Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds: First Married Couple to Top Box Office in 34 Years

This weekend marked a significant achievement for Hollywood couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, as both stars celebrated their successful film releases at the box office. Lively’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, “It Ends With Us,” and Reynolds’ Marvel blockbuster, “Deadpool & Wolverine,” performed impressively, generating significant earnings and setting a notable record for the couple.

“Deadpool & Wolverine” amassed $54 million domestically, while “It Ends With Us” followed closely with $50 million. The combined success of these films made Lively and Reynolds the first married duo to occupy the top two spots at the box office since Bruce Willis and Demi Moore achieved the same feat 34 years ago. In 1990, it was Willis’ “Die Hard 2” and Moore’s “Ghost” that dominated the weekend, with “Ghost” emerging as the top-grossing film that year.

Since its release on July 26, “Deadpool” has continued to dominate, raking in a total of $494.3 million at U.S. theaters, establishing itself as one of the highest-grossing films in the post-pandemic landscape. Meanwhile, “It Ends With Us,” a mid-budget production taking on the sensitive theme of domestic violence, exceeded expectations with its robust opening weekend earnings, marking a considerable triumph for Lively, who also served as a producer for the film.

While the promotional campaign for “It Ends With Us” showcased the film’s artistic direction, it has not been devoid of controversy. Observant fans noted several awkward interactions among the cast, raising questions about potential on-set tensions during the film’s promotion. Lively and the film’s director, Justin Baldoni, who is also known for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” had several solo media appearances, with no complete cast photo captured at the film’s premiere.

In a surprising revelation, Lively disclosed that Reynolds contributed significantly to the movie’s writing, scripting a crucial scene, which caught screenwriter Christy Hall off guard. This disclosure has added to the ongoing discussions surrounding the film’s marketing tactics. Some fans expressed concern that the lighthearted promotional campaigns may misrepresent the film’s serious subject matter, making it appear more akin to a romantic comedy.

Lively and Reynolds first shared the screen in 2011 for the widely criticized “Green Lantern.” However, their fortunes have changed dramatically over the years. Earlier this year, the couple collaborated again in the children’s movie “IF,” and Lively even made a cameo in “Deadpool,” portraying Reynold’s character’s female counterpart, known as Ladypool.

The success both stars have achieved is not only a testament to their individual talent but also highlights the strength of their partnership both on and off the screen. Their dual triumphs at the box office underscore how Hollywood can celebrate personal and professional achievements simultaneously, a rare occurrence that fans are thrilled to witness.

The conversation surrounding “It Ends With Us” also serves as a reminder of the broader issues it addresses, including domestic violence. Support resources are available for those in need. Safe Horizon provides a hotline offering crisis counseling and assistance with safety planning and shelters at 1(800) 621-HOPE (4673). Their chat feature allows users to seek help confidentially, providing support through a computer or phone.

Additionally, survivors can reach out to the New York City Anti-Violence Project’s hotline, available in both English and Spanish at 212-714-1141. Those who prefer written communication can submit a report at avp.org/get-help, ensuring safe contact for outreach.

Lively and Reynolds’ weekend success not only marks a high point in their careers but also emphasizes the power of storytelling in addressing significant societal topics while engaging audiences worldwide.

Source: USA Today