Director Paul Feig has publicly defended Blake Lively, describing the actress as “awesome” and “magical” to work with, pushing back against recent rumors about her alleged fallout with It Ends With Us director Justin Baldoni.
Speaking on the Turning Points podcast with host Lulu, Feig addressed speculation that behind-the-scenes drama from Lively’s last film might have complicated things on the set of their new project, Another Simple Favor.
“Blake’s awesome and I love working with her,” Feig said. “I just don’t like negativity around people I love.”
The interview marks the first time Feig has commented directly on the reports surrounding Lively’s strained working relationship with Baldoni during the production of It Ends With Us. The romantic drama, adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, wrapped filming amid murmurs of creative disagreements and on-set friction, but neither party has confirmed the details publicly.
Feig, however, made it clear that none of that baggage has interfered with his ongoing collaboration with Lively, who reprises her role as Emily Nelson in the sequel to the 2018 dark comedy A Simple Favor.
No Trouble on Feig’s Set
Feig emphasized that any controversy around Lively has not impacted Another Simple Favor, which reunites her with co-star Anna Kendrick.
“It’s not stopping us from anything,” he said. “Blake’s great. I just love working with her.”
Feig had nothing but praise for the on-screen chemistry between Lively and Kendrick, especially during a key poolside scene early in production.
“They were just magical together,” Feig recalled. “We were watching the tapes and just thinking, ‘Oh my god.’ They just slid back into these characters so wonderfully.”
He described their dynamic as “through the roof” and credited both actresses for bringing their full personalities to the project.
The Justin Baldoni Fallout: What Happened?
While Feig didn’t name Baldoni directly, the reference to “negativity” and “press” was clearly aimed at recent headlines.
Lively and Baldoni co-starred and collaborated on It Ends With Us, a highly anticipated but reportedly troubled film. Anonymous production sources hinted at disagreements over tone, character choices, and Lively’s portrayal of the lead role. Baldoni, who also served as director, allegedly clashed with Lively over creative control. Neither party has commented publicly on those claims.
Despite whispers of tension, there’s no official indication that it’s impacted Lively’s current projects, or her standing with other directors.
Feig’s endorsement of her talents, in fact, suggests quite the opposite.
Paul Feig’s Hollywood Diplomacy
Feig has long been known as one of Hollywood’s most affable directors, with a reputation for managing high-profile ensembles with ease, Bridesmaids, Spy, Ghostbusters, and The Office among them.
His loyalty to Lively reflects that ethos. For Feig, keeping a drama-free set is more than a preference, it’s part of his creative DNA.
“No press is bad press,” he noted, smiling. “But I just don’t like negativity around people I love.”
Feig on Directing Trump (Yes, That Happened)
In a surprising detour, Feig also shared a bizarre story about directing Donald Trump for a 2010 Macy’s commercial, a gig that sounds more Veep than real life.
“His team told us, ‘He doesn’t want to be there, get him in and out,’” Feig laughed. “I was already stressed out.”
The ad involved Trump attending a kids’ bake sale and giving a “makeover” to a struggling child using one of his Macy’s suits. But Trump, according to Feig, wasn’t exactly punctual, or cooperative.
“He walks in and I say, ‘Donald, we’re ready.’ And he goes, ‘Whoa, whoa, I gotta get my makeup on,’” Feig said. “Then, mid-shoot, he’s like, ‘I’m supposed to be out of here an hour ago,’ and I’m like, ‘You got here 45 minutes ago!’”
Feig called the whole encounter surreal but didn’t seem fazed. “He did a nice job. But wow, what a day,” he chuckled.
What’s Next for Blake Lively?
With Feig’s public support, Lively’s return as the enigmatic, martini-loving Emily Nelson in Another Simple Favor seems to be on solid footing.
The film is expected to lean even deeper into the dark-comedy-meets-thriller territory that made the first installment a cult favorite. Paul Feig’s production partner, Laura Fischer, is also returning for the sequel.
While a release date has yet to be announced, the buzz around the project is already building, and Feig’s enthusiastic remarks only help.
In a celebrity culture that thrives on drama, Feig’s calm, confident praise for Blake Lively is refreshing. At a time when the internet wants to pit stars against each other, his message is simple:
Blake Lively is talented, collaborative, and a joy to work with. Case closed.
As for Another Simple Favor, fans can rest easy, Lively and Kendrick’s chemistry is intact, and Paul Feig’s cool-headed direction is steering the ship.
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