Forget the script, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s real-life drama is stealing the spotlight in It Ends With Us. With sparks flying both on and off set, this Hollywood saga is serving up more twists than the film itself.
The buzz surrounding the release of It Ends With Us was expected to be monumental, given the novel’s BookTok fame and its potent message on domestic abuse. Yet, the film’s premiere and subsequent press tour have taken a different route, spiraling into controversy that rivals the drama within its plot.
A Red Carpet Of Roses, Or Thorns?
The New York City premiere of It Ends With Us was a spectacle for more reasons than one. Blake Lively, donning an iconic Britney Spears-inspired dress, graced the red carpet with her usual charm. Yet, her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni, seemed conspicuously out of place. As Lively posed with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and their famous friend Hugh Jackman, Baldoni stood apart, either alone or accompanied by his wife, Emily Baldoni. The absence of a full cast photo and the clear distance between Lively and Baldoni set the stage for the controversy that would soon engulf the film.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lively’s playful remark to BBC News about the film—“We really feel like we delivered a story that’s emotional, and it’s fun and it’s funny, and it’s painful, and it’s scary, and it’s tragic, and it’s inspiring, and that’s what life is”—felt at odds with the gravity of the story. Fans began questioning whether the film’s promotional campaign was trivializing the serious subject matter of domestic violence.
Ryan Reynolds: A Supportive Husband Or A Scene-Stealer?
While familial support is often heartwarming, Ryan Reynolds’ involvement in the film’s promotion has been perceived as something more. Reynolds not only accompanied his wife to the premiere but also jumped into interviews, like the one with co-star Brendan Sklenar, bringing along the added publicity of his Deadpool co-star Hugh Jackman. This unexpected crossover of Hollywood heavyweights drew attention but also raised eyebrows about whether Reynolds was overshadowing Baldoni’s directorial efforts.
The dynamic took an even more curious turn when Lively revealed to E! News that Reynolds had contributed to a key scene in the film, the “iconic rooftop scene.” While Lively praised her husband’s input, the film’s screenwriter, Christy Hall, seemed caught off guard by the revelation, acknowledging that she had assumed certain lines were improvised. This mix of behind-the-scenes collaboration and confusion only deepened the mystery surrounding the film’s production dynamics.
Awkward Interviews And Avoided Questions
As if the red carpet separation wasn’t enough, the press tour for It Ends With Us provided further evidence of a rift between Lively and Baldoni. One particularly telling moment occurred when Jenny Slate, who plays Lively’s on-screen best friend, was asked about Baldoni’s dual role as director and co-star. Slate’s evasive response—“I mean, what an intense job? To have to do so many things”—while never actually mentioning Baldoni, left interviewers and fans alike scratching their heads.
Baldoni, for his part, remained diplomatic. In an interview with Today.com, he spoke of navigating “complex personalities” on set and emphasized his collaborative approach. Yet, his cryptic comment about the potential sequel to It Ends With Us; “I think there are better people for that one. I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct‘,” felt more like a passive-aggressive jab than a genuine endorsement.
Social Media Unfollows and the Internet’s Sleuthing
In the age of social media, even the smallest actions can spark a firestorm, and It Ends With Us is no exception. Internet detectives quickly noticed that both Lively and Colleen Hoover, the author of the original novel, had unfollowed Baldoni on Instagram. This digital distancing only fueled speculation that the on-set relationship between the director and his lead actress was far from amicable.
While the main cast seemed to rally around each other on social media, Baldoni appeared to be on a solo journey, conducting press interviews alone and singing Lively’s praises from a distance. His comment to Access Hollywood about Lively—“She’s such a wonderful listener. So, having her as a scene partner made me better”—seemed sincere, yet the lack of reciprocation from Lively in public forums spoke volumes.
Postpartum Body Image And Hollywood: A Toxic Mix?
Rumors have swirled online and in gossip circles that Justin Baldoni’s behavior on the set of It Ends With Us made Blake Lively feel uncomfortable, specifically regarding her post-partum weight. These claims appear to have stemmed from observations of their interactions during filming and the promotional tour. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that these are simply rumors. Neither Blake Lively nor Justin Baldoni have publicly addressed these allegations. Thus, without official confirmation from either party, the truth behind these rumors remains unclear. Regardless, the speculation highlights the intense scrutiny placed on actresses’ appearances, particularly following childbirth
The PR Disaster: A Misguided Marketing Campaign?
Perhaps the most contentious aspect of It Ends With Us has been its marketing campaign. Fans of the novel, who were expecting a raw portrayal of domestic abuse, were bewildered by the rom-com vibe that the promotional materials exuded. As one X (formerly Twitter) user pointed out, “Just so you know, if you haven’t read It Ends With Us, it’s not a romcom…This promo of this movie is pissing me off.” The comparison to the Don’t Worry Darling promotional disaster, which similarly glossed over its core themes of gender-based violence, further highlighted the disconnect between the film’s subject matter and its marketing. Fans, already disillusioned by the behind-the-scenes drama, are now questioning whether the film itself had been compromised in its attempt to appeal to a broader audience.
Hence A Drama Beyond the Screen
As It Ends With Us hits theaters, it’s clear that the real drama lies not within its plot but in the turbulent relationships and marketing missteps surrounding its release. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s alleged feud, coupled with Ryan Reynolds’ unexpected involvement, has transformed what should have been a poignant film about domestic violence into a tabloid sensation. Whether the controversy will drive audiences to the theaters or deter them remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: It Ends With Us has already secured its place as one of the most talked-about films of the year, for reasons far beyond its narrative.
Catch The Trailer Of It Ends With Us Here
Directed by Justin Baldoni, It Ends With Us is adapted from Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel by screenwriter Christy Hall. The cast includes Blake Lively Brandon Sklenar, Jenny Slate, Hasan Minhaj, Amy Morton, Kevin McKidd, Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustadter.
Sources: BBC, E! News, Hindustan Times
