Director of ‘It Ends With Us’ Seemingly Shades Blake Lively Amid Feud Rumors

The premiere of It Ends With Us, an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s beloved novel, has been enveloped in unexpected drama and speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions. Justin Baldoni, who directed and starred in the film alongside Blake Lively, has recently expressed doubts about directing a sequel, hinting at underlying issues between the co-stars, according to People. These revelations add another intriguing layer to the already complex narrative of the film.

At the New York City premiere of It Ends With Us on August 6, 2024, Justin Baldoni’s remarks about directing a sequel sparked speculation about a potential rift with Blake Lively. Baldoni, who also stars in the movie, commented, “I think that there are better people for that one,” when questioned about adapting Hoover’s 2022 sequel, It Starts With Us. His remark suggesting that Lively might be a better fit to direct the sequel only served to underscore the tension between them.

Rumored discord was further kindled by reports of creative disagreements during the postproduction phase of the film. According to sources cited by The Hollywood Reporter, two distinct versions of the movie were produced, with Lively allegedly commissioning one of the cuts. Although the final version shown in theaters is reportedly a compromise between the two, the absence of joint appearances by Lively and Baldoni at various promotional events has further fueled speculation.

Fans and media outlets quickly took note of Baldoni’s absence at key press events and red carpet appearances, where Lively was seen with her co-stars and even her husband, Ryan Reynolds. The lack of joint appearances led to widespread speculation about a falling out between the two leads. This was amplified by their interactions on social media, with Blake Lively and Hoover unfollowing Baldoni on Instagram.

The situation became even more conspicuous as Baldoni did not share the spotlight with Lively at the film’s premiere. While Lively posed with castmates and industry figures, Baldoni kept a low profile, attending the event with his family and a few producers not associated with Lively. The absence of a united front at such a significant event suggested deeper issues, whether related to creative differences or personal tensions.

In interviews, Baldoni has spoken about the challenges of directing and starring in the film, describing it as an ‘extreme challenge’. He reflected on the difficulties of managing complex personalities and aligning everyone with a shared vision. Despite these struggles, Baldoni praised Lively’s contributions to the film, acknowledging her significant role as an executive producer and her impact on the project.

Baldoni’s comments, though complimentary, also hinted at the strains of their collaboration. He lauded Blake Lively for her creative input and praised her energy, yet his remarks about her possibly directing the sequel seemed to subtly underscore his own doubts about handling another project of this scale. The director’s candidness about the film’s production challenges and his own role in it pointed to an underlying sense of frustration or resignation.

The relationship between Baldoni and Lively has been scrutinized not just for its professional facets but also for its personal dynamics. Their interaction—or lack thereof—at public events and on social media has fueled rumors of a deeper rift. Despite the ongoing speculation, both Baldoni and Lively have refrained from directly addressing the nature of their relationship, leaving fans and the media to piece together the story from fragmented reports.

Baldoni’s dedication to the project and his acknowledgment of Lively’s influence suggest a complicated but ultimately respectful working relationship. His comments regarding directing a potential sequel, however, reveal a certain reluctance and highlight the challenges of balancing creative visions and personal dynamics. This reluctance, paired with the reported creative disagreements, paints a picture of a fraught but significant collaboration.

As the dust settles from the premiere and ensuing speculation, the future of It Ends With Us and its potential sequel remains uncertain. The challenges of working with high-profile collaborators and the pressures of delivering a successful adaptation can strain even the most harmonious partnerships. For now, both Baldoni and Lively continue to navigate their professional and personal landscapes, with the film’s success standing as a testament to their efforts despite the reported behind-the-scenes drama.

The focus for fans and industry observers will likely shift to how the rumored tensions impact future projects and collaborations. Whether these issues will lead to a sequel remains to be seen, but for now, the film’s journey—from its adaptation to its premiere—serves as a compelling chapter in both Baldoni’s and Lively’s careers.

Source: People, The Hollywood Reporter