The legal feud between actors Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni over the drama surrounding the It Ends With Us film set is intensifying, with a tentative trial date set for March 9, 2026.
The case took a major turn on February 3, when a New York judge declined a request by Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, to restrict Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, from speaking publicly about the ongoing dispute.
During the pre-trial hearing, Judge Lewis J. Liman presided over discussions between the legal teams, though neither Lively nor Baldoni attended. The judge cautioned that if the case continues to be debated in the media, he might consider moving the trial date forward. Since the trial is in federal court, there will be no cameras or audio recordings permitted. However, Inner City Press provided live updates on the proceedings.
Lawsuits and New Complaints Filed
Lively’s legal team was the first to present their arguments, alleging that Baldoni’s representatives failed to inform them about their intention to file an amended complaint. This updated filing, submitted on February 1, spans 168 pages and includes additional allegations against The New York Times and a revised timeline of events. Both the original and amended documents have been made publicly accessible through a newly launched website dedicated to evidence in the case.
Additionally, Lively’s lawyers indicated that they are considering filing their own amended complaint within the next two weeks. Due to the high-profile nature of those involved, they are requesting a protective order to limit the exposure of sensitive information.
Freedman, representing Baldoni, stated that his team intends to dismiss the California-based case and have the trial held solely in New York. He also requested that Lively’s deposition take place as soon as possible, citing financial losses suffered by both Melissa Nathan and Wayfarer Studios following The New York Times article about the controversy.
Judge May Expedite Trial, Jury to Be Involved
Judge Liman reiterated the possibility of expediting the trial date and confirmed that a jury would be involved unless a settlement is reached beforehand. Expressing urgency, Freedman remarked, “Damage is done before a jury speaks.”
Following the hearing, Freedman spoke outside the courthouse, emphasizing that his clients want to resolve the matter swiftly. “Our clients are devastated and want to move the case along as quickly as possible. We just couldn’t be more pleased with how the case was handled today. We’re going to move as quickly as we possibly can and prove our innocence in a world where sometimes people judge you before they give you a chance,” he stated.
Marvel Studios Pulled Into Legal Dispute
Despite not being directly involved in the production of It Ends With Us, Ryan Reynolds has been drawn into the case due to his alleged contributions to the film. During a press tour, Blake Lively revealed that Reynolds was responsible for writing the movie’s pivotal rooftop scene, in which her character, Lily, meets Baldoni’s character, Ryle, for the first time. However, neither Sony nor Wayfarer Studios were reportedly aware of Reynolds’ uncredited involvement in the screenplay.
“The iconic rooftop scene—my husband actually wrote it,” Lively disclosed during the film’s red carpet premiere on August 6. “He works on everything I do. I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine, and mine are his.”
Adding to the controversy, Baldoni’s amended lawsuit now includes allegations that Marvel Studios and Disney were complicit in defaming him. The lawsuit references Deadpool & Wolverine, claiming that the addition of the character Nicepool—introduced in January 2024, after a reported meeting between Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds—was intended to mock Baldoni.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the case remains one of the most highly watched entertainment industry disputes in recent years. With potential implications for Hollywood collaborations, studio relationships, and the legal boundaries of public discourse, the trial promises to shape future industry practices. Whether the parties will settle or proceed to a jury trial remains to be seen.
The Information is Collected from CBR and Yahoo.
