Hollywood’s latest behind-the-scenes battle may be unfolding between Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick, as tensions reportedly simmer ahead of the promotional tour for Another Simple Favor. The much-anticipated sequel to the 2018 thriller is already facing a rocky press run, thanks to Lively’s ongoing legal drama with actor and producer Justin Baldoni—and insiders suggest Kendrick is looking for an exit strategy.

While fans eagerly await the sequel’s debut at the SXSW Film and TV Festival on March 7, reports from Radar Online reveal that the media storm surrounding Lively’s lawsuit against Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios could overshadow the film’s promotion. Despite being expected to attend the premiere, Lively’s involvement beyond that event is reportedly up in the air.

“Blake is obligated to promote the film, but she has autonomy over how far she’ll go with it,” a source disclosed. The same source hinted that Lively’s recent legal maneuver—a one-month extension to amend her complaint against Baldoni—might also serve as a convenient way to limit her promotional appearances.

The studio originally planned for Kendrick and Lively to lead the press tour side by side. However, RadarOnline.com learned that Kendrick is pushing for a solo promotional schedule to avoid getting tangled in any fallout from Lively’s legal battles.

“Anna doesn’t want to field questions about Blake’s lawsuit or have every interview turn into a courtroom drama discussion,” an insider shared. Kendrick is reportedly engaging in behind-the-scenes discussions with studio executives about handling the tour on her own.

“Anna and Blake are not close friends—they have a working relationship, nothing more,” the source added.

Though both actresses agreed to a joint press strategy when plans were initially made, last-minute shifts suggest a brewing Hollywood fallout. “Anna would prefer to handle the promotional responsibilities alone,” said the source. “This wasn’t the original plan, but the studio is open to accommodating it.”

Fans of Another Simple Favor may now see a starkly divided press strategy as the movie approaches its May 1 release. Whether it’s a calculated business move or the beginning of another high-profile Hollywood feud, one thing is certain: the spotlight is burning brighter on the drama off-screen than it is on the thriller itself.