The Complete Cast Of A Simple Favor: Where Are They Now And Who’s Back For The Sequel, Another Simple Favor?

The dark, twisty, and fiercely fashionable world of *A Simple Favor* is back, more complicated than ever. Originally released in 2018, the Paul Feig-directed neo-noir comedy-thriller captivated audiences with its sharp dialogue, stunning costume design, and the unforgettable, mismatched chemistry between its two lead stars, Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively. The film's success has paved the way for a highly anticipated follow-up, *Another Simple Favor*, which premiered at SXSW and became available to stream on Prime Video starting May 1, 2025. This new installment brings back the entire central cast, promising to untangle their web of secrets once again, this time set against a glamorous Italian backdrop. The original film, based on the novel by Darcey Bell, follows Stephanie Smothers, a cheerful mommy vlogger, as she attempts to solve the mysterious disappearance of her new, enigmatic, and ultra-sophisticated best friend, Emily Nelson. The sequel picks up the story, reuniting the main players for Emily’s extravagant Italian wedding, where, naturally, a new mystery and potential murder are just around the corner. Understanding the dynamic and talent of the ensemble cast is key to appreciating the film’s unique blend of humor and suspense.

The Full Cast of A Simple Favor (2018) and Another Simple Favor (2025)

The success of the franchise hinges entirely on the electric performances of its stars. The following is a comprehensive list of the main and supporting cast members from the original film and the confirmed returning and new additions for the sequel, *Another Simple Favor*.

• Anna Kendrick as Stephanie Smothers: The perpetually cheerful, slightly obsessive, and surprisingly resilient mommy vlogger who finds herself entangled in Emily's dark life. Kendrick is known for her roles in the *Pitch Perfect* franchise and *Up in the Air*.
• Blake Lively as Emily Nelson: The mysterious, high-powered PR director with a penchant for designer suits and devastating secrets. Lively’s performance was widely praised for its high-fashion flair and cold intensity.
• Henry Golding as Sean Townsend: Emily’s charming, struggling writer husband and the object of Stephanie’s complicated affection. Golding is also known for starring in *Crazy Rich Asians* and *The Gentlemen*.
• Andrew Rannells as Darren: One of the witty, judgmental gay fathers from Stephanie’s son’s school, who provides hilarious and necessary comic relief. Rannells is a Broadway star known for *The Book of Mormon* and *Girls*.
• Bashir Salahuddin as Detective Summerville: The police detective who initially investigates Emily’s disappearance.
• Kelly McCormack as Stacy: Another parent from the school who is part of the recurring comedic ensemble.
• Joshua Satine as Miles Smothers & Ian Ho as Nicky Nelson: The two young boys whose friendship initially brings Stephanie and Emily together.
• Linda Cardellini as Diana Hyland: The artist who was once a close friend of Emily's and provides key information to Stephanie in the first film.
• Jean Smart as Mrs. McLanden: Emily's estranged and cynical mother.

The New Faces and Returning Supporting Stars in Another Simple Favor

The highly anticipated sequel, *Another Simple Favor*, not only brings back the main trio—Kendrick, Lively, and Golding—but also expands the universe with a new supporting cast, adding more layers of intrigue and star power. The return of director Paul Feig ensures the tone remains a perfect blend of high-stakes thriller and dark comedy.

Allison Janney Joins the Mystery

One of the most exciting additions to the cast is the Oscar-winning actress Allison Janney. Janney steps into the role of Aunt Linda McLanden, a character who is presumably connected to Emily Nelson's complicated family history. Given Janney’s talent for playing formidable and acerbic characters, her inclusion suggests a significant, potentially antagonistic, role in the new mystery. Her character’s presence is a strong indicator that the sequel will delve even deeper into the secrets of Emily’s past, which were only partially revealed in the first film.

Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins Add Intrigue

Further boosting the film's star-studded ensemble are Michele Morrone and Elizabeth Perkins. Morrone, an Italian actor known internationally for his role in the *365 Days* film series, is a significant new face. His involvement aligns perfectly with the sequel’s new setting in Italy, where Emily is planning her luxurious wedding to Henry Golding's character, Sean Townsend. Morrone's casting hints at a potential romantic entanglement, a new rival, or a shady business associate tied to the European backdrop. Elizabeth Perkins, a veteran actress known for her roles in *Weeds* and *Big*, also joins the cast. Her role has not been fully detailed, but her presence suggests another layer of sophisticated adult drama and potential misdirection, a hallmark of the *A Simple Favor* franchise. The addition of these high-caliber actors ensures that the sequel maintains the first film’s commitment to a strong, dynamic ensemble cast, which helps to ground the more outlandish plot twists.

The Enduring On-Screen Chemistry and Why the Sequel is a Must-Watch

The core appeal of *A Simple Favor* lies in the incredible chemistry between Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie Smothers and Blake Lively’s Emily Nelson. Their dynamic—the wholesome vlogger versus the glamorous, manipulative femme fatale—is the engine that drives the entire plot. The sequel’s premise, which revolves around Emily's wedding in Italy, promises to put their newly re-established, yet still volatile, friendship to the ultimate test. The return of Henry Golding as Sean Townsend is also crucial. His character acts as the bridge, and often the victim, of the two women's schemes. The original film saw him caught between a missing wife and a new lover, only to discover the shocking truth about Emily’s past, including the twin sister plot twist. The sequel’s focus on his wedding suggests that he may once again be an unwitting participant in Emily's dangerous games. The ensemble cast, including the returning comedic relief from Andrew Rannells and the new dramatic heft from Allison Janney, ensures that *Another Simple Favor* will maintain the delicate balance of genre that made the first film a sleeper hit. It is a mystery that doesn't take itself too seriously, using its cast's talents to deliver sharp comedy alongside genuine suspense. For fans of the original, the return of this specific cast, all reprising their roles, is the ultimate guarantee that the sequel will deliver the same stylish, witty, and unpredictable cinematic experience. The film is now streaming, making it the perfect time to revisit the original and dive into the latest chapter of Stephanie and Emily’s twisted friendship.

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