Amid ongoing disputes with Justin Baldoni, Blake Lively reached out to Ben Affleck for assistance while working on the film It Ends With Us. Documents reveal that she emailed Affleck, requesting feedback on her reworked version of the movie, having completely rewritten and restructured the script based on Colleen Hoover’s novel.
Issues Behind the Scenes: Lively’s Struggles with Creative Control
Lively described complications directing the project under Baldoni’s leadership, who she referred to as a chaotic figure blending multiple roles including director, actor, producer, financier, and studio executive. She emphasized the difficulty caused by Baldoni’s dominance in the process, explaining her efforts to navigate his “taste, ego, and preexisting decisions” while also managing serious human resources problems on set.
She characterized the conflict with Baldoni as a “bake off” to determine whose film version was superior and urged Affleck to watch her cut and provide constructive criticism if he had
“1:58 of free time at any time in the next few days.”
Lively also expressed admiration for Affleck’s then-wife Jennifer Lopez, hoping she would watch the movie and share her opinion.
Serious Allegations and Support From Hollywood Friends
Currently, Blake Lively is suing Justin Baldoni, the producer and director, for sexual harassment and retaliation related to the production of It Ends With Us. She noted that many of the crew who worked with Baldoni were involved in a cult, adding another layer of difficulty to the project’s environment.
She acknowledged the importance of support from close friends, mentioning that her husband Ryan Reynolds had enlisted Affleck’s longtime friend Matt Damon to view the film. Appreciative of their backing, Lively emphasized,
“Good men showing up. I’m beyond grateful for that.”
Personal Plea Reflecting the Emotional Toll
In her email to Affleck, Lively conveyed the immense personal investment the film demanded, stating,
“I just really want this to work after all I’ve put into it.”
She confessed that making the movie nearly destroyed her emotionally, and expressed confidence that Affleck’s insights would be particularly valuable. She humorously noted that another admirer, referred to as “Jason Bourne,” had also watched the film and promised Affleck an autograph someday.
What Lies Ahead for the Film and Its Team
The situation surrounding It Ends With Us highlights the complexities of creative collaboration when significant personal and professional conflicts arise. As Blake Lively continues her legal battle against Justin Baldoni, she is actively seeking constructive feedback from trusted peers like Ben Affleck, aiming to ensure the film’s success despite the turmoil. The outcome of this dispute could impact both the film’s reception and ongoing discussions about working conditions in Hollywood productions.
