The highly anticipated adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends with Us has become mired in controversy, as a bitter legal feud between its director and star, Justin Baldoni, and leading actress, Blake Lively, dominates headlines. What should have been a meaningful conversation about the film’s themes of domestic abuse and resilience has instead devolved into a courtroom spectacle.
The tension first erupted in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, alleging sexual harassment and accusing him of orchestrating a public smear campaign against her. The fallout intensified when The New York Times published claims that Baldoni had hired a PR team to damage Lively’s reputation—a claim he vehemently denied, responding with a defamation lawsuit. The drama escalated further when Baldoni launched a $400 million civil suit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, citing defamation, extortion, and invasion of privacy.
This ongoing courtroom battle has cast a long shadow over the film, drawing attention away from its central message about domestic violence and the strength it takes to leave toxic relationships.
Brandon Sklenar stays above the drama
While much of the media frenzy has focused on the Lively vs. Baldoni clash, It Ends with Us co-star Brandon Sklenar, who plays Lily Bloom’s childhood love Atlas Corrigan, has taken a different approach.
During a recent interview on CBS Mornings, Sklenar was asked whether he sided with Lively or Baldoni. Rather than adding fuel to the fire, he responded, “I’m Team It Ends with Us.” He emphasized the film’s core message and revealed that the story held personal significance for him.
“I have someone very close to me who’s gone through what [Lily] is going through, and I’ve been on the front lines helping her navigate that space,” he shared. “This movie meant a lot to me and to her.” Sklenar urged audiences to focus on the story’s intent rather than the spectacle surrounding it.
Despite the off-screen turmoil, It Ends with Us has thrived at the box office, grossing an impressive $351 million worldwide. The film’s release coincided with the premiere of Ryan Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine, creating a rare moment in Hollywood history—marking the first time since 1990 that a married couple’s separate films held the top two box office spots simultaneously.
As the legal battle rages on, with a trial set for March 2026, the industry and audiences alike remain divided. Whether It Ends with Us will be remembered for its powerful narrative or the chaos surrounding its stars remains to be seen. But one thing is certain—this drama isn’t over yet.