“It Ends With Us”: A Starry Premiere and a Tangled Web of Rumors
The buzz surrounding “It Ends With Us,” starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, has reached a fever pitch since its theatrical release last Friday. Sony’s glossy adaptation of the beloved BookTok hit is set to have a blockbuster opening, with early projections suggesting it might surpass its $25 million budget at the box office. But behind the scenes, whispers of a rift between the film’s leading stars have taken center stage.
A Glamorous Opening and Speculation
The film’s debut was marked by glitz and glamour, but not without its share of drama. Speculation about a fallout between Lively and Baldoni began circulating after eagle-eyed fans noticed their conspicuous lack of interaction during the press tour. The two stars have barely been seen together, prompting chatter on TikTok, Reddit, and X (formerly Twitter). Industry insiders have hinted that these rumors may hold some truth.
Lively and Baldoni's supposed discord has added a layer of intrigue to the film’s rollout. While Lively and her costars, including Brandon Sklenar and Isabela Ferrer, have been out and about promoting the movie, Baldoni has largely flown solo. Their joint appearances, like at the New York movie premiere, were marked by a notable absence of shared photo ops. Lively mingled with her castmates, including a high-profile cameo from her husband, Ryan Reynolds, and Hugh Jackman. Baldoni, on the other hand, was seen with his wife and a few producers.
The Press Tour Dynamics
At the premiere, Lively and Baldoni’s separate paths seemed to underscore the rumored tension. Lively, accompanied by Reynolds and Jackman, posed for photos while Baldoni was seen only with his immediate circle. This split was evident during interviews as well. In a statement to Entertainment Tonight, Baldoni noted, “This isn’t my night — this is a night for all the women who we made this movie for,” emphasizing his intention to share the spotlight. However, fans and critics alike questioned whether this was a genuine act of humility or a cover for deeper issues.
Adding fuel to the fire, a TikTok video analyzing the premiere’s dynamics has amassed over 2 million views. The video’s creator points to the apparent discord as a sign that something significant may be amiss behind the scenes.
Social Media and Casting Choices
Another layer of the drama unfolded on social media. Observers have pointed out that Lively and Hoover, who coauthored the book on which the film is based, don’t currently follow Baldoni on Instagram. This observation, while seemingly minor, has sparked further speculation about the nature of the film’s production dynamics.
Interestingly, Baldoni does follow Lively, Hoover, and other cast members on Instagram, but the reciprocal connections appear lacking. This digital disconnection has only served to amplify rumors of a fractured relationship among the film’s key players.
Editing and Creative Differences
Further complicating the narrative are reports of multiple versions of the film. Sources suggest that during postproduction, two distinct cuts of “It Ends With Us” emerged. One cut, attributed to Lively’s chosen editor Shane Reid, was reportedly influenced by her vision for the film. Reid, known for his work on Lively’s music video for Taylor Swift’s “I Bet You Think About Me,” may have contributed to a version of the film that diverged from Baldoni’s final edit. While the exact impact of Reid’s cut on the theatrical version remains unclear, Baldoni and his team reportedly reached a consensus on the final product.
Ryan Reynolds’ Unexpected Role
Amidst all the speculation, Ryan Reynolds has emerged as a surprising figure in the film’s narrative. Although Reynolds is not officially credited as a contributor, both Baldoni and Lively have acknowledged his significant influence. Baldoni praised Reynolds as “a creative genius” and expressed gratitude for his involvement. Lively revealed to E! News that Reynolds helped pen the film’s opening scene, a fact that seemed to catch screenwriter Christy Hall off guard. Hall initially mistook the dialogue for a spontaneous addition but later appreciated Reynolds’ contribution.
The revelation of Reynolds’ role has added another layer to the ongoing drama. Some fans speculate that Baldoni might have felt overshadowed by the prominent involvement of Lively and her husband in the film’s production and promotion.
Future Prospects and Unanswered Questions
As the film continues its run, the future of “It Ends With Us” and its key players remains uncertain. Baldoni’s comments about Lively potentially taking the lead on a sequel suggest that there might be more collaborations in the pipeline. However, whether these projects will be marked by the same tension or renewed harmony remains to be seen.
For now, the film’s success at the box office and the ongoing speculation about the stars’ relationship have kept the buzz alive. Representatives for Lively, Reynolds, Hoover, and Baldoni have yet to address the swirling rumors, leaving fans and industry insiders to speculate about the true state of affairs behind the scenes.
In the end, “It Ends With Us” is more than just a film—it’s a narrative rich with drama, intrigue, and the ever-evolving dynamics of its stars. Whether these elements will enhance or detract from the film’s legacy remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the story of “It Ends With Us” has only just begun.
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