In a previous interview (via Cosmopolitan), Paul Feig revealed the story behind Aviation Gin’s cameo in A Simple Favor. According to the director, he was trying to get another brand cleared for the film when Blake Lively chimed in singing high praises of Reynolds’ gin.
Of course, Lively didn’t coerce Feig into choosing Aviation Gin for the film – he liked how the bottle looked. However, the director wasn’t aware of Reynolds’ involvement in the company.
He stated,
At the time, I was trying to clear another gin, and Blake’s like, ‘Hey! Ryan’s got this gin that he really likes!’ She really liked the company and everybody involved. And I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t like the look of it on the screen, but I really thought the bottle looked fantastic. So I, honestly, didn’t even realize the level of involvement that [Ryan] had in it, but I think it’s great, because it’s a really good gin.
Well, at least Feig was on board with using the brand for his film…one way or the other.
As for Another Simple Favor, which will be going straight to streaming, there will be a change in how Emily makes her martinis. As the characters return to the screen, finding themselves in the middle of yet another mystery, there is someone who won’t be coming back -Aviation Gin.
With everyone returning for the sequel, Aviation Gin won’t be joining the party and Feig has a good reason why.
Since the release of A Simple Favor, Feig has launched his own brand of gin called Artingstall’s Brilliant London Dry Gin or simply, Artingstall’s Gin. The brand first premiered in the United States back in 2020 and as per its website, it uses eleven different botanicals to make Artingstall’s Gin “as unique, refined and entertaining as its creator.”
Needless to say, Aviation is out, and Artingstall’s is in. Feig told Entertainment Weekly,
There’s no more Aviation. This movie is all Artingstall’s all the time. I’m very proud of my brand. And actually, our bottle is so beautiful that it fits in. It doesn’t feel like it doesn’t belong. There’s never a shortage of martinis in any of my movies.
Well, if you decide to put on Another Simple Favor after it releases, keep an eye out for Feig’s beautiful bottle of gin!
A Simple Favor is available to watch on Netflix.
