South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival is kicking off 2025 with flair, suspense, and a touch of wicked humor. Paul Feig’s Another Simple Favor, the highly anticipated sequel to his 2018 thriller-comedy A Simple Favor, will serve as SXSW’s Opening Night Film on March 7. With a star-studded cast, a glamorous Italian setting, and Feig’s signature blend of intrigue and comedy, this premiere is poised to set the tone for an electrifying week in Austin.
A Sequel That Almost Didn’t Happen
Feig is no stranger to SXSW. He’s premiered some of his most beloved films at the festival, including Bridesmaids (2011) and Spy (2015). But Another Simple Favor marks a rare move for the director—returning to a story he initially thought was complete. “I’ve avoided making sequels to any of my films,” Feig admitted, “but these characters were just too much fun not to revisit.”
The film sees the return of Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie Smothers and Blake Lively’s enigmatic Emily Nelson, this time heading to Capri, Italy, for Emily’s extravagant wedding to a wealthy businessman. But in true Simple Favor fashion, where there’s luxury, there’s also deception. Murder. Twists. Betrayals. Expect the unexpected.
Why SXSW?
Festival programmers were instantly captivated. “When we saw this film last fall, we instantly knew it had to open SXSW,” said Claudette Godfrey, VP of Film & TV. “Paul Feig and SXSW share an unmatched love for bold, fearless comedy.” It’s easy to see why. Feig’s work thrives on sharp writing, dynamic female leads, and stories that push boundaries while keeping audiences entertained.
The ensemble cast is stacked with talent. In addition to Kendrick and Lively, the film stars Andrew Rannells, Bashir Salahuddin, Elizabeth Perkins, Michele Morrone, Alex Newell, Henry Golding, and Allison Janney. Each of them brings a unique energy to the mix, and with a setting as stunning as Capri, the film promises to be as visually captivating as it is narratively gripping.
What This Means for SXSW 2025
The selection of Another Simple Favor as the Opening Night Film signals SXSW’s continued commitment to films that blend commercial appeal with artistic innovation. It also highlights the festival’s evolving reputation as a launchpad for must-see cinema.
Beyond Another Simple Favor, SXSW 2025 is shaping up to be a can’t-miss event for film lovers. The festival will also premiere the Opening Night TV selection The Studio, with more titles set to be announced soon. Attendees can also look forward to industry keynotes, music and comedy showcases, and an environment ripe for networking and creative collaboration.
Feig and his team are ready to deliver a sequel that lives up to its stylish, twisted predecessor. And if history is any indicator, SXSW audiences are in for a ride.
