Paul Feig Reveals How Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick Shaped Their Roles in ‘Another Simple Favor’

Director Paul Feig expresses that he was focused on creative partnership with Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick while filming Another Simple Favor.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE during the red carpet event for the premiere of the sequel to A Simple Favor at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on Friday, March 7, the director elaborated that he favors allowing his performers to contribute creatively when collaborating on productions.

“I mean that’s my approach always,” shares Feig, 62, noting that he was previously an actor and recognizes there’s frequently unexploited creative talent on film sets.

“When I collaborate with performers, I provide them extensive freedom. I want them to decide what they wish to wear, etc., because having been an actor, I understand. If I’m merely instructing, ‘Say this. Say it as I scripted,’ I’m stifling a massive amount of talent,” he clarifies. “So in every film, every show I’ve ever been involved with, I work together with them and present, ‘Here are the materials,’ and they might come back with, ‘Oh what about this? What about that?’ That’s our method. That’s the way I’ve worked with every cinematic star.”

Feig additionally mentioned that the opportunity to work alongside Lively, 37, and Kendrick, 39, once more on Another Simple Favor was “a dream realized.”

Alongside Lively and Kendrick, Henry Golding also reprises his role in the sequel, and will be accompanied by several new cast members, such as Elena Sofia Ricci, Elizabeth Perkins, and Allison Janney.

Another Simple Favor is scheduled for launch on Prime Video on May 1.