Brandon Sklenar, the handsome hunk playing Atlas in the much-anticipated movie It Ends With Us, has finally broken his silence on the swirling rumors of feuds and fiery backstage drama. In the land of Hollywood, where every raised eyebrow is dissected like a crime scene, fans have been speculating that a storm of Real Housewives proportions was brewing behind the scenes. Apparently, when Justin Baldoni didn’t stop for a quick “cheese” with Blake Lively and the rest of the cast at the premiere, the internet was convinced they were one step away from throwing avocado toast at each other.
Rumor has it (cue Adele) that Justin and Blake were clashing harder than neon spandex and Crocs. But now, drumroll, Brandon has spoken! In an interview with Access Hollywood—because, you know, this is serious business—he squashed the gossip like a bug under a flip-flop.
Brandon, cool as a cucumber that’s been chilling in the fridge for days, said, “It just seems silly to me.” Yes, silly, like wearing socks with sandals or expecting to leave IKEA without at least one emotional breakdown. He explained that the whole point of the movie was to, get this, not focus on backstage melodrama, but rather to shine a light on important topics like survivors of domestic abuse. You know, the actual purpose of the film—kind of a big deal.
“It’s about making people feel heard, strong, and loved,” Brandon added. “Not, like, fighting over who didn’t smile enough on the red carpet. We’re trying to make people cry in a meaningful way, not over imaginary drama.” Amen, Brandon, amen.
A few weeks ago, Brandon threw a social media grenade (peacefully, of course) when he posted a statement in support of Blake, who apparently has been catching some shade online. “Vilifying Blake Lively? Really? You do realize she’s Serena van der Woodsen, right?” was probably what he wanted to say, but instead he just shut down the haters like a bouncer at an exclusive club.
Brandon’s approach to the rumors? “I put that out and thought, ‘Well, let’s see if this goes up in flames or not,’” he admitted. Spoiler alert: it did not. Turns out, people actually appreciated the whole not-feeding-the-drama thing. Who would’ve thought?
Blake and Justin aren’t locked in a passive-aggressive battle over who gets more screen time. No avocado toast was harmed in the making of this film. And yes, Brandon Sklenar is basically the Zen master we never knew we needed, spreading calm in a sea of Hollywood chaos.