Hollywood drama? Check. Power moves? Double check. A behind-the-scenes feud juicier than your Aunt Karen’s Thanksgiving gossip? Absolutely. Welcome to the saga of It Ends With Us, where Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively apparently went head-to-head in what can only be described as the cinematic equivalent of a reality show reunion.
The Baldoni-Lively Showdown: A Hollywood Cage Match
Rumor has it that when It Ends With Us wrapped filming, there wasn’t just one movie — there were two. One crafted by director-slash-star Justin Baldoni, and the other, commandeered by Blake Lively with the full superheroic backing of her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Forget Deadpool, this was Power Couple 101: rewriting the script (literally and figuratively) and dropping the director like a bad Tinder date.
“Creative Differences” or Hollywood Hostility?
In his lawsuit against The New York Times, Baldoni alleged that Blake rolled into production like a boss on a power trip. She apparently pulled a “Hostile Takeover: Movie Edition,” swapping editors like it was a Real Housewives casting call and commissioning her own version of the film.
And oh, did Blake play the Hollywood game like a champ. She reportedly told Sony, “No Blake cut, no red carpet,” and just like that, the execs caved. They tested both versions with audiences, and Baldoni’s reportedly scored higher. But Blake pulled her trump card: Colleen Hoover, the author of the book, who allegedly threatened to back Blake if her version wasn’t picked. Boom. Baldoni was out, and the Blake cut made it to theaters.
Poster Snub and the Great Erasure of Justin Baldoni
Not only did Blake secure the final cut, but she allegedly erased Baldoni from the project like you’d untag yourself from a regrettable Instagram post. The lawsuit claims she booted him from the promotional materials and even yanked his coveted “A Film By” credit. Ouch. Justin reportedly texted his publicist saying he was “kicked out” of his own movie. That’s gotta sting harder than a botched haircut.
So, What Was in Baldoni’s Version?
Apparently, Justin had ideas. Big ones. But maybe… too big? Blake’s sexual harassment complaint alleged that Baldoni went rogue, adding scenes not in the script — and not in the realm of good taste. His version reportedly included a graphic scene about a young Lily losing her virginity and some dialogue that Blake felt wasn’t just inappropriate but downright creepy.
The cherry on top? After a controversial scene was shot, Baldoni allegedly said to the actors, “I know I’m not supposed to say this, but that was hot.” Bruh.
The “Female Gaze”… or Just Plain Weird?
When Blake objected to the sex scenes, Justin reportedly defended them as being part of the “female gaze.” But then came the kicker: Baldoni allegedly asked Blake if she and Ryan Reynolds climax simultaneously. Sir, what now?! Blake, being the queen she is, refused to dignify that with an answer.
Blake’s Version: Box Office Gold
Despite all the drama, Blake’s cut of the film became a smash hit — the highest-grossing project of her career. So… did Justin’s version ever stand a chance? Who knows? But considering the alleged awkwardness of his added scenes, maybe the world isn’t ready for the Baldoni Cut.
Final Thoughts
Was this a battle of artistic vision? A Hollywood power struggle? Or just a very public clash of egos? Whatever it was, one thing’s clear: Blake Lively doesn’t just play strong women on screen — she lives it IRL. Baldoni, on the other hand, might need to take a page from her book and rethink his directorial strategy.
Until then, we’ll be over here, waiting for the next Hollywood drama to spill. Pass the popcorn. 🍿
