Blake Lively‘s costume demands have reportedly inflated the budget of the film “It Ends With Us” by over $430,000, according to a lawsuit filed by Justin Baldoni. The drama unfolded when Baldoni’s amended complaint, submitted on January 31, indicated that Lively insisted on having full creative control over her character’s wardrobe, leading to significant budget overruns.
In an alleged email from April 2023, a line producer expressed concern regarding the escalating costume budget, attributing it to Lively’s “takeover” of the film. The original budget for the costume department was set at $185,000, which is customarily exceeded due to typical overspending followed by item returns. However, the email revealed spending had reached a staggering $615,000, covering only Lively and Baldoni’s characters. The line producer explained that they had to renegotiate wardrobe choices that were altered due to “creative changes,” underscoring Lively’s deep involvement in the decisions.
Baldoni’s lawsuit suggests that Lively’s participation was “intrusive,” as she allegedly disregarded the director’s vision for the film. The complaint highlighted that even seemingly minor requests could lead to drastic consequences for film production, emphasizing the weight of production demands in the industry.
A source close to Lively spoke to PEOPLE on February 5, stating, “Being upset about the wardrobe in a movie is not a legal claim but sexual harassment absolutely is.” This response appeared to rebut Baldoni’s allegations while maintaining Lively’s stance on serious legal issues. The source further condemned Baldoni’s legal approach as an attempt to divert attention from the serious nature of the allegations brought against him.
The conflict has escalated into a broader legal battle, with Baldoni filing a $400 million countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their publicist, and The New York Times, alleging defamation and extortion. Lively’s legal team deemed this action “desperate” and “meritless,” pointing out that she had previously filed her own lawsuit against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios. Her allegations included claims of sexual harassment and a retaliatory smear campaign, which Baldoni has vehemently denied.
In a previous interview with PEOPLE in August 2024, Lively discussed her hands-on involvement in the wardrobe for “It Ends With Us,” noting that many pieces were her own. “There’s a lot of my stuff,” she said, specifically referencing items such as boots and shirts that made their way into the film. These personal touches were highlighted as testaments to her commitment and passion for the project.
Eric Daman, the film’s costume designer, who had collaborated with Lively on “Gossip Girl,” affirmed that the lack of intense description in the book allowed freedom in their creative process. He noted that both he and Lively contributed ideas that aligned closely, showcasing their cooperative spirit amidst the alleged disputes.
The legal complexities surrounding this case reached another milestone when the lawyers for both parties made their first court appearance on February 3. The trial is currently slated for March 2026, should the cases continue to unfold. Lively’s legal representation has criticized Baldoni’s team for attempting to reframe the narrative, asserting that he is trying to shift blame onto her for control issues, despite the serious claims of sexual harassment and retaliation she has raised.
As this story develops, the implications of Lively’s costume demands on the film industry, budget management, and on-set dynamics are likely to spark conversations not only about creative control but also the intricate relationships between actors and directors. It is a stark reminder of the potential consequences that arise from creative differences and the significant impact they can have on a production’s financial and emotional landscape.
