Blake Lively has revealed that she improvised a controversial scene in the 2018 film “A Simple Favor.” In the scene, Lively’s character grabs the private parts of her co-star Henry Golding. Lively shared details about the improvisation during a commentary for the film. She was joined by director Paul Feig and co-star Anna Kendrick.
“This is one of my favorite additions that you came up with,” Feig said, approving of Lively’s creative input. The action was not originally part of the script. Lively recounted the awkwardness of the moment.
“That’s always awkward when you’re, like, ‘Hey, hi, nice to meet you. Can I grab your nuts really hard? It’s not ’cause I want to, ’cause I feel like she [my character] would,'” she said.
Feig encouraged Lively to perform the action “harder.” Lively did so as an homage to the 1962 film character Baby Jane Hudson, played by Bette Davis. It is unclear if an intimacy coordinator was present on set for the scene. However, sources confirm that the scene was planned in advance.
It was also discussed among the co-stars and the director before filming.
Lively’s unscripted scene revelation
Separately, Lively has been involved in a legal dispute with her “It Ends With Us” co-star Justin Baldoni.
She has accused him of behaving inappropriately during the making of their movie. Lively has emphasized the importance of having an intimacy coordinator on set. This is to ensure the safety and comfort of all actors involved in such scenes.
A spokesperson for Lively responded to comparisons being made with Golding. “Blake collaborated and reached an agreement with the director and her co-star before filming the scene. That is the entire point here and that is what Mr.
Baldoni did not do,” they said. Baldoni has denied Lively’s allegations. He is countersuing for extortion and defamation.
The situation has ignited discussions on social media. Some are accusing Lively of hypocrisy. Despite the ongoing legal battle, the focus remains on the importance of clear communication and consent in filmmaking.
