Rumors of a feud have plagued and ever since the duo teamed up for 2018’s A Simple Favor. In Touch takes a look at the reasons behind the speculation that the actresses don’t get along, as well as what their Another Simple Favor director said about where the costars stand.

They do, at least according to director Paul Feig. He responded to a post on X by Youtuber on March 7, 2025, claiming otherwise.

Melanie wrote that Blake was “terrified to walk the carpet” during the film’s premiere that day at the SXSW Film Festival, “as Anna is pissed and never wants to work with her again.”

Paul reposted the comment the following day on X, clapping back, “Um … you’re wrong.”

When the Up in the Air actress arrived at the Another Simple Favor premiere in Austin, Texas, a reporter from Entertainment Tonight asked her, “What does it mean to be working with Blake again?” Anna simply replied, “Oh, you know …” and kept walking.

While speaking with Variety on the red carpet, Anna was asked if she felt her movie was affected by “everything going around in the world,” seemingly referencing Blake’s ongoing legal battle with her It Ends With Us director and costar .

“Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone,” Anna replied. “But I heard the movie is amazing,” regarding their film sequel.

The two women didn’t pose together on the red carpet except for a photo on either side of Paul that was taken by the SXSW promotional team.

Anna made seemingly snarky comments about Blake during a May 2018 interview with MTV News while promoting A Simple Favor.

After mentioning how she worked with Blake’s husband, , on the 2015 film The Voices, Anna explained, “I met [Blake] a few times through Ryan on that film and you know, I thought she seemed nice, but little did I know.” Blake sighed and seemed somewhat taken aback before reaching over and touching her costar’s arm. Anna then jokingly snapped. “Don’t touch me.”

When interviewer asked if the two women had ever been up for the same role, Anna initially joked, “I mean, we’re exactly the same type so I assume Blake has lost many roles to my glamour, beauty and elegance, so sorry about it Blake.”

When the Gossip Girl alum started to answer, “When you hear my singing voice … ” Anna jumped in to sarcastically say, “Oh it was neck and neck … Pitch Perfect, Into the Woods,” which showcased her incredible vocal talents.

Josh asked, “Who’s the bigger Disney [fan],” noting that Anna already played an iconic princess, appearing as Cinderella in Into the Woods. “That’s right! Jealous?” the star quipped as she turned and looked at Blake.

“Oh my gosh, I would literally, like, skin her body alive to step into it and be Cinderella,” Blake responded to the question. She added about Anna, “I would need her voice. I can’t be a Disney princess, ever.” After Blake’s lament about not getting an iconic Disney princess role due to her lack of singing talent, Anna responded in a high-pitched voice, “Oh, muffin, it’s so hard being you!”

Entertainment reporter noted of Blake’ character Emily was “very confident” while Anna’s Stephanie was “insecure” during an August 2018 joint interview for A Simple Favor.

“In real life it’s the other way around. I constantly have to call Blake and be like ‘It’s OK, you’re good at giving interviews. I promise you, people like you’ …Gotta give her a pep talk. I’m like, ‘We’re amazing we’re powerful.” I mean I’m the reason she gets out of bed morning,” Anna quipped.

Blake turned to Kjersti and deadpanned, “And Anna is just an egomaniac as you can see.”

When asked if either woman had blocked or muted someone on social media, Anna replied, “There is a couple people that I’ve muted,” before putting her hand up to her mouth and whispering, “Blake Lively.”

The Shallows star didn’t laugh in response, instead asking, “You can mute people on Instagram too? Wow, that’s exciting,” with a slight glare.