A big movie’s leading stars are usually joined at the hip as they promote their film, and Blake Lively has certainly put in the hours with her It Ends With Us love interest Brandon Sklenar. But her other leading man, and the film’s director, Justin Baldoni? He’s been seemingly cast aside and replaced by Blake’s movie-star husband – and co-producer on the film – Ryan Reynolds, as speculation about a bitter off-screen feud between Blake and Justin threatens to overtake their on-screen story.
Amid rumours of creative clashes, an insider reveals the rift actually began over music.
“Blake’s disappointed this has blown up – what started as a disagreement over a song has turned into a very difficult situation,” the source explains. “She and Justin had plenty of disagreements that they were able to resolve, but for some reason neither of them would back down over the music.”
Frozen out by the cast
Eagle-eyed fans first noticed that Blake and author Colleen Hoover had unfollowed Justin, 40, on Instagram. However, it was the atmosphere at the film’s New York premiere that hinted at friction among the cast.
While Blake, 36, happily posed with co-stars Brandon and Jenny Slate on the red carpet, Justin stuck by his wife Emily, not speaking to any of the film’s stars.
Tellingly, Jenny avoided answering a question about Justin’s directing. Despite him playing such a crucial role, only Blake and Colleen introduced it to the audience.
“Everyone wanted to see Blake and Justin together – they’re on the poster. But it was obvious organisers had been briefed on ensuring they were not even in earshot of each other,” an onlooker says.
In another sign of bad blood, Justin’s been doing solo interviews. Meanwhile, Blake’s been doing everything from art and cooking lessons to joint interviews with Colleen and co-stars Brandon, Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter. Blake even got husband Ryan and his best mate Hugh Jackman in on the promotion side of things. The pair “gatecrashed” a press junket with Brandon.
A tense time on set
Colleen’s bestselling book follows florist Lily (Blake), who grew up in an abusive household. She falls in love with neurosurgeon Ryle (Justin), who also ends up being abusive.
Sources claim that Justin’s treatment of the sensitive subject matter and how it should be depicted on screen led to issues on set. An insider reveals Justin’s approach was almost “chauvinistic”, explaining, “During scenes depicting abuse, Justin failed to consider Blake’s character’s perspective. It created a tense atmosphere on set.”
The source also alleges Justin was slow to recognise Blake and Colleen’s roles as producers and writer and, at times, felt “ganged up on” by the women on set.
In an interview, Justin admitted there were “complex personalities” to deal with on set. He said, “You don’t have to listen to everybody and that didn’t happen all the time.”
Passionate Blake has shared how she “put everything I have into this” movie. She says, “There’s nothing I didn’t touch on this.”
An olive branch?
Since talk of the feud erupted, Justin’s been praising “dynamic, creative” Blake, even putting her forward to direct the sequel. “I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct,” he said.
An insider says he’s merely done with the project after all the drama. They add, “There’s no way he’ll work with her again and the feeling’s mutual.”
However, another set source tells, “All is not what it seems with this feud. There is so much more to this whole story. The principal cast and Colleen will have nothing to do with him.”
Blake’s jealous of the bromance!
Best pals Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman have made no secret of their love for each other and their 17-year friendship. But an insider says Blake, Ryan’s wife of 12 years, is done playing third wheel. She’s been getting closer to Hugh so she’s not left out of their bromance!
“Ryan worships the ground Hugh walks on and when they’re together, even Blake is forgotten about,” the source says.
“But Hugh’s being really kind to Blake. He knows he’s been ‘stealing’ her husband away and they have a bloke-bloke bond she doesn’t get, but he’s trying to include her.”
That could explain why Hugh agreed to the recent Vogue shoot with Blake!
Ryan & Blake are the new Bruce & Demi!
It’s not all feuds and drama for Blake. In an impressive feat, the actress and hubby Ryan have become the first married couple to have their films rank number one and number two at the box office in 34 years – since Bruce Willis and Demi Moore had a double whammy with Ghost and Die Hard 2 in 1990!
After just one weekend, Blake’s film It Ends With Us raked in $76 million. Meanwhile, Ryan’s superhero hit Deadpool & Wolverine has brought in $751 million since it opened in late July.
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