"Why what happened" - Anna Kendrick effortlessly avoids questions on Blake Lively Justin Baldoni drama at SXSW film festival

Another Simple Favor marks the reunion of Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively after almost seven years. The comedy-mystery thriller was recently screened at the SXSW (South by Southwest) Film & TV Festival, where both leading ladies were also present.

There have been rumors of an ongoing feud between Kendrick and Lively. At the same time, the It Ends with Us actress has also been involved in a legal battle with Justin Baldoni for quite a few months. When Anna Kendrick appeared on the red carpet, she was asked by a reporter from Variety,

“How do you feel like the… how does it feel like the movie is being impacted kind of by everything happening around… going on in the world?”

The reporter’s question was seemingly pointed at Blake Lively’s legal fight. The Pitch Perfect star had a witty response up her sleeve to avoid making any awkward remarks. She told the reporter,

“Why what happened? I did ayahuasca, and the last year of my life is just gone, but I heard the movie is amazing.”

Anna Kendrick’s quick-witted answer was similar to Ryan Reynolds’ response during the SNL50: The Anniversary Special, when asked, “How’s it going?” The Deadpool actor replied,

“Great, why? What have you heard?”

Earlier, another reporter from Entertainment Tonight asked Kendrick about working again with Lively. While the actress was passing by the media personnel, she replied,

“Oh, you know.”

Blake Lively was also asked the same question by the Entertainment Tonight correspondent. The Shallows star responded rather enthusiastically,

“Oh, it’s the best. I’m so happy to be here.”

The 37-year-old actress is seen going seemingly towards the red carpet and the venue.

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Internet users were impressed by Anna Kendrick’s witty response to the question about the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni feud

The Oscar-nominated actress dodged questions about her co-star’s ongoing controversy with the It Ends with Us director. Her reply impressed many on social media.

“I love this response, why should a celebrity key in on every current event,” a user wrote.

“Best answer ever! I’m gonna try “I’ve been on creatine and don’t remember - when was I supposed to pick up the kid ??,”” another user quipped.

“Love this. Give them zero attention and put it back on the film,” someone added.

“Very pro move. This is why Anna will be around, forever,” another one lauded the actress.

A user loved the actress’ “level of chill,”

“Anna Kendrick took ayahuasca, lost a year of her life, and is still the funniest person on Earth. We should all aspire to this level of chill. 🙌”

Another user said,

“Good for her. Very cutesy, very mindful, very demure ✨”

Someone said,

“Anna Kendrick. Queen of media training 🤣”

Another one highlighted,

“Honestly, this is a great dodge, and more entertainers would likely be more successful if they simply stayed out of things that could cut their viewers in half.”

Despite Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick getting snapped together on the red carpet, the naysayers still talked about the alleged beef among the co-stars. A content creator, @realmelanieking, even reported about the alleged beef before the actresses made their appearances at the Another Small Favor premiere.

The director of the movie, Paul Feig, quoted her post to refute the reported fight,

“Um … you’re wrong.”

After its premiere at the SXSW film festival, Another Small Favor has received a mixed to positive reception from the critics. It currently has 75% positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes and a 59% score on Metacritic. The movie will drop on Amazon Prime Video on May 1, 2025.