During the post-production phase of the film It Ends With Us in May 2024, Blake Lively contacted Ben Affleck via email requesting his input on her version of the movie’s edit, sparking controversy. This email, connected to the ongoing Ryan Reynolds wife email controversy, surfaced amid escalating legal tensions surrounding the film’s direction and production challenges.
Details of the Contentious Email Revealed
In the message obtained by news outlets, Lively expressed frustration with the director Justin Baldoni, whom she described with sharp criticism. She wrote,
“I also ended up having to direct the movie via the chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center.”
She emphasized,
“Yes, that’s all the same person.”
According to Lively, everyone hired by Baldoni was involved in a “cult,” and she described multiple difficulties working under his control.
She elaborated,
“If I would’ve just formally directed it, it would’ve been much easier, but having to troubleshoot through his taste, ego and preexisting decisions made it so difficult and that’s not even touching on any of the wild HR issues and beyond.”
As she was in the midst of an editing “bake off,” Lively sought Affleck’s feedback, asking,
“If you have 1:58 of free time at any time in the next few days, would you be willing to watch the movie and give me any ideas or notes?”
Lively’s Emotional Investment and Industry Connections
Blake Lively shared the emotional toll the project had on her, writing,
“I just really want this to work after all I’ve put into it.”
She added,
“This movie nearly killed me. And I can think of very few people who would be as prescriptive and insightful as I know you would be.”
Alongside praising Affleck’s work, she complimented his then-wife Jennifer Lopez and disclosed that Matt Damon, Affleck’s longtime friend and collaborator, was also expected to review the cut.
Legal Disputes Heighten the Stakes of the Email’s Exposure
The email was disclosed during Blake Lively’s legal fight against Justin Baldoni, who she sued in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment. Baldoni denied the claims and filed a countersuit that was dismissed by the court in June. The lawsuit involving Lively, Baldoni, and his public relations team is set for trial starting May 18, 2026, deepening the conflict behind the scenes of the film’s troubled production.
Implications for the Film and Film Industry Relationships
This revelation highlights complex dynamics of creative control and personal disputes influencing the making of It Ends With Us. Ryan Reynolds wife email controversy not only exposes tensions between key Hollywood figures like Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni but also draws attention to broader workplace issues within film production. The outcome of the upcoming trial could impact industry practices and reputations significantly.
