Not all of the It Ends With Us cast and crew have sided with Blake Lively, a source has claimed, alleging that many people feel Justin Baldoni was “screwed” creatively.
In recent weeks there has been reports of major ‘creative differences’ and conflicts between the co-stars as they embark on separate press tours.
But production sources have now rubbished rumours that the entire cast is behind Blake, 37, saying many on the crew view director and star Justin, 40, in a positive light.
Talking with TMZSources said Justin “was generally a nice guy to work with and cared a lot about the production.”
The statements came just hours after The Hollywood Reporter revealed that Justin had hired a crisis PR manager, the same one used by Johnny Depp during his defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.
The cast and crew of It Ends With Us aren’t all on Blake Lively’s side, a source has claimed, alleging that many people feel Justin Baldoni was “screwed” creatively.
In recent weeks there have been reports of major “creative differences” and conflicts between the co-stars as they embark on separate press tours.
Rumors of conflict between the two lead stars surfaced on TikTok ahead of the release of It Ends With Us after eagle-eyed fans noticed that Justin was not present at press events promoting the film.
Fans also speculated that something was wrong between the cast after Justin and Blake failed to pose for any photos together at the premiere of their film.
TMZ reported that there was an apparent creative struggle on set, with sources claiming Blake was “eager to be seen as a creator.”
Justin presided over an “extremely difficult” environment for the cast and crew, Page six It was reported in recent days, citing multiple sources, that Blake felt personally “uncomfortable” during filming.
A source told the outlet: “None of the cast enjoyed working with Justin; they certainly didn’t talk to him at the premiere.”
Earlier on Wednesday, it was revealed that Justin hired a crisis PR firm to represent him amid the situation.
Justin is turning to renowned PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan for help, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Melissa is best known for representing Johnny Depp during his defamation trial against his ex-wife Amber Heard.
The actor, who also directed the hit romantic film, addressed the “friction” on set between him and Lively, who recently came under fire from fans for an interview she did with her co-stars, in an interview with ELLE UK on Tuesday.
Melissa launched her firm The Agency Group in June, and her initial clients include Depp, Drake, The Chainsmokers, Logan Paul and more.
But production sources have dismissed rumours that the entire cast is behind Blake, 37, saying many on the crew view director and star Justin, 40, favourably.
Speaking to TMZ, sources claimed that Justin “was generally a good guy to work with and cared a lot about the production.”
The Agency Group is headquartered in Los Angeles and New York, with a satellite office in Washington, DC.
Melissa previously worked for crisis management leader Matthew Hiltzik at his agency Hiltzik Strategies.
It was there that she represented Depp during his libel trial against Heard, but the controversial actor jumped ship to join her once her new firm was announced.
Justin, who was previously best known for a major role in the acclaimed romantic comedy series Jane The Virgin, is turning to Melissa’s crisis PR skills in the wake of damaging headlines after he allegedly made Lively feel personally “uncomfortable” amid filming of her upcoming hit movie.
But the alleged tensions between Justin and Blake reportedly go far beyond the filming of It Ends With Us and extend into the film’s post-production period.
According to sources speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, there was a major rift between Justin and Blake after principal photography wrapped due to two conflicting cuts of the film, which is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 best-selling novel.
Blake reportedly hired editor Shane Reid to make a cut of the film that was separate from the one Justin and the two credited editors were working on.
Shane previously worked as an editor on Deadpool & Wolverine, which Blake’s husband Ryan Reynolds stars in, co-writes and produces. She also had supporting roles in the superhero blockbuster, as did several of her children.
The film, which is based on Colleen Hoover’s 2016 book, was released last week.
Melissa launched her firm The Agency Group in June, and her initial clients included Depp, Drake, The Chainsmokers, Logan Paul and more; Lively and Baldoni on set in January in Jersey City.
Shane’s work on a cut of It Ends With Us ultimately did not earn him a screen credit, and it’s unclear whether any portions of his Blake-commissioned cut were integrated into the theatrical cut, which is credited to Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan.
On Tuesday, Justin addressed “friction” on set while promoting his new film amid feud rumors.
He described how tension during production can lead to “beautiful art” while promoting the new film during an interview with ELLE UK.
The Jane The Virgin actor spoke about the challenges of dual roles as he described how tension can benefit a film.
“It’s quite a challenge to act and direct, especially with a project like this,” he explained. “There was a lot of pressure to play a role as complex as Ryle’s and of course, as a filmmaker, you’re always dealing with personalities.
‘Every day things happen on the set, there’s always friction when you’re making a movie like this. In the end, I think it’s that friction that creates the beautiful art.
“Everything in life needs friction to grow. And look, we created something so beautiful and magical, and it was hard, but it was worth it at the same time. And I grew so much as a filmmaker, an actor, and a person throughout this experience.”
Justin described how tension during production can lead to “beautiful art” while promoting the new film during an interview with ELLE UK.
People reported on Monday that the main cast and author Colleen “will have nothing to do” with Justin.
Sources told DailyMail.com on Friday that Justin behaved in a “chauvinistic” and “borderline abusive” manner during filming of the movie, and had been “dismissive” of suggestions made by Lively “during scenes depicting abuse.”
The source added that Justin “failed to consider Blake’s character’s perspective, instead focusing solely on what he believed to be the abusive male point of view” and that “his approach was very chauvinistic, creating a tense atmosphere on set.”
‘Justin almost became the character in the sense that some women on set felt he was almost abusive to them and that he was unprofessional and unapologetic.’
Justin spoke positively of Blake, calling her a “creative powerhouse” and comparing her acting prowess to the elite Ferrari sports car.
“It’s like the difference between driving a Toyota Camry or a Ferrari. It’s like acting with someone who’s like a Ferrari actor,” Justin said.
‘You move a little bit and then they respond, and it was really amazing in terms of helping me craft the performance.
“She touched so many aspects of this production and everything she touched she made better. She is very receptive and responsive.”
Justin spoke positively of Blake, calling her a “creative powerhouse” and comparing her acting prowess to the elite Ferrari sports car.