Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Rift: Behind the Scenes of ‘It Ends With Us’ Promotion Backlash

News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/18th August 2024

Recent speculation about a rift between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has captured the attention of fans and media alike. This speculation arose during the premieres of their film, It Ends With Us, held in New York and Europe. The initial impression that the actors’ apparent distance was part of a marketing strategy quickly faded as reports surfaced indicating deeper issues.

At the film’s premiere events, Lively was seen with her husband Ryan Reynolds and other cast members, while Baldoni appeared separately. This separation led some to believe it was a deliberate marketing ploy, intended to reflect the film’s themes of domestic violence by creating a contrast between their real-life interactions and their on-screen personas. This theory suggested that the actors’ lack of interaction was meant to prevent the romanticization of their characters’ tumultuous relationship.

However, the narrative shifted when several cast members and even author Colleen Hoover unfollowed Baldoni on social media, raising questions about the true nature of the rift. It became clear that the issue was not merely a promotional tactic but perhaps a result of real tensions on set.

The film, directed by Baldoni, who also secured the adaptation rights in 2019, featured Lively not only as a lead actress but also as an executive producer. During the press tour, it became evident that there were creative differences between the two. When asked about the possibility of Baldoni returning for a sequel, he suggested that Lively might be ready to step into the director’s chair herself.

Rumors surfaced that Ryan Reynolds might be at the heart of the conflict. Lively revealed that Reynolds had contributed to the film’s script, specifically mentioning an iconic rooftop scene. This revelation, combined with the involvement of Shane Reid—who also worked on Reynolds’ projects like Deadpool and Wolverine—fueled speculation that Reynolds’ influence might have exacerbated tensions between Lively and Baldoni. Christy Hall, the film’s screenwriter, was reportedly unaware of these changes, leading to further confusion.

The film’s marketing campaign also faced criticism. Lively, who launched her new haircare brand and wore floral prints during promotional interviews, was accused of downplaying the film’s serious themes of domestic abuse. Her approach, which included light-hearted promotional content on TikTok, drew backlash from those who felt it was inappropriate given the film’s subject matter. Critics and netizens mocked the promotional tactics, suggesting they were insensitive to the gravity of domestic violence.

In contrast, Baldoni’s promotional efforts were seen as more aligned with the film’s serious themes. He emphasized the film’s potential impact on viewers who might relate to the struggles depicted on screen, highlighting his partnership with the No More Foundation to raise awareness about abuse.

As the film continues to be discussed, it is clear that the dynamics between Lively and Baldoni, as well as the film’s marketing strategies, have sparked significant debate. The situation highlights the complex interplay between personal relationships and professional projects in the world of film promotion.