The main cast of It Ends with Us, including Blake Lively, and the author of the 2016 book, Colleen Hoover, allegedly want nothing to do with director Justin Baldoni, according to sources. The tension between Baldoni and Lively reportedly started during the filming of the motion picture.
Baldoni, 40, and the film’s leading star Lively, 36, allegedly clashed during production, with sources claiming that the director had “creative differences” with some of his collaborators. However, a source close to Baldoni downplayed the tension, saying that reports of on-set conflict were “overblown.”
The cast of It Ends with Us and the author of the 2016 book, Colleen Hoover, 44, ‘will have nothing to do with’ director Justin Baldoni, 40, an insider told People Monday. Baldoni, 40, was seen at the August 6 debut of the movie in NYC
Hoover, the author of the 2016 book the movie is based off of, and Blake Lively, 36, were pictured at the film’s NYC premiere August 6
The tension between Baldoni and Lively allegedly continued at the film’s New York City premiere, where Baldoni only posed for photos with his wife Emily Baldoni, 40, and relatives, skipping full cast pictures. According to sources, Lively wants to direct the next movie and secure the rights from Colleen Hoover, effectively sidelining Baldoni.
Baldoni’s behavior on set was reportedly “extremely difficult” for the cast and crew, with sources claiming that he created a tense atmosphere and was “dismissive” of Lively’s suggestions during scenes depicting abuse. The director allegedly behaved in a “chauvinistic” and “borderline abusive” manner, leading to a rift between him and the film’s leading star.
The future of the franchise is now uncertain, with Baldoni’s behavior potentially impacting future projects. The director’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, holds the rights to the book, but it’s unclear if he will be involved in a potential sequel.
Baldoni seemed to distance himself from directing a sequel in a red carpet interview, saying that he thinks “there are better people for that one” and that Blake Lively is “ready to direct.”
Lively was pictured at the August 6 premiere of the movie in NYC
The movie, which finished second at the domestic box office over the weekend with $50 million, tells the story of Lily, a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to start a new life, only to find herself in a complicated relationship with a neurosurgeon.