<P> In January 2016, it was announced that 20th Century Fox had bought the film rights to author Darcey Bell's novel A Simple Favor prior to the book's publication . The story was pitched as being similar to Gone Girl and The Girl on the Train . Creative Artists Agency represented the movie rights in the deal with Fox . </P> <P> In June 2017, it was announced that A Simple Favor would be extricated from 20th Century Fox and instead be distributed by Lionsgate . It was also announced that the film would be directed by Paul Feig, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively "in talks" for the lead roles . On July 26, 2017, Kendrick and Lively were confirmed, while Henry Golding joined the cast as the husband of Lively's character . Linda Cardellini was announced as having been cast in an undisclosed role in September 2017, and Andrew Rannells, Jean Smart, and Rupert Friend were later added, as well . </P> <P> A Simple Favor commenced principal photography on August 14, 2017, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada . </P> <P> The film was released on September 14, 2018 . </P>

Who plays anna kendricks brother in a simple favor