What began as a private legal feud has now entangled one of the world’s most powerful entertainment franchises. Justin Baldoni, the actor and director known for his role in Jane the Virgin, is currently in a heated court battle with Blake Lively — and by extension, her husband Ryan Reynolds — over what Baldoni’s legal team claims is a defamatory caricature of him in Deadpool & Wolverine. The character in question? A figure called “Nicepool,” who Baldoni alleges was modeled on him in a “mocking and malicious” way.
While Ryan Reynolds plays Deadpool and is a key creative force in the franchise, the lawsuit has taken a new turn as Baldoni’s legal team issued subpoenas to Disney and Marvel Studios seeking documents related to the development of the “Nicepool” character. In response, Marvel is pushing back — hard.
Why Baldoni Is Suing: Claims of Defamation and Retaliation
The background of this high-stakes lawsuit is rooted in a more personal dispute. In late 2024, Blake Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliation during their time working together on the film adaptation of It Ends With Us, which Baldoni directed and co-starred in. Baldoni denied the allegations and swiftly filed a countersuit in January 2025 — not just against Lively, but also against Ryan Reynolds and publicist Leslie Sloane.
In that $400 million countersuit, Baldoni accuses Reynolds of defamation and civil extortion, citing that Reynolds used his influence and creative control in Deadpool & Wolverine to publicly humiliate him. Baldoni’s camp claims the new character “Nicepool” is a thinly veiled version of Baldoni himself — created as a retaliatory jab following the onset of the legal fight with Lively.
According to the legal filings, the “Nicepool” character shares noticeable similarities to Baldoni’s appearance, mannerisms, and public persona, prompting his attorneys to describe it as a “defamatory and mocking portrayal executed with malice.”
Marvel and Disney Refuse to Comply with Subpoena
In response to Baldoni’s request for internal documents from Marvel and Disney that could support this claim, Marvel’s legal team filed a motion to quash the subpoena. Their argument is twofold: not only is the request overly broad, but the documents requested are also highly sensitive and proprietary.
In a statement obtained by Deadline, Marvel’s legal team said:
“The requested documents are particularly sensitive because they relate to the development of a character in an ongoing movie franchise. Marvel has built the success of the MCU in large part by interconnecting storylines, plots, and characters across its titles, including ‘crossover’ events and sequels.”
Marvel stressed that releasing such documents could reveal spoilers or plotlines from future projects, potentially harming their competitive edge. Additionally, the company emphasized that the “Nicepool” materials fall under confidential creative development and their release could set a dangerous precedent for the entertainment industry.
Reynolds Wants Case Dismissed — But Baldoni Pushes Back
Ryan Reynolds, a key figure in both Deadpool and Marvel’s marketing machine, has filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s lawsuit altogether. However, Baldoni’s legal team argues that this attempt doesn’t halt the discovery process or block the subpoena aimed at Disney and Marvel. In fact, Baldoni’s side believes that even if the lawsuit is dismissed against Reynolds, the evidence related to “Nicepool” would still be relevant in the ongoing case against Blake Lively.
A recent letter from Baldoni’s legal representatives at Wayfarer Studios stated:
“Marvel will not be prejudiced if the Court declines to stay compliance with the subpoena because the film has already been released, and any non-public documents can be marked ‘confidential’ pursuant to the Protective Order.”
In other words, Baldoni’s team believes they are making a reasonable request for targeted evidence related only to Reynolds’ involvement and communications that mention Baldoni — not a sweeping dive into the entire Marvel development vault.
Marvel’s Concerns Go Beyond One Character
Marvel’s resistance is not just about protecting a single character — it’s about shielding an entire ecosystem of interconnected stories. The studio argues that the very structure of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) relies on secrecy to maintain audience interest and surprise. Revealing internal development documents, even for one character, could risk leaking elements tied to future movies or spin-offs.
Additionally, Marvel notes that their franchises — including Deadpool & Wolverine — often include characters that evolve over time and may resemble various archetypes or real-world figures in satirical ways. Admitting that a character like “Nicepool” was based on a real person could also invite future legal challenges.
Could Other Celebrities Be Dragged Into the Case?
The legal drama may expand further. Reports from New York Post and Entertainment Weekly suggest that Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman may also be subpoenaed as part of the case. Swift, a close friend of both Lively and Reynolds, was referenced in the lawsuit in connection to alleged communications that showed her involvement or concern. Meanwhile, Jackman — who stars in Deadpool & Wolverine — may have knowledge of the development process around “Nicepool.”
These potential witnesses raise the stakes of the case considerably, as they bring additional media scrutiny and Hollywood power players into the courtroom.
What’s Next in the Courtroom?
The battle over whether Marvel must comply with the subpoena will be decided in court. Marvel’s motion to quash is currently pending, and legal experts say it could set an important precedent for how much creative material from major studios can be subpoenaed in civil lawsuits.
Meanwhile, the main trial between Lively and Baldoni is scheduled for March 2026, with discovery and pre-trial motions continuing throughout the year.
Until then, Marvel hopes to stay out of the spotlight, Reynolds seeks dismissal, and Baldoni is pressing forward — making this one of the most unusual and star-studded legal showdowns involving a comic book character in recent memory.
The Real Stakes for Hollywood and Marvel
While this case may appear bizarre — even comedic — on the surface, the implications are serious. It touches on the boundaries of satire, the responsibilities of artists and creatives in portraying real individuals, and the extent to which intellectual property can be shielded from civil legal action.
For Marvel and Disney, the core concern is protecting their proprietary storytelling process. For Baldoni, it’s about clearing his name and defending his reputation in a very public arena. And for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively, the stakes are personal, professional, and reputational.
Whether “Nicepool” is an innocent gag or a calculated jab — that will be for the courts to decide.
The Information is Collected from IMDb and Deadline.
