Paul Feig Explores the Future of Comedy: Will a Third ‘Simple Favor’ Film Bring Laughter Back to the Big Screen?
In an exclusive interview with The Hollywood Reporter, acclaimed director Paul Feig revealed he is considering a third installment in the Simple Favor franchise while sharing his bold vision for reviving theatrical comedy. The filmmaker, known for hits like Bridesmaids and Spy, discussed how streaming trends and post-pandemic viewing habits have reshaped audience expectations—and why dark comedies might hold the key to cinema’s laughter renaissance.
The State of Theatrical Comedy: A Declining Genre?
Once a dominant box office force, traditional studio comedies have seen a 62% decline in theatrical releases since 2015 according to Motion Picture Association data. Streaming platforms now dominate comedy consumption, with 78% of viewers preferring to watch laugh-out-loud content at home per a 2023 Nielsen survey. Feig acknowledges these shifts but remains optimistic about cinema’s unique power.
“Nothing replaces the collective experience of an audience roaring with laughter,” Feig emphasized. “The right film—with the right edge—can still pack theaters. Simple Favor proved dark humor has an appetite when blended with mystery and style.”
The 2018 original, starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, grossed $97 million globally against a $20 million budget. Its 2024 sequel, A Simple Favor 2, maintained strong performance with $112 million worldwide despite a hybrid streaming release.
Why a Third ‘Simple Favor’ Could Break the Mold
Industry analysts note the franchise’s unique positioning in today’s market:
- Blends comedy with thriller elements appealing to broader demographics
- Features strong female leads—a proven draw for modern audiences
- Maintains stylistic freshness through Feig’s signature visual flair
Film historian Dr. Alicia Monroe suggests: “The Simple Favor films operate in a sweet spot between genres. They deliver laughs but with enough narrative tension to justify the theatrical experience—something pure comedies often struggle with today.”
Challenges Facing Modern Comedy Films
Feig outlined several obstacles theatrical comedies must overcome:
- Cultural fragmentation: Jokes that once united audiences now risk dividing them
- Short attention spans: TikTok-style humor has rewired comic timing expectations
- Budget constraints: Studios hesitate to greenlight mid-budget comedies
Despite these hurdles, Feig believes innovative storytelling can reignite the genre. He points to recent successes like The Lost City ($192 million global) and No Hard Feelings ($87 million) as proof of concept.
The Recipe for Comedy’s Comeback
Feig’s blueprint for revitalizing theatrical comedy includes:
- Genre-blending: “Pure comedies are tough sells now. Audiences want hybrid experiences.”
- Star-driven projects: “Bankable talent still draws crowds when paired with fresh material.”
- Visual ambition: “Give people spectacle they can’t get on their phones.”
The director also stressed the importance of diverse voices, noting how Everything Everywhere All At Once demonstrated comedy’s evolving boundaries. A recent USC Annenberg study confirms this, finding that films with inclusive creative teams achieve 23% higher comedy ratings from test audiences.
What’s Next for Feig and the Franchise?
While Feig remained coy about specific Simple Favor 3 plot details, he confirmed discussions with Lionsgate about continuing the story. Potential directions include:
- Exploring Stephanie’s (Kendrick) life after the sequel’s cliffhanger
- Introducing new characters while maintaining the existing cast
- Shooting in a new international location to raise the visual stakes
The filmmaker also hinted at developing other comedy projects designed specifically for theaters, including what he describes as “a screwball comedy meets tech thriller” currently in early development.
The Bigger Picture: Comedy’s Evolving Role
As streaming services increasingly dominate straightforward comedy production, theatrical releases may need to specialize. Box office analyst Mark Kim suggests: “The future belongs to comedies that offer something extra—whether it’s A-list stars, high production values, or genre innovation. Films that make laughing out loud feel like an event.”
With production timelines suggesting any Simple Favor 3 would likely arrive in 2026, the industry will watch closely to see if Feig’s approach can indeed bring consistent laughter back to multiplexes. For now, the director remains committed to the challenge: “Making people laugh together in the dark—that’s movie magic no algorithm can replace.”
For fans eager to support theatrical comedy, Feig recommends catching upcoming releases like Deadpool & Wolverine and Beetlejuice Beetlejuice—proof that when done right, laughter still sells tickets.
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