Ryan Reynolds made his first public outing in New York City following the recent legal victory in the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni lawsuit, drawing attention to his demeanor after the high-profile case. The event, marking Reynolds’ initial appearance following the judge’s ruling, attracted interest due to its timing and his visible optimism—a notable shift following months of legal tension and countersuits.
Reynolds Steps Out with Shawn Levy Following Court Decision
Shortly after the dismissal of Justin Baldoni and Wayfarer’s $400 million countersuit, Ryan Reynolds was seen in Manhattan accompanied by Shawn Levy, his collaborator and friend, best known for directing the Deadpool films. Their outing was noteworthy, given that it came immediately after a judge decided to dismiss all claims of extortion and defamation filed by Baldoni, as well as a separate $250 million defamation complaint against the New York Times. According to the New York Post, this decision represents a significant development in the ongoing legal dispute, marking a substantial setback for Baldoni and his company Wayfarer.
Ryan Reynolds appeared relaxed and upbeat as he strolled through New York City with the Deadpool director and longtime collaborator Shawn Levy. The sighting marks the first public appearance by Reynolds since a federal judge tossed out Justin Baldoni’s explosive $400 million… pic.twitter.com/5piEQ0ujlU— backgridus (@BackgridUS) June 9, 2025
Reynolds and Levy seemed at ease as they walked through the city, their appearance reflecting a calmer moment for Reynolds after months marked by legal disputes. Backgrid photographs captured them engaging in casual conversation, both displaying broad smiles amid the city streets. Reynolds’s attire was relaxed, featuring a short-sleeved button-down shirt, pants, and classic white sneakers, while Levy chose a rolled-sleeve shirt, jeans, and New Balance footwear. Their purposeful stride and positive energy stood in contrast to the tense period that preceded the judge’s ruling.
Court Ruling Brings a Major Shift in Legal Battle
The legal update arrived as the court, under Judge Lewis J. Liman, ruled to dismiss all of Baldoni’s primary claims against both Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. This legal breakthrough followed months of public scrutiny, with Reynolds and Lively facing significant demands from the countersuit. In addition to the major lawsuit dismissal, the separate $250 million defamation claim against the New York Times by Baldoni was also thrown out, signaling a win not only for Reynolds and Lively but also influencing the reputations of others involved, including major media outlets.
Despite these dismissed claims, Judge Liman left an open path for Baldoni, permitting him to amend and resubmit two specific claims against Reynolds and Lively by June 23. This indication of possible continued legal proceedings means that the case could see further developments depending on how Baldoni decides to respond to the court’s conditions.
Public Attention Focuses on Reynolds’ Next Moves
The appearance of Ryan Reynolds in New York was not just a personal moment but also a subject of public and media interest, shining a spotlight on how key figures deal with the aftermath of intense litigation. His relaxed and upbeat demeanor contrasted with the complex, high-intensity atmosphere of the preceding legal battles. The sight of Reynolds and Levy together provided a reminder of their professional partnership and longstanding association on projects like the Deadpool movies, reinforcing their presence in the entertainment world during pivotal moments.
As the deadline for a potential amended suit approaches on June 23, attention may remain on Reynolds, Lively, and involved parties such as Justin Baldoni and Judge Lewis J. Liman. The landscape in the wake of this victory is uncertain, as legal experts and observers monitor for any further actions by Baldoni. For now, Reynolds’ public appearance in the city symbolizes a temporary reprieve and a possible turning point as both he and Blake Lively move forward after a significant legal victory.
