How Blake Lively Went from ‘Gossip Girl’ to Legit Movie Star in Four Unlikely Steps (and One Potato Chip)

New York Post - May 2nd, 2025

Blake Lively, a standout among the few movie stars under 40, continues her commitment to big-screen roles despite a trend among actors to shift from movies back to prestige TV. Known for her breakout role in Gossip Girl, Lively has defied expectations by building a successful film career, highlighted by her performances in movies like the $350 million domestic hit 'It Ends with Us'. However, Amazon's decision to release 'Another Simple Favor', a sequel to 'Simple Favor', exclusively on streaming platforms instead of theaters, has raised eyebrows, especially given Lively's star power and the original movie's success.

This decision by Amazon highlights the evolving landscape of film distribution, where streaming platforms play an increasingly dominant role, even for films led by established stars like Lively. The move suggests a shift in how studios perceive potential box office performance versus streaming success, and it may impact future projects for actors seeking to maintain a strong presence in theaters. As 'Another Simple Favor' premieres, it will be a critical moment for Lively, potentially affecting her trajectory in the entertainment industry and reflecting broader trends in how audiences consume film entertainment.

Amazon Blake Lively Another Simple Favor Streaming Vs Theatrical Releases Celebrity Career Path

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

5.0

Moderately Fair

Read with skepticism

The article provides an engaging narrative about Blake Lively's career and the release of 'Another Simple Favor,' but it suffers from a lack of accuracy and source quality. While the language and structure are clear, the absence of cited sources or expert opinions undermines the credibility of its claims. The article is timely and of interest to those following entertainment news, yet it lacks depth and balance, focusing primarily on Lively without broader industry insights. Despite these weaknesses, it remains a readable piece that can engage audiences, though its potential for controversy or impact is limited.

Accuracy

The article makes several claims about Blake Lively's career trajectory and the film industry, some of which are verifiable, while others are more subjective. For instance, the statement about Blake Lively moving from TV to a $350 million-grossing drama with 'It Ends with Us' is not accurate, as 'It Ends with Us' is a book by Colleen Hoover and not a film. Additionally, the claim about the original 'Simple Favor' being a significant step in Lively's career would require verification of box office performance and critical reception to support the assertion. The mention of Amazon's decision to keep 'Another Simple Favor' on streaming rather than theatrical release is factual but lacks specific insider confirmation or industry analysis to verify the reasoning behind this choice.

Balance

The article predominantly focuses on Blake Lively's career, offering a favorable view of her persistence in maintaining a film career. However, it lacks a balanced perspective by not including insights from industry experts or contrasting opinions on the current state of movie stardom under 40. The mention of other actors like Timothée Chalamet and Margot Robbie is brief and lacks depth, which could have provided a more comprehensive view of the competitive landscape among younger actors.

Clarity

The article is generally clear in its language and structure, with a straightforward narrative about Blake Lively's career. However, some statements, such as the reference to 'It Ends with Us,' may confuse readers due to inaccuracies. Despite this, the overall tone is engaging, and the progression from discussing Lively's career to the specifics of her latest film is logical and easy to follow.

Source quality

The article does not cite any sources or experts to substantiate its claims about Blake Lively's career or the film industry's trends. The lack of attribution to industry insiders, box office data, or even quotes from Lively herself weakens the article's authority and reliability. The absence of diverse sources or authoritative voices makes it difficult to assess the credibility of the information presented.

Transparency

The article lacks transparency in its presentation of facts and opinions. There is no explanation of the methodology used to determine the status of 'unequivocal movie stars under 40,' nor is there any disclosure of potential biases or conflicts of interest. The basis for claims, such as the decision by Amazon regarding 'Another Simple Favor,' is not clarified, leaving readers without a clear understanding of the underlying factors.