Blake Lively’s ongoing feud with co-star and director Justin Baldoni has taken a dramatic new turn, adding more tension to their already contentious relationship. The 37-year-old actress has become the center of attention once again, this time due to a controversial move during the promotion of her latest film, It Ends with Us.
The controversy began when Lively credited a character named Gordon Reynolds, created by Ryan Reynolds for his iconic roles as Deadpool and Wolverine, in the project. In the movie, Lively plays Ladypool, while Ryan Reynolds takes on the role of Nicepool—a cheeky, sharp-witted character known for his playful one-liners and flirty demeanor.
Nicepool first gained popularity in a GQ skit and quickly became a hit on Ryan Reynolds’ YouTube channel. However, the character’s comedic take on feminism and his humorous exchanges with Lively’s Ladypool sparked a wave of online discussions, with fans buzzing about their on-screen chemistry.
The situation escalated when Baldoni’s lawyer claimed that Nicepool was a subtle dig at Baldoni himself. They pointed out the character’s “feminist” personality and signature man-bun hairstyle as references that mirrored Baldoni’s persona. Baldoni, a vocal advocate for rethinking masculinity through his Man Enough podcast, reportedly felt targeted by the portrayal.
Adding fuel to the fire, Lively, who is currently in a legal battle with Baldoni over allegations of body-shaming and harassment, further heightened tensions by giving a public shoutout to Gordon Reynolds during the film’s promotion. This move, seen by some as a direct provocation, has only deepened the rift between the two stars.
As the feud continues to unfold, fans and media are closely watching the drama surrounding It Ends with Us. What began as a promotional effort for the film has now evolved into a high-profile conflict, overshadowing the movie itself and keeping both Lively and Baldoni in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.