Amazon MGM Studios’ ‘Another Simple Favor’ Added to SXSW 2025 Lineup

Photo Credit: CNN Newsource 

By Clara Faulkner

SXSW 2025 is set to launch with an opening night as the festival debuts the comedy thriller “Another Simple Favor,” directed by Paul Feig. Set against the backdrop of Capri, Italy, the film follows a lavish wedding that quickly descends into mystery with unexpected twists.

In “Another Simple Favor,” characters Stephanie Smothers and Emily Nelson find themselves at a celebration that spirals into chaos when dark secrets and betrayals emerge. With a star-studded cast that includes Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Alex Newell, Henry Golding, and Allison Janney, audiences can expect an evening filled with laughter, suspense, and surprises.

SXSW’s VP of Film & TV, Claudette Godfrey, expressed the festival’s excitement after a preview screening, stating, “When we saw this film last fall, we instantly knew it had to open SXSW – it gave us that electric feeling we live for as programmers.” 

“Paul Feig and SXSW share an unmatched love for bold, fearless comedy,” She said. “From that unforgettable late-night screening of “Bridesmaids” to “Spy’s” raucous world premiere, his films capture exactly what makes our festival special – wildly entertaining projects that push boundaries.” 

Feig, renowned for blockbuster hits like “Bridesmaids” and “Spy,” has long been associated with SXSW’s celebration of innovative and boundary-pushing comedy. Feig’s films capture the electric atmosphere that SXSW is known for—a blend of wild entertainment, humor, and the unexpected. 

“Another Simple Favor” is the sequel to the 2018 film “A Simple Favor.” A rarity in his career, Feig noted that despite his general aversion to sequels, the film’s characters were simply too captivating to let go. He added a personal touch to his excitement, humorously mentioning that this event would secure a top spot on his bucket list, right up there with playing drums for Dwight Yoakum’s band. 

The film’s intriguing narrative is based on characters created by Darcey Bell, with a screenplay crafted by Jessica Sharzer and Laeta Kalogridis. Produced by Feigco Entertainment’s Paul Feig and Laura Fischer, with executive production helmed by Jennifer Booth, Jessica Sharzer, and Marco Valerio Pugini, “Another Simple Favor” is a joint production between Lionsgate and Feigco Entertainment. 

In addition to the film premiere, SXSW 2025 will feature the Opening Night TV Premiere of “The Studio,” along with hundreds of other film and television projects. 

For more information on SXSW 2025 and the full schedule of events, visit sxsw.com.