Emily Returns: Thrilling Wedding Turns Deadly in New Film

AUSTIN, Texas — The highly anticipated sequel, “Another Simple Favor,” directed by Paul Feig, reunites Emily Nelson and Stephanie Smothers on the sunny shores of Capri, Italy, as Emily, played by Blake Lively, emerges from prison and invites her old friend, played by Anna Kendrick, to her extravagant wedding. The film, premiering at the SXSW Film Festival on March 7, 2025, promises suspense with a twist of glamour, as murder and betrayal lurk beneath the festive surface.

In the sequel to the 2018 hit, “A Simple Favor,” Emily’s release from a 20-year sentence for the murders of her sister and father raises eyebrows as she seemingly reinvents her life amidst wedding preparations. Feig hints at Emily’s transformation, stating, “You find out in the film, but let’s just say she reconnected with an old flame who has a lot of power.”

Stephanie, now an amateur detective, is not faring well herself, according to Feig. “She’s in a slight bit of a crisis… not on top of her game. She continues to be an amateur sleuth, but she’s dealing with personal setbacks,” Feig shared. The relationship dynamics between the two women promise intrigue, raising questions about rekindled past tensions.

Feig, who is known for being selective with sequels, expressed his enthusiasm for revisiting these characters. “I resisted doing sequels to any of my movies, but I love these characters so much that I thought, ‘Well, there’s more fun to be had with them,'” he said. The film takes a bold shift from suburban to breathtaking Italian vistas, challenging its leads in a lavish yet dangerous environment.

Capri, described by Feig as a character itself in the film, holds a personal significance for the director and his wife, who have visited the island for over 25 years. “It’s both open to the world and insular…,” he noted. This unique backdrop serves to heighten the tension, as Feig emphasizes the contrast of murder occurring in a seemingly idyllic paradise.

In addition to the returning cast, including Henry Golding and Bashir Salahuddin, viewers will be introduced to Alex Newell, who plays Stephanie’s book agent. Feig expressed his fondness for Newell, saying, “I’m just a huge fan of Alex Newell and thought this role would be perfect for them.”

The film will showcase Lively’s character in a stunning new wardrobe that distances her from her previous looks. “We wanted to send her into a very glamorous world… she dresses both to impress and to intimidate,” Feig explained. Meanwhile, Stephanie’s fashion evolves as well, as Feig revealed her character’s struggle to fit into a high-stakes social scene characterized by wealth and extravagance.

Feig has also made changes to product placements, replacing Aviation Gin with his own brand, Artingstall’s, solidifying a personal stake in the film’s beverages.

As the narrative unfolds, the question remains whether Stephanie and Sean, Emily’s ex-husband, will navigate their own complicated relationships while the threat of danger looms. “Anything can happen when what happens in Capri stays in Capri — until you see the movie,” Feig teased. “But all the old relationships still burn, if you will, one way or the other.”

With its mix of glamour, suspense, and a killer storyline, “Another Simple Favor” is set to pull viewers into its web of deceit come May 1 on Prime Video.