In a revealing development on January 20, 2026, court documents exposed a private email Blake Lively, 38, allegedly sent in May 2024 to a well-known actor amid ongoing challenges with the film It Ends With Us. Though the recipient’s name was redacted, details like a Dunkin’ commercial and a shared project pointed directly to Ben Affleck, 53. This marked a new twist in the unfolding Ben Affleck Blake Lively drama, as Lively sought support from someone she trusted during a difficult period.
Fans noticed no reply from Affleck was included in the court records, sparking speculation that he may have chosen not to respond to her message.
Lively’s Candid Email Describes Harrowing Production Challenges
The email begins with a warm greeting connected through mutual acquaintances and previous work, notably referencing her husband Ryan Reynolds and their shared admiration for Affleck’s Dunkin’ commercial.
It’s Blake. Don’t hang up. I hope life is treating you beautifully. Ryan was going on and on about you recently amongst all that chaos,
Lively wrote.
He was blown away by you. Though he was equally effusive about your Dunkin’ commercial. So know you have a Canadian fan club in my house. And a Burbank one too.
– Blake Lively
Following this lighthearted introduction, Lively shifted tone, describing her ordeal on It Ends With Us as the
“most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie.”
She compared her challenges to notorious documentaries like Wild Wild Country, Fyre Festival, Going Clear, The Room, and Room, emphasizing how tumultuous the filmmaking process had become.
I’ve just come out the other side (well almost) of the most upsetting experience I’ve ever had on a movie,
she noted.
The making of doc of this film would be more interesting than the movie could ever be.
– Blake Lively
Lively detailed having to not only rewrite but restructure the entire film, practically directing it herself due to issues with the film’s director, Justin Baldoni. According to her, Baldoni held multiple roles — director, actor, producer, financier, and studio head — all while allegedly involving himself and his team in a cult.
I also ended up having to direct the movie via the chaotic clown ‘director’/actor/producer/financier/studio head at the center. Yes that’s all the same person,
she wrote.
Oh and did I mention he and everyone he had on the movie is in a cult.
– Blake Lively
She lamented that formally directing would have been easier than dealing with what she described as Baldoni’s “taste, ego, and preexisting decisions,” also referencing “wild HR issues” beyond those already mentioned.
Lively Seeks Affleck’s Input Amid Dispute Over Film Cuts
In the email, Lively described a tense “bake off” over competing edits of It Ends With Us between her and Baldoni. She invited Affleck to review her version and provide feedback, appealing to his insight and experience.
I just really want this to work after all I’ve put into it,
she expressed.
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.
– Blake Lively
Additionally, Lively hoped that Jennifer Lopez, Affleck’s then-wife, might watch the film and offer her perspective, expressing admiration for Lopez’s opinion.
I’m such a fan of Jennifer’s… and it would be an honor to have her take,
Lively added. – Blake Lively
Ryan Reynolds and Matt Damon Also Involved Behind the Scenes
Lively mentioned that Ryan Reynolds had reached out to Matt Damon, subtly referenced via a mention of Jason Bourne, seeking similar support for the film. This indicates that Lively was seeking trusted voices in Hollywood to help guide her through the movie’s troubled post-production phase.
The ongoing tensions stem from Lively’s legal battles with Baldoni, whom she previously accused of sexual harassment and filed a complaint against with the California Civil Rights Department. Baldoni has denied the allegations and filed a countersuit, which was dismissed in June 2025. Both parties are slated to face a civil court trial later in 2026, intensifying the public scrutiny around the film and its creation.
Uncertain Role of Affleck in the Drama’s Progression
The absence of a recorded response from Ben Affleck leaves open questions about his involvement or willingness to engage in the dispute. Whether he chose to stay detached from the controversy or simply never replied remains unclear, but his perceived position in the drama adds a complex layer to the Ben Affleck Blake Lively drama.
This episode illuminates the pressures actors can face behind the scenes, particularly when creative conflicts and legal challenges collide. As the case advances toward its court date, industry observers and fans alike will be watching closely to see how Lively’s relentless efforts to control the narrative around It Ends With Us impact the film’s legacy and her relationships within Hollywood.
