Behind the Scenes Drama: Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively's Feud on “It Ends With Us”
The upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel “It Ends With Us” has been generating buzz, but not just for its anticipated storyline. Recently, reports have surfaced about a possible feud between the film's star and director Justin Baldoni and co-star Blake Lively, who also served as a producer on the project. Here's a closer look at the drama that's unfolding behind the scenes.
Key Issues and Background
Justin Baldoni, who is both directing and acting in “It Ends With Us,” has reportedly hired Melissa Nathan, a well-known crisis public relations manager. Nathan is no stranger to high-profile cases, having previously represented Johnny Depp during his highly publicized trial with Amber Heard. This move by Baldoni comes amidst growing speculation about conflicts during the film's promotion and post-production.
Unnamed sources have revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that there was a “fracture” among the filmmakers during the post-production phase. One significant point of contention appears to be Blake Lively commissioning her own cut of the film with editor Shane Reid. Reid is known for his work on “Deadpool & Wolverine,” a film starring Lively's husband, Ryan Reynolds. While multiple cuts of a film during post-production are not unusual, this move by Lively has fueled rumors of creative disagreements.
Social Media and Public Appearances
Fans have noticed that Baldoni and Lively have rarely appeared together during the press tour. Baldoni has been making solo appearances on shows like Access Hollywood, Today, Entertainment Tonight, and Good Morning America. Meanwhile, Lively has been promoting the film on platforms like Vogue, Capital FM, and CBS Mornings, but not alongside Baldoni.
Moreover, social media activity has added to the speculation. Baldoni follows both Hoover and Lively on social media, but neither of them follow him back. This has led fans to wonder if there is more tension behind the scenes than what meets the eye.
Creative Control and On-Set Clashes
The speculation doesn't stop at social media. Lively mentioned in an interview with Hits Radio UK about a clash on set, where she was “begged” to remove a Lana Del Rey song from the film. Although she didn't specify who she clashed with, this incident adds another layer to the rumors of on-set disagreements.
Adding to the complexity, Lively revealed that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, contributed to writing a fan-favorite scene from the book. This raised questions about potential disputes over creative control between Lively and Baldoni. However, sources have clarified that Reynolds did not write the entire scene, which might mitigate some of the speculation.
Public Statements and Mixed Signals
Despite the rumors, Baldoni has publicly praised Lively's performance and contributions as a producer. In various interviews, he described her as a “dynamic creative” and credited her with enhancing everything she touched. Baldoni's consistent praise contrasts with Lively's more reserved comments about him. She has avoided mentioning Baldoni by name in several interviews, which has not gone unnoticed by fans and media alike.
Adding fuel to the fire, a recent Vanity Fair video featuring much of the “It Ends With Us” cast did not include Baldoni. This omission sparked further questions among fans, with many commenting on the video's strangeness without the director's presence.
Box Office Success and Critical Reception
Despite the behind-the-scenes drama, “It Ends With Us” has performed well at the box office, grossing $50 million in its opening weekend. This success placed it second, just behind “Deadpool & Wolverine.” The film's financial performance exceeded expectations, with initial projections suggesting it would earn around $30 million.
However, critical reception has been mixed. The film holds a 58% score on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviews pointing out “clunky dialogue” but praising the earnest performances. Some critics, like Mark Kennedy from the Associated Press, have noted the film's struggle to balance its themes of domestic violence with the elements of a rom-com and female empowerment movie.
Conclusion
The reported feud between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively adds an intriguing subplot to the release of “It Ends With Us.” While the film has achieved significant box office success, the off-screen drama has captured the attention of fans and media alike. As the promotional tour continues, it remains to be seen whether the two stars will address the rumors head-on or continue to navigate their complicated dynamic from a distance.
