American actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni has filed a $400 million lawsuit against Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, citing a legal dispute surrounding the upcoming film adaptation of the bestselling novel It Ends With Us.
The lawsuit, filed in a Los Angeles court, alleges contractual breaches and financial improprieties by Lively and Reynolds, who are reportedly involved in the film’s production. Baldoni, known for his role in Jane the Virgin, claims he was sidelined from key decisions regarding the project, despite being a central figure in its development.
According to the court documents, Baldoni accuses the defendants of undermining his creative contributions and violating agreements related to profit-sharing and intellectual property rights. He alleges that their actions have caused significant financial and reputational damage to him and his production company, Wayfarer Studios.
The legal drama comes as the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us garners widespread attention. Baldoni had earlier announced his involvement as a producer and director, with Lively cast as the lead actress. However, tensions reportedly escalated during pre-production, culminating in this high-stakes legal battle.
Representatives for Lively and Reynolds have yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the couple describe the allegations as “baseless” and “misleading.” The lawsuit is expected to have significant implications for the film’s production timeline and promotional efforts.
It Ends With Us has been a cultural phenomenon since its release, and its adaptation into a feature film has generated immense anticipation. Legal experts predict that the case could result in a protracted court battle, potentially delaying the project further.
