Blake Lively, best known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, has built an impressive filmography with standout performances in The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, The Shallows, and A Simple Favor. Her latest project, the highly anticipated romantic drama It Ends With Us, has captured significant attention, but not entirely for the reasons the filmmakers may have hoped.
Controversy Looms Over ‘It Ends With Us’
Lively’s portrayal of Lily Bloom in the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestseller was expected to be a crowning achievement in her career. However, recent reports suggest that the production has been marred by a behind-the-scenes dispute between Lively and director Justin Baldoni. According to sources close to the project, the conflict stems from differing visions for the final cut of the film.
A Divided Vision: Lively vs. Baldoni
Fans first became suspicious of tension when Baldoni appeared to be promoting the film solo, without Lively or other key cast members at the New York premiere. Social media buzzed with speculation, particularly after it was discovered that Lively, Hoover, and co-star Jenny Slate were not following Baldoni on Instagram, a subtle yet telling sign of discord.
In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Baldoni hinted at his reluctance to direct a sequel, suggesting that Lively would be better suited for the task. This statement only fueled rumors that Lively had taken control of the film’s creative direction. Reports from The Hollywood Reporter indicate that Lively brought in Shane Reid, known for his work on Deadpool and Wolverine, to edit her version of the film, further intensifying the narrative of a power struggle.
Social Media Backlash and Unresolved Tensions
As details of the alleged feud leaked, social media users were quick to react. Some fans expressed disappointment in Lively’s actions, suggesting that the drama has tainted their perception of the actress. One user on X (formerly Twitter) commented:
“Blake Lively seems to be the weird and wrong one in this conflict and it makes me feel so sad for Justin Baldoni ”
Another user referenced Lively’s controversial wedding venue, adding:
“People should’ve already canceled her when she married on a plantation, but okay…”
The controversy didn’t stop there. Reports from TMZ allege that Lively felt uncomfortable during the filming of a particular scene, accusing Baldoni of lingering too long during a kiss and even fat-shaming her. These claims, combined with Baldoni’s recent decision to hire crisis PR manager Melissa Nathan, have only added fuel to the fire.
A Parallel Success: ‘A Simple Favor 2’ Gains Momentum
While It Ends With Us finds itself mired in controversy, another of Lively’s projects is moving forward without a hitch. A Simple Favor 2, the sequel to the 2018 hit film, has wrapped filming and is reportedly scoring high in test screenings. Director Paul Feig shared his enthusiasm in a recent interview with Cinemablend, stating: “We scored through the roof. Through the roof!”
The sequel will see the return of Lively alongside Anna Kendrick, Henry Golding, and new cast members like Michele Morrone and Kelly McCormack. Fans of the original film can look forward to more of the same suspenseful twists when A Simple Favor 2 hits theaters next year.
The Impact of the Controversy on Lively’s Career
As the dust settles, the question remains: will this behind-the-scenes drama affect Blake Lively’s standing in Hollywood? The actress has enjoyed a successful career, but the negative press surrounding It Ends With Us could leave a lasting impact. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how Lively navigates this turbulent period.
For now, It Ends With Us continues to perform well at the box office, but the shadow of controversy looms large. Whether Lively and Baldoni can move past their differences and maintain their respective careers remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Hollywood drama is very much alive, and Blake Lively is at the center of it.