History of A Simple Favor (film) in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 4, 2025

A Simple Favor is a black comedy mystery film about Stephanie Smothers, a widowed mommy vlogger, whose life is upended when her sophisticated and enigmatic friend, Emily Nelson, suddenly disappears. Stephanie takes it upon herself to investigate Emily's disappearance, uncovering shocking secrets about Emily's past, her marriage to Sean, and her complicated life. As Stephanie delves deeper, she begins to question everything she thought she knew about Emily, leading to twists, betrayals, and dark revelations. The film explores themes of friendship, deception, and the hidden lives people lead behind carefully constructed facades, culminating in a suspenseful and darkly humorous resolution.

January 2016: 20th Century Fox Buys Film Rights

In January 2016, 20th Century Fox acquired the film rights to Darcey Bell's novel A Simple Favor before its publication. The story was compared to Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train.

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June 2017: Lionsgate to Distribute A Simple Favor

In June 2017, it was announced that Lionsgate would distribute A Simple Favor instead of 20th Century Fox. Paul Feig was announced as the director, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in talks for the lead roles.

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July 26, 2017: Kendrick, Lively, and Golding confirmed

On July 26, 2017, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively were confirmed for the lead roles in A Simple Favor. Henry Golding was also cast as the husband of Lively's character.

August 14, 2017: Principal Photography Begins

On August 14, 2017, principal photography for A Simple Favor began in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The film was shot using Panavision Millennium DXL 8K cameras in the Univisium 2.00:1 aspect ratio.

September 2017: Linda Cardellini Joins Cast

In September 2017, Linda Cardellini was announced as part of the cast of A Simple Favor, in an undisclosed role. Andrew Rannells, Jean Smart, and Rupert Friend were also later added to the cast.

2017: Darcey Bell Novel

In 2017, Darcey Bell wrote the novel A Simple Favor, on which the movie is based.

May 1, 2018: Blake Lively Promotes Film on Instagram

On May 1, 2018, Blake Lively hid all pictures from her Instagram account as a promotional tactic for the film A Simple Favor.

May 2, 2018: First Teaser Trailer Released

On May 2, 2018, the first teaser trailer for A Simple Favor was released, followed by the second teaser trailer on May 24.

September 14, 2018: A Simple Favor Film Release

On September 14, 2018, A Simple Favor was released in the United States by Lionsgate Films. It received positive reviews, particularly for the performances of Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, and Henry Golding.

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2018: Release of A Simple Favor film

In 2018, A Simple Favor, an American black comedy mystery film directed by Paul Feig, was released. The screenplay, written by Jessica Sharzer, is based on the 2017 novel by Darcey Bell.

May 2022: A Simple Favor sequel Announced

In May 2022, a sequel to A Simple Favor was announced. Paul Feig will return as director, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their roles. Lionsgate will co-produce the film with Amazon MGM Studios.

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March 2024: Amazon Greenlights Sequel

In March 2024, Amazon officially greenlit the sequel to A Simple Favor. Henry Golding, Andrew Rannells, Salahuddin, Satine, Ho and McCormack are also reprising their roles.

March 7, 2025: Another Simple Favor Premieres at South by Southwest Festival

Another Simple Favor premiered at the South by Southwest Festival on March 7, 2025, before its release on Amazon Prime Video on May 1.

May 1, 2025: Release of Another Simple Favor on Amazon Prime Video

Another Simple Favor, the sequel to A Simple Favor, is set to be released on Amazon Prime Video on May 1, 2025, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively reprising their roles, and Paul Feig returning to direct.