Studio Execs Wanted Justin Baldoni to Stop Doing Press for ‘It Ends With Us’
In recently unsealed documents in the legal battle between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, a studio executive allegedly wanted Baldoni off the It Ends With Us press tour. In an interview referenced by Sony Pictures executives, Baldoni made a comment that concerned the studio. They allegedly wanted him off the press tour afterward.
Studio executives reportedly wanted Justin Baldoni to stop doing ‘It Ends With Us’ press
An alleged email sent by Danni Maggin, a senior marketing executive at Sony Pictures Entertainment, discussed comments made by Baldoni in an interview. Maggin quoted a portion of what Baldoni allegedly said in the interview.
“For me what that scene was more about was Ryle feeling like he had lost all power and feeling so insecure and jealous that the only way in his mind that he could show her how much he loved her was um and I won’t say the word that we used in developing it, but what was essentially to force any love she had for Atlas out of her,” he allegedly told a reporter when discussing his characters’ intentions (via People).
“So Ryle’s motivation, if you’re talking about character motivation, or why he did what he did, from the filmmaking perspective and from the actor perspective, was um, he was trying to, in his twisted mind, love… Atlas out of her,” he added. “There’s another word we used, and I’m sure in your imagination you can go there.”
Maggin allegedly slammed Baldoni for his remarks.
“… Justin is basically alluding to ‘raping’ Atlas out of Lily when talking to the Dallas Morning News. We cut the tape but he is a moron.”
Maggin appeared to indicate that Josh Greenstein, then-president of Sony Pictures‘ Motion Group, said that Baldoni “shouldn’t do any more press but he has a lot left so maybe we can talk asap.”
‘It Ends With Us’ led to legal drama between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively
In 2024, Blake Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment and alleged that he tried to damage her reputation. Baldoni countersued in a lawsuit that has since been dismissed.
“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted,” Lively said in a statement to The New York Times.
In unsealed text messages and emails, Lively reached out to a number of celebrities. She described her contentious working relationship with Baldoni.
Blake Lively also faced criticism for the press tour
Studio executives also allegedly expressed frustration with Lively. Andrea Giannetti, an executive vice president of production and senior creative at Sony Pictures, called Lively a “f***ing terrorist.” Lively threatened to walk away from the film if her concerns were not addressed.
“There was a tremendous amount of money that had been invested and spent, and we had to finish the movie or it was unreleasable,” Giannetti said, per The Hollywood Reporter.
Executives also discussed the backlash Lively received for promoting her hair care line while talking about the film.
