Kendrick’s response coincided with Lively’s return to the spotlight for her first movie premiere since her ongoing legal dispute with It Ends with Us director and co-star, Justin Baldoni.

Anna Kendrick on March 07, 2025 in Austin, Texas. . Photo: Tibrina Hobson/Getty

Lively, 37, and Baldoni, 41, are currently entangled in a widely publicized legal battle. In December, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni and others, alleging sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign—claims that Baldoni has denied. In response, Baldoni countersued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist in January, accusing them of defamation and extortion.

Since the legal proceedings began, Lively has maintained a low public profile. However, she and Reynolds made a rare appearance at Saturday Night Live’s SNL50: The Anniversary Special on February 16.

More recently, Lively joined Anna Kendrick and Another Simple Favor director Paul Feig at SXSW, marking a reunion for the trio following their collaboration on the 2018 film A Simple Favor.

Anna Kendrick on March 07, 2025 in Austin, Texas. PHOTO: Michael Buckner/SXSW Conference & Festivals/Getty

 

A Timeline of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni's Feud and Legal Battle

The sequel follows Stephanie (Kendrick) and Emily (Lively) as they travel to Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy Italian businessman. According to the film’s synopsis, the guest list features not only glamour but also unexpected twists, with murder and betrayal unfolding against the picturesque backdrop of the island.

At the premiere, Feig expressed excitement about reuniting with the cast, telling PEOPLE, “I had such a great experience on the first one. It always stuck with me—I love working with the two of them, as well as the rest of the cast.”

Blake Lively Receives Support from Director Paul Feig Amid Legal Dispute with Justin Baldoni

When the film’s first poster debuted on Instagram on February 4, it quickly became a focal point for discussion, with many commenters referencing Lively and Baldoni’s legal battle. Some even questioned why Lively’s name appeared above Kendrick’s in the design.

A week later, a source close to Kendrick told PEOPLE that she is “not used to being caught up in any drama.” The insider added that online backlash has affected her, particularly comments from fans vowing to boycott the film due to Lively’s involvement.

However, another source reassured PEOPLE that there is “no real drama or rift” between Kendrick and Lively. A separate insider emphasized, “There is no feud. The film’s promotional strategy is still being developed, and Blake and Anna will be collaborating on various aspects of the press tour.”

Anna Kendrick, Paul Feig, Blake Lively on March 07, 2025 in Austin, Texas.  PHOTO: Michael Buckner/SXSW Conference & Festivals/Getty