adds another layer to the drama already surrounding Lively’s career. Hollywood remains divided, and fans will be watching closely to see how the situation unfolds in the coming months.
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