The release of “It Ends with Us”, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has ignited a whirlwind of controversies. From casting decisions to claims of behind-the-scenes tensions, the drama surrounding the movie has only intensified since it hit theaters. The clash between director Justin Baldoni, lead actress Blake Lively, and the rest of the production team has sparked a media frenzy. In this article, we delve into the story behind the film’s troubled production, its impact on the cast, and the ongoing legal battles.

The Troubling Beginnings of “It Ends with Us”

From the outset, “It Ends with Us” was a source of contention. The film, which explores themes of domestic abuse and trauma through the character of Lily Bloom, became a point of debate even before its release. Based on Hoover’s novel, the movie follows Lily (Blake Lively), a florist who falls for Ryle Kincaid (Justin Baldoni), a charming but abusive neurosurgeon. The book’s intense subject matter and portrayal of domestic violence stirred public concern, especially after people revealed that Baldoni, who also starred in the film, was behind the camera.

Despite the buzz, the film’s production was far from smooth. Baldoni chose Lively for the lead role, a decision he defended, citing a personal connection with the actress. “I just thought she would make an incredible Lily,” Baldoni shared in interviews. However, his casting choice raised eyebrows among fans, particularly due to Lively’s role as a producer on the project. Speculation quickly spread that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, exerted significant creative control over the film’s direction, much to Baldoni’s dismay.

Tensions on Set: The Breakdown Between Baldoni and Lively

As the production of “It Ends with Us” progressed, cracks began to appear within the cast and crew.One of the most glaring signs of tension was the behavior of the main cast members, especially Lively. During the film’s premiere, Lively and Baldoni did not appear together on the red carpet. In fact, Lively, along with other key figures, appeared to be distancing themselves from the director. Photos from the event showed Lively posing with her husband and other cast members, but not Baldoni.

Further fueling the rift, Lively’s interviews about the film seemed to avoid discussing Baldoni, which many fans found strange given his pivotal role. At the same time, Baldoni stayed largely out of the press, leaving Lively and Reynolds to handle much of the promotion. This shift in focus sparked speculation that the power couple’s influence over the film had sidelined Baldoni.

Ryan Reynolds’ Influence: Behind-the-Scenes Control?

The presence of Ryan Reynolds on set added another layer to the growing drama surrounding “It Ends with Us.” Lively revealed in an interview that Reynolds had written a key scene in the film, further fueling rumors that he and Lively were exercising undue control over the production. This revelation raised eyebrows, particularly among fans who had been following the behind-the-scenes conflict between Baldoni and the couple.

Social media users quickly began to speculate that Reynolds and Lively’s involvement in the film’s creative process might have contributed to the strained atmosphere on set. A TikTok user claimed that Reynolds’ heavy involvement pushed Baldoni out of the project, overshadowing the director’s vision. The tension between the couple and Baldoni reached a peak when Lively’s tone-deaf marketing efforts failed to resonate with audiences, leading to further criticism.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni: Power Struggle and Allegations

The power struggle between Lively and Baldoni took a more serious turn when accusations of sexual harassment emerged. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, claiming that he had created a “hostile work environment” during the production of the film. The lawsuit accused Baldoni of inappropriate behavior, including unwanted advances and manipulation.

According to Lively’s legal team, the actress had made several complaints about Baldoni’s conduct during filming. She claimed that Baldoni had improvised unwanted kissing scenes and discussed his personal sex life inappropriately on set. Additionally, Lively accused him of entering her makeup trailer uninvited while she was undressed, even during breastfeeding. The lawsuit also outlined a list of demands that Lively had made to the studio, including no more sex scenes or discussions about Baldoni’s alleged pornography addiction.

Baldoni’s lawyer, however, denied the allegations, calling them “false” and claiming that Lively filed the lawsuit to repair her public image. According to his legal team, Lively had threatened not to promote the film or show up to set, which ultimately impacted its release.

The Aftermath: Media Coverage and the Future of “It Ends with Us”

The lawsuit and the ensuing media coverage have cast a shadow over the film’s success. While “It Ends with Us” still performed well at the box office, the public fallout has left many questioning the film’s production process and the relationships between the people involved. Baldoni, who had initially been open about the challenges of portraying such a sensitive subject, now finds himself at the center of a scandal that threatens his reputation.

Lively, on the other hand, has become the subject of intense scrutiny. Critics have pointed out her failure to address the serious themes of abuse in the film’s promotional materials, opting instead for a more lighthearted approach. The contrast between the film’s dark subject matter and the cast’s public behavior has led to a backlash from some fans who feel that the film’s message was overshadowed by the drama behind the scenes.

Conclusion: A Story of Power, Control, and Controversy

The saga of “It Ends with Us” has revealed a troubling power struggle between Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the rest of the film’s team. Casting decisions and behind-the-scenes manipulation have marred the production with controversy and legal battles. As the drama unfolds, it remains unclear how this will affect the film’s legacy and its impact on the domestic violence conversation it aimed to address. What started as a highly anticipated adaptation has turned into a cautionary tale of power dynamics, control, and the price of fame.