Crazy Rich Asians lead in A Simple Favor

Fresh from his blockbuster hit Crazy Rich Asians, Henry Golding (photo) stars in the latest love triangle thriller

A Simple Favor with Blake Lively and Anna Kendrick.

A Simple Favor is a stylish postmodern suburban noir directed by Paul Feig that centers around Stephanie Smothers (Anna), a vlogger who seeks to uncover the truth behind her best friend Emily Nelson’s (Blake) sudden disappearance from their small town.

Stephanie is joined by Emily’s husband Sean (Henry) in a tale filled with twists, secrets, revelations, love, loyalty, murder and revenge.

Director Paul recalled that one of the most challenging roles to cast was Emily’s dashing but disillusioned husband Sean, who seems to be befuddled by her disappearance and turns to Stephanie for solace and support, and more.

He chose the British-Malaysian Henry, this year’s Crazy Rich

Asians’ breakthrough actor, for the role. “Henry is handsome, has a beautiful voice and has that ineffable sense of cool. But most importantly, Henry is also a really talented and dedicated actor,” said the director. “He was ready to explore the minutia of Sean’s every word and I thought from Day 1, this guy is going to be a big star.”

Henry and Paul talked about the cool sophistication of Cary Grant as a model for the character, but Henry also credited Anna and Blake for bringing out the best in him.

“Anna and Blake are forces to be reckoned with,” Henry said. “Of course, I was nervous stepping in with them, but they were nothing but supportive. For me, it was a gift just to watch them work. They make you believe every twist and turn.”

A Simple Favor opens tomorrow, Sept. 12, in cinemas from Pioneer Films.