CinemaJustin Baldoni says Blake Lively didn’t read ‘That’s How It Ends’ before shooting the film

Justin Baldonidirector and co-protagonist of This Is How It Endsaccused her co-star, Blake Livelyof not having read the book of Colleen Hoover that inspired the film, even with production already underway. The complaint is part of a US$400 million lawsuit filed last Thursday (16) in the Southern District Court of New York.

According to the documents, Lively’s lack of familiarity with the source material resulted in detrimental creative decisions. “This came as no surprise to her concerned colleagues, as even with production underway, Lively had not even read the book.”states the text of the process.

Baldoni included messages sent to the producer in the process Jamey Heathin which he highlighted the importance of Hoover’s work for the development of the character Lily Bloomplayed by Lively.

While I understand Blake’s reasons for not wanting to read the book, he does a great job of getting into Lily’s mind during her interactions with Ryle and establishing the WHY behind her attraction to him, which ultimately helps us to understand why she stays”wrote Baldoni.

Another excerpt from the lawsuit states that Lively made decisions that “reflected their lack of understanding of the book and the story.” According to Baldoni, the actress interfered in the costumes, soundtrack and even the editing of the film, creating her own version of the feature. “His excessive ambition and need for control undermined the team’s work”the documents allege.

Before the disputes began, Baldoni had publicly praised Lively’s work in the film. In an April 2024 interview with Peoplehe described the actress as “strong, funny, and smart — everything you want from a female hero”. He also stated that “There was no part of the production that Blake hadn’t touched on or influenced, and everything she did, she improved.”

These statements contrast with more recent allegations, which include accusations that Lively’s actions resulted in staff members being fired.

Adaptation of a literary success

Based on the best-seller by Colleen Hoover, This Is How It Ends tells the story of Lily Bloom, who gets involved with Ryle Kincaid (played by Baldoni) and discovers her partner’s abusive side. The book addresses sensitive issues such as domestic violence.

The production, launched in 2024, was marked by conflicts between the protagonists. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of “disturbing” and “unprofessional” behavior, including episodes in which he allegedly entered her trailer without permission.

Both Baldoni and Lively have not yet spoken out publicly following the filing of the new allegations. The case remains ongoing in court.