Why Jean Smart Was Replaced in Another Simple Favor — The Shocking Truth Behind the Recast

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In the movie “Another Simple Favor,” you may have observed that Emily’s mother, Margaret, appears to look different – this change is due to the fact that Jean Smart was replaced in her role, a switch made for the very reason you’re guessing.

If you’ve seen A Simple Favor, you’ll recognize Margaret McLanden as a key figure in uncovering the truth about Emily (Blake Lively). In actuality, Emily is Hope McLanden, who, according to the story, had a troubled childhood marked by abuse. This alleged past led her and her twin sister Faith to take drastic measures, including killing their father.

Later on when Emily disappears, Stephanie (Anna Kendrick) sets out to delve into Emily’s past. By locating her true identity, she assumes the role of an insurance agent to converse with Margaret (Jean Smart), ultimately gathering all necessary information to complete the puzzle.

In the latest film “Another Simple Favor”, Jean Smart is not reprising her role. Instead, Margaret has been taken over by Elizabeth Perkins. The absence of Smart in the new movie is due to the same circumstance you’re probably pondering.

Hacks Season 4 is why Jean Smart was recast in Another Simple Favor 

When speaking with Paul Feig at TopMob, it was revealed that Jean Smart was shooting Hacks Season 4 during the time of film production, which unfortunately prevented her from returning to the set.

As a gamer putting together my gaming schedule, I found myself in a pickle with Jean. She’s got her hands full with that Hacks show and a Broadway gig, leaving us struggling to align our schedules. Unlike Elizabeth Perkins, who I’ve had the pleasure of collaborating with three times, it seems Jean was the one whose shoes couldn’t be filled temporarily.

“She enjoyed herself immensely, and her joyful demeanor really shone through. However, we managed to encapsulate it in a single sentence! I’m incredibly proud of the piece I put together.

In the next part of the story, Emily’s future mother-in-law Portia (played by Elena Sofia Ricci) invites Margaret and Aunt Linda (Alison Janney), who are unfamiliar characters, to her wedding in Capri as a subtle act of retaliation. This is because she isn’t keen on the wedding taking place.

When Emily returns and greets them briskly, she notes that her mother appears changed. “I’ve had some cosmetic enhancements,” Margaret admits, swiftly acknowledging the observation in a casual manner.

Season 4 of Hacks premiered on April 10th with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score before it was even broadcast (currently standing at 97%). Jeannie Smart’s portrayal of Deborah Vance earned her three consecutive Critics’ Choice Television Awards for Best Actress in a Comedy Series, in 2022, 2023, and then again in 2025.

Perhaps Smart decided to trade Another Simple Favor for greater small-screen success, yet it’s possible that Season 5 could mark its end.

In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, she mentioned that since the start of the series, the creators had planned a five-year storyline, which was how they pitched the show. This seems to be their ongoing strategy, according to her.

While it’s common to assert, ‘Never say never,’ I believe this could be an exception. It would be challenging and disheartening to part ways, but it seems fitting. Leaving them wanting more is better than staying too long and potentially overstaying one’s welcome.

Currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video is the movie “Another Simple Favor.” For additional updates, don’t forget to check out the latest gossip about Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell potentially dating, as well as Blake Lively’s lawsuit against Justin Baldoni. Lastly, keep an eye out for some highly anticipated releases slated for 2025 that you won’t want to miss!

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2025-05-01 11:18