Desperate for Relevance? Blake Lively Clings to Anna Kendrick’s Success to Stay in the Spotlight

Blake Lively has long been a Hollywood darling, known for her role in Gossip Girl and her high-profile marriage to Ryan Reynolds. But in an industry that constantly demands reinvention, staying relevant isn’t easy.

Lately, it seems Lively has found a new strategy: riding on the coattails of Anna Kendrick’s success.

With Kendrick’s career thriving thanks to critically acclaimed performances and a growing list of major projects, insiders believe Lively is looking to use their connection to keep herself in the conversation.

But is this a genuine friendship or just another calculated Hollywood move?

Lively and Kendrick first shared the screen in 2018’s A Simple Favor, a stylish thriller that was well-received and even developed a cult following.

While both actresses delivered strong performances, Kendrick’s sharp wit and undeniable talent stole much of the spotlight.

Since then, Kendrick has continued to build an impressive career, balancing blockbusters with indie hits.

 Meanwhile, Lively’s film choices have been more sporadic, with few standout roles keeping her at the forefront of Hollywood discussions.

Now, with a A Simple Favor sequel in the works, sources suggest Lively is leaning into this collaboration—not just as a film opportunity, but as a way to associate herself with Kendrick’s rising star.

While Lively remains a recognizable name, her career has noticeably slowed in recent years. Unlike Kendrick, who continues to take on diverse roles in both film and television, Lively’s projects have been inconsistent, with few critically acclaimed performances to her name.

Her last major film, The Rhythm Section (2020), was a box office disaster, failing to impress both critics and audiences. Since then, she has largely relied on social media presence, her fashion icon status, and her marriage to Reynolds to stay in the public eye.

But Hollywood is unforgiving. No matter how beloved an actress may be, the industry moves on quickly, making it essential to attach oneself to projects—and people—that generate buzz.

Unlike Lively, Kendrick has built her career on versatility and critical success. She’s not just a former teen drama star—she’s an Oscar nominee with a range of performances spanning comedies, dramas, and musicals.

Her upcoming projects, including high-profile films and directorial work, have kept her firmly in Hollywood’s A-list conversations. By aligning herself with Kendrick, Lively ensures that she remains associated with a project—and a co-star—that still commands industry respect.

Some insiders believe Lively sees Kendrick as the perfect way to rebrand herself. If A Simple Favor 2 is a hit, it could provide Lively with the career boost she desperately needs.

But will Kendrick’s star power be enough to lift them both, or will Lively’s presence come off as yet another calculated PR move?

While Lively undoubtedly has charisma, her acting skills have long been debated. Unlike Kendrick, whose performances have consistently been praised, Lively’s filmography is riddled with forgettable roles.

Critics argue that while she excels in the fashion world and has mastered social media engagement, she lacks the depth and versatility that actresses like Kendrick bring to the table.

This raises the question: is she really contributing to A Simple Favor 2, or just using it as a lifeline?

Whether this collaboration benefits Lively’s career or simply highlights the gap between her and Kendrick remains to be seen. If A Simple Favor 2 is a hit, she may find herself back in the industry’s good graces.

If not, she risks further cementing the perception that she’s more of a celebrity personality than a serious actress.

For now, Lively seems determined to attach herself to Kendrick’s success. But in Hollywood, where authenticity matters, the question remains: is this a friendship or just another desperate attempt to stay relevant?