The legal drama behind the scenes of It Ends With Us is dragging Disney and Marvel Studios into it because Justin Baldoni sent a legal notice over Deadpool & Wolverine‘s Nicepool.
The accusations of misconduct from the set of It Ends With Us include Blake Lively’s claims that Baldoni sexually harassed her and started a smear campaign against her to ruin her reputation. In return, Baldoni accused Lively of embarking on her own smear campaign and that she attempted to take over the film, from the costume designs to the final editing of the movie.
Now, more people are involved. After Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, promised during The Megyn Kelly Show to sue Lively “into oblivion,” he also highlighted that he would “for sure” include Ryan Reynolds’ name in it. The actor, who is married to Lively, allegedly made fun of Baldoni in his recent film, Deadpool & Wolverine, with the character Nicepool, which was not part of the comics.
His lawyer also confirmed the fan speculation that Nicepool is based on Baldoni. “What Ryan Reynolds has seemingly done is used his power and influence to not only help Blake Lively take over this movie, but he’s used it on Deadpool, to make fun of Justin Baldoni.“
On Jan. 7, the same day of the interview with Megyn Kelly, Baldoni’s lawyer Bryan Freedman sent a legal notice to Marvel Studios CEO Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger in connection with his client’s “anticipated claims” against Ryan Reynolds, Lively, and other unnamed parties, Variety reports.
Freedman has demanded that Marvel Studios and Disney comply with preserving “all relevant documents and data with regards to Baldoni.” That means Baldoni’s lawyer might want relevant documents that prove Nicepool’s creation had nothing to do with his client, as well as the timing they added the character in the film.
Fans online found a series of similarities between Justin Baldoni and Nicepool, including his hair bun, the alleged comments about Lively’s body post-pregnancy, and being a feminist. At the same time, one deleted scene goes as far as noting that he wants to host a podcast that “monetizes the women’s movement.”
In the superhero film, Nicepool says, “I’d be fighting alongside you, but my calling is to one day start a podcast that monetizes the women’s movement.” Many people online found this to be a dig at Baldoni’s The Man Enough podcast, which he co-hosted with It Ends With Us producer and Wayfarer Studios CEO Jamey Heath and Liz Plank — though Plank announced she was stepping down after Lively’s allegations.
Baldoni acquired the rights for It Ends With Us in 2019 and starred in, produced, and directed the film. He produced via his company Wayfarer Studios and played the male protagonist, Ryle Kincaid. Lively joined It Ends With Us in early January 2023 and was cast as Lily Bloom.
Filming took place between May 5, 2023, and July 14, 2024. Production was also affected by the dual strikes in 2024 and the team returned to set on Jan. 5, 2024. Ahead of the new production start, both teams met at Lively and her real-life husband Ryan Reynolds’ house in New York, where they allegedly made Baldoni sign a letter filled with the California Civil Rights Department about the mistreatment on set. At the same time, Baldoni claims Reynolds berated him over allegedly fat shaming Lively during the first filming stint.
It Ends With Us premiered on Aug. 9, 2024, to great acclaim. However, the two lead stars avoided each other on the red carpet, with Baldoni claiming Lively sent him to a theater in “the basement” with his family and other guests to see the film. Lively received criticism for the way she promoted the movie, which deals with domestic violence. Months after the release of the film, ahead of Christmas, Lively filed her lawsuit against Baldoni, his company, and other producers. Baldoni also filed a lawsuit ahead of New Year’s Eve against the actress and The New York Times for its feature exploring the actress’ lawsuit.
