Blake Lively has called on prominent Hollywood figures, including Ben Affleck and Matt Damon, to review her film It Ends With Us as she prepares for a court hearing on January 22, 2024. The actress’s outreach comes amid a tense conflict with director and co-star Justin Baldoni during the movie’s production, highlighting her frustration and distress over what she describes as a deeply harrowing experience.
Messages Reveal Blake’s Turmoil and Requests for Feedback
Unsealed court documents have disclosed a series of emails and texts between Blake Lively and her celebrity contacts, in which she described the making of the film as “the most upsetting experience” of her career and even stated, This movie nearly k*lled me. In a May 17, 2024 email to Ben Affleck, she wrote,
“Ben, It’s Blake. Don’t hang up,”
revealing the urgency and gravity of her situation.
Blake criticized Justin Baldoni harshly, labeling him a “chaotic clown” and accusing him of having an immense ego and no taste. She further alleged that everyone he brought onto the set was “in a cult,” describing the production environment as chaotic and dysfunctional. She also expressed that she had to essentially rewrite and restructure the entire script and take on directing duties herself to salvage the project.
Seeking constructive criticism, she invited Ben Affleck to watch the film, emphasizing a zero-pressure ask but noting she valued his insight greatly. She even extended the invitation to his ex-wife Jennifer Lopez and their children, warning them about sensitive content, including domestic violence, within the movie.
Ryan Reynolds Joins Effort to Garner Support from Matt Damon
Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively’s husband, also played a role in gathering backing by reaching out to Matt Damon and his wife Lucy with a similarly low-pressure request. Reynolds emphasized the importance of family time and welcomed them to attend a private screening, writing,
“We know how important family time is…so no worries either way. We’d LOVE to get your well earned pov…And if your girls want to see it on the big screen at B’s family and friends screening Saturday at 6pm, they’re obviously most welcome!”
He referred to the production troubles as one of the
“all-time zingers on and off set”
and hinted at the story’s potential as material for a future film about its making, saying,
“One day, we’ll make a movie about the movie. And we can’t wait to tell you all about it…The stories are already finding their place in the pantheon of legendary Hollywood Insanity.”
Blake joined the conversation in texts, appreciating the consideration from Matt and Lucy while highlighting the movie’s heavy themes and her personal toll, saying,
“It’s not a bad movie. So who knows, you just may enjoy some of it…Be warned it covers domestic violence In key places so just want to be sure you know. This movie nearly k*lled me.”
Matt Damon Offers Support and Encourages Blake to Continue Directing
Matt Damon responded to Blake’s distress with an offer of professional support through Artists Equity, his production firm co-founded with Ben Affleck. He encouraged Blake to direct future projects with their help, stating,
“We’ll give you any help we can. And if this experience hasn’t totally destroyed your soul, Blake, you should come direct your next movie at Artists Equity. We’re kind of like a cult but a really nice one.”
Blake’s Personal Exchange with Taylor Swift Highlights Emotional Strain
Texts between Blake Lively and pop star Taylor Swift revealed how the actress reached out to her for emotional and professional support during the turmoil. Blake shared a revised script with Swift, hoping she might read it without pressure, and apologized for being consumed by her struggles, writing,
“I felt like a bad friend lately because I was such a sad sack who only talked about my own shit for months…You were generous to not only be the key person there for me during all of it, but also to let me off the hook for being so in it.”
Taylor responded candidly, explaining that Blake’s messages started to feel impersonal, likening them to
“a mass corporate email sent to 200 employees.”
She noted missing the “funny, dark, normal-speaking friend” and felt a subtle shift in their communication. Taylor acknowledged Blake’s challenges and the toll the situation has taken, saying she understood her feeling attacked from all sides but that it had caused some distance between them.
Background of Legal Battle Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
Blake Lively filed a lawsuit against Justin Baldoni in December 2024, accusing him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign. Justin Baldoni has strongly denied all allegations and filed a countersuit that was dismissed by a judge in June. The legal conflict is scheduled for trial in May this year, intensifying the public drama surrounding the production of It Ends With Us.
Public Reaction and Industry Implications
Online commentary has speculated that Blake’s attempt to align with influential figures like Affleck, Damon, and Reynolds is aimed at strengthening her position in the dispute, with one observer noting,
“Trying to get all the top dogs to side with her so she has more power to exclude Baldoni.”
This high-profile backing could influence trial outcomes and industry perceptions, illuminating the challenges actors and filmmakers face when production conflicts escalate into legal battles. The involvement of Ryan Reynolds and other Hollywood heavyweights underscores the deep personal and professional stakes at play.
