Takeaways:
- Justin Baldoni’s legal battle with Blake Lively expands, involving Marvel and Disney over the portrayal of a character in Deadpool & Wolverine.
- A litigation hold letter demands preservation of documents related to “Nicepool,” a character allegedly mocking Baldoni.
- The dispute intertwines with allegations of harassment and creative control issues within Hollywood.
Justin Baldoni’s Legal Dispute Expands to Disney and Marvel Over “Deadpool” Character
The legal drama involving Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has taken a new turn, pulling entertainment giants Marvel and Disney into the fray. A litigation hold letter sent by Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, to Marvel president Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger demands the preservation of all documents related to “Nicepool,” a character from Deadpool & Wolverine that Baldoni claims is a direct mockery of him.
This move comes amid ongoing legal battles between Baldoni, Lively, and others, stemming from allegations of sexual harassment, fat-shaming, and a contentious professional relationship. The stakes are high, with Baldoni’s lawyer hinting at an imminent lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, who starred in and co-wrote Deadpool & Wolverine.
Why Disney and Marvel Are Involved
While the legal clash initially revolved around the Sony-produced It Ends With Us, the conflict has broadened. Baldoni’s team claims that the “Nicepool” character in Deadpool & Wolverine mirrors Baldoni’s public persona. In the film, “Nicepool,” portrayed as an oafish and misogynistic alternate version of Deadpool, utters lines that seem to parody Baldoni’s statements about feminism and his alleged behavior toward Lively.
For instance, the character remarks, “Where in God’s name is the intimacy coordinator?!” and sarcastically compliments “Ladypool,” played by Lively, on her post-pregnancy physique. These lines allegedly draw parallels to Lively’s accusations that Baldoni fat-shamed her on the set of It Ends With Us.
Legal Implications of the Litigation Hold Letter
The litigation hold letter sent on January 7 calls for Disney and Marvel to retain all documents related to “Nicepool,” including its development, writing, and production. Freedman argues that the character’s portrayal constitutes harassment, ridicule, and an attempt to bully Baldoni.
Additionally, the letter extends its scope to include records of disputes involving Reynolds, such as his reported creative differences with Tim Miller, the director of the first Deadpool film. Miller, who did not return for the sequel or Deadpool & Wolverine, has been linked to prior clashes with Reynolds.
The Broader Legal Context
This legal maneuver is the latest development in a series of lawsuits and counterclaims:
- Baldoni vs. Lively: Baldoni and others sued The New York Times for $250 million, alleging defamation based on reports rooted in Lively’s allegations.
- Lively’s Countersuit: Lively has filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni, mirroring her initial complaints to California’s Civil Rights Department.
- Publicist Disputes: Baldoni’s former publicist, Stephanie Jones, has sued him and two associates, alleging breach of contract and conspiracy.
Industry Fallout
As the legal battles rage on, Baldoni’s career faces significant challenges. He has been dropped by WME, the agency representing Lively, Reynolds, and Miller. Freedman, speaking on The Megyn Kelly Show, stated his intention to “sue the Hollywood power couple into oblivion.”
The implications for Reynolds are also notable. Despite fan speculation about the character’s origins, Reynolds has never publicly addressed whether “Nicepool” is based on Baldoni. However, the escalating tension could impact future collaborations between Reynolds, Disney, and Marvel.
A Cautionary Tale for the Industry
This saga underscores the growing complexities of personal and professional dynamics in Hollywood. With social media amplifying allegations and legal strategies growing more aggressive, industry professionals are increasingly navigating a precarious landscape.
As Baldoni’s legal team prepares to take further action, the case highlights the need for accountability and transparency—both on set and behind the scenes.
