A Simple Favor 2 gets a title change as it sets a world premiere at South by Southwest ahead of its streaming release. Directed by Paul Feig, with a script written by Jessica Sharzer based on the novel by Darcey Bell, the original 2018 film combines elements of black comedy and crime thriller, following a small-town vlogger, Stephanie Smothers (Anna Kendrick), who tries to solve the disappearance of her elegant and mysterious friend, Emily Nelson (Blake Lively). A Simple Favor‘s cast also includes Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Linda Cardellini, Rupert Friend, and Jean Smart.
Now, ahead of its streaming release later this year, A Simple Favor 2 has officially changed its title to Another Simple Favor. The news was confirmed as part of the announcement that the sequel will premiere as the opening film of SXSW on March 7. Feig and Claudette Godfrey, SXSW’s VP of Film & TV, shared the following statements:
Feig: I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back at my favorite festival in the world where we successfully launched Bridesmaids and Spy, and I cannot begin to say how honored I am to have our film opening it all. I’ve avoided making sequels to any of my films but these characters were just too much fun not to revisit. So, to be able to have Anna, Blake, Henry, Andrew, Michele, Elizabeth, Alex and myself watch our film with the great SXSW audience is a bucket list event that I’ll be able to check off March 7th and move playing drums for Dwight Yoakum’s band up to the top slot.
Godfrey: When we saw this film last fall, we instantly knew it had to open SXSW – it gave us that electric feeling we live for as programmers. Paul Feig and SXSW share an unmatched love for bold, fearless comedy. From that unforgettable late night screening of Bridesmaids to Spy‘s raucous world premiere, his films capture exactly what makes our festival special – wildly entertaining projects that push boundaries. We’re beyond excited to reunite with Paul and kick off the festival with a film that had our entire team laughing, cheering, and immediately wanting to watch it again!
What Another Simple Favor’s Title Change & SXSW Premiere Mean For The Movie
It Hints At The Sequel’s Story
Another Simple Favor‘s title hints at the sequel’s story, which is written once again by Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis. The sequel sees the return of Kendrick’s Stephanie Smothers and Lively’s Emily Nelson as they travel to the stunning island of Capri, Italy for Emily’s lavish wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman, where more murder and betrayal are sure to take place amidst the glamorous setting. The cast also includes Golding, Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Joshua Satine, and Ian Ho reprising their roles from the first film with Michele Morrone, Elizabeth Perkins, and Allison Janney joining the ensemble.
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Another Simple Favor is directed once again by Paul Feig, who is known for his bold, female-led comedies like Bridesmaids and Spy, both of which premiered at South by Southwest. In turn, his work is deeply connected to the film festival, which has long been celebrated for showcasing boundary-pushing humor. Feig and SXSW share a preference for fearless comedy, evidenced by the premiere of Bridesmaids and Spy, wildly entertaining films that challenge conventions and perfectly capture the spirit of the festival.
Our Take On Another Simple Favor’s Title Change & SXSW Premiere
Will The Sequel Be Released In Theaters?
Another Simple Favor‘s title hints at both continuity and fresh twists, blending familiarity with intrigue, which makes it a suitable choice for the sequel. By premiering at SXSW, the film will offer festival-goers a communal, theatrical experience. However, by releasing it on Prime Video, general audiences will be denied that same experience. Overall, Another Simple Favor‘s title and release strategy should provoke mixed feelings – it’s intriguing yet somewhat disappointing for those longing for another theatrical experience.
Another Simple Favor releases on Prime Video on May 1.
Source: SXSW