Paul Feig Discusses the Decision to Remove Ryan Reynolds’ Gin in A Simple Favor 2
Ryan Reynolds’ Aviation gin had its moment in the spotlight in wife Blake Lively’s 2018 film A Simple Favor — but don’t expect to see it in the sequel.
“There’s no more Aviation,” director Paul Feig disclosed to Entertainment Weekly during an interview released on Tuesday, February 25. He went on to share that his own brand, Artingstall Gin, will take its place. “This movie is all Artingstall’s all the time. I’m very proud of my brand. In fact, our bottle is so beautiful that it fits in perfectly. You can always count on having martinis in any of my films.”
Feig established Artingstall in 2020, two years after A Simple Favor graced theaters with a memorable scene where Lively’s character, Emily, taught Anna Kendrick’s Stephanie how to craft the “real” martini. Emily’s ideal cocktail featured a frozen glass, dry vermouth, a twist of lemon — squeezed into the glass and coated around the rim — and a chilled bottle of Reynolds’ Aviation gin.
Following the viral success of that scene, Feig revealed that he had initially chosen a different gin before Lively suggested Aviation, noting it was a brand Reynolds particularly enjoys.
“I wouldn’t have proceeded if I didn’t find it visually appealing, but I truly thought the bottle looked stunning,” Feig stated in a conversation with Cosmopolitan at that time. “Honestly, I wasn’t initially aware of the extent of [Ryan’s] involvement, but I think it’s fantastic because it’s really good gin.”
While Aviation won’t be featured in Another Simple Favor, Feig has continued to support Lively in various ways. He has frequently defended her amidst her legal troubles with former It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni. (Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation, which Baldoni has strongly denied, countering with a $400 million defamation lawsuit against her and Reynolds.)
Not long after Lively’s lawsuit gained media attention, Feig took to social media to share his positive experiences working with the actress, stating via X, “I’ve directed two films with Blake, and I can confidently say she’s among the most professional, creative, collaborative, talented, and kind individuals I’ve ever collaborated with.”
The next month, Feig refuted claims that the movie was canceled because of the lawsuit. In February, when an Instagram follower probed whether Another Simple Favor would reflect Feig’s vision or Lively’s — referring to Baldoni’s assertion that Lively “took over” It Ends With Us — Feig was quick to clarify.
“It’s my cut,” he responded. “There is no alternate version. Blake has been nothing but encouraging and a dream to collaborate with. She’s fantastic, and I’m her biggest supporter.”
The duo’s latest project is set to stream on Prime Video on May 1, following its premiere at SXSW next month. The story follows Emily, who has just been released from prison, inviting now-mommy-vlogger-turned-private investigator Stephanie to her lavish wedding in Capri. As the two frenemies hope for a joyful celebration, they soon find themselves entangled in murder and deceit.
“I was hesitant about doing sequels for any of my films,” Feig commented to EW on Tuesday about his choice to revisit the franchise. “However, I adore these characters so much that I felt, ‘There’s still more fun to explore with them.’ But that meant pushing them out of their comfort zones.”
