Paul Feig is doing A Simple Favor.
The Bridesmaids and Spy helmer has signed on to direct the thriller, with Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively in talks to star, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
The adaptation of Darcey Bell’s 2017 book, which centers on a mommy blogger whose best friend suddenly disappears from their small town, is being set up at Lionsgate. Feig and producing partner Jessie Henderson will produce though their FeigCo banner. Production is set to begin in August in Toronto.
The murder mystery was originally nabbed by Fox 2000 last year, as part of a two-book deal from HarperCollins. Feig will direct from a script by Jessica Sharzer (Nerve, American Horror Story).
The project is Feig’s first in the thriller genre, after helming comedies like The Heat and Ghostbusters. A co-writer of the Weinstein Co.’s Untouchable, starring Bryan Cranston and Kevin Hart, he is represented by CAA.
Lively’s upcoming films include CBS Films’ adaptation of The Husband’s Secret. She is repped by WME and Management 360.
Kendrick’s upcoming films include the musical threequel Pitch Perfect 3 and the animated Trolls sequel. She is repped by CAA.
