Director Paul Feig dismisses claims of tension between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick at SXSW.

Rumours of a bitter feud between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick have taken over social media following their tense appearance at the Another Simple Favor promotion during SXSW 2025. However, director Paul Feig has now stepped in to shut down the speculation.

The whispers began after YouTuber Melanie King posted a photo on X (formerly Twitter), claiming the actresses looked “terrified to walk the carpet” together at the event. King went further, speculating that Kendrick “never wants to work with [Lively] again.” The post quickly gained traction, with fans dissecting every expression and interaction between the two stars.

As tensions mounted online, Feig addressed the situation at a Q&A event with the cast at Austin’s Paramount Theatre. Dismissing the feud speculation, he assured the audience that there was no animosity between Lively and Kendrick.

Later that day, the two actresses were seen engaging in side conversations and laughing together, contradicting the growing narrative of a falling out. They also shared behind-the-scenes details about filming the much-anticipated sequel, which is set to premiere on Prime Video on 1 May.

However, the timing of the feud rumours couldn’t be worse for Lively, who is already entangled in a legal battle with It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Baldoni has countersued her for defamation and extortion following her accusations of sexual harassment. The case is expected to go to trial on 9 March 2026.

For now, Feig’s statement seems to have calmed some of the frenzy surrounding the Another Simple Favor stars, but whether the internet believes him remains to be seen.