Insiders reveal why Ryan Reynolds didn't accompany Blake Lively to SXSW amid Anna Kendrick feud
AUSTIN, TEXAS: Ryan Reynolds was nowhere to be seen during the world premiere of his wife Blake Lively's new film, 'Another Simple Favor', at the 2025 SXSW Film Festival on Friday, March 7.
An insider has now opened up to Daily Mail about the real reason the 'Deadpool' star chose to skip the event.
Insiders reveal why Ryan Reynolds wasn't by Blake Lively's side at SXSW
A source informed the outlet that the reason why Ryan Reynolds decided not to accompany Blake Lively on the SXSW red carpet was because of the backlash he faced for his joke about the Justin Baldoni drama during the 50th-anniversary show of 'Saturday Night Live'.
The insider said, "'SNL' was a test to see how fans would react to them. It was their (Reynolds and Lively) first outing together since Blake filed and it did not bode well for them. Ryan and Blake both realize that, if their careers are to survive, they cannot be involved in the same projects because everything will be heavily scrutinized."
"Blake is unsure about the future of her career because of the backlash she has received. She does not want to have a family with no income, and she knows that Ryan's career has so far survived the fallout," they added.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Reynolds informed the outlet, "The 'Another Simple Favor' premiere was a resounding success, both fans and critics in attendance loved the movie. Blake attended with her cast and filmmakers and had a great time. Several other actors attended premieres at SXSW without their spouses or significant others."
Last year, Lively accused her 'It Ends With Us' co-star and director Baldoni of harassment and fostering a toxic work environment in a bombshell lawsuit. Baldoni went on to countersue Lively and Reynolds for $400 million, which happens to be their estimated joint net worth, as per Daily Mail.
Insiders claim Anna Kendrick was frustrated with Blake Lively's drama overshadowing their film
Furthermore, insiders informed the outlet before the premiere that Blake Lively's co-star Anna Kendrick was frustrated by how the 'It Ends With Us' drama was overshadowing their film.
A source close to Kendrick said, "There is a gigantic pink elephant in the room that no one is acknowledging. The backlash to the initial promo has been brutal. There are people protesting and refusing to see it."
A different source informed the outlet last week that "friction" has been brewing between the actresses who have allegedly fought over who would get top billing.
The insider said, "Blake fought, through her reps to get top billing over Anna, who refused to bow to Blake's demands".
However, it was all put aside on Friday as the two lead actresses were said to have been told to end their feud and appear with 'happy faces' at the premiere, per Daily Mail.
Kendrick reportedly told a reporter, "Why, what happened? I did ayahuasca and the last year of my life is just gone, but I heard the movie is amazing" when she was asked if she felt the film had been impacted by "everything going around in the world."
A different source informed the outlet that Lively found the red carpet evening quite challenging.
The insider said, "Her team is trying to shield her the best they can but it was hard when there were signs with the words 'Blake lied' written on it. It wasn't easy with Ryan not there, but she kept a brave face, and he is proud of her."
