Ryan Reynolds stepped in to save his wife Blake Lively’s new film It Ends with Us from becoming a “disaster”, feeling he owed her something after she “gave up” her career to raise their children while his Hollywood stardom grew.
The release of the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel was overshadowed by reports of a feud between Lively, 36, and Justin Baldoni – her co-star and director – over claims he behaved “almost violently” on set and “ignored” her concerns about his depiction of domestic violence.
Now insiders have exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that Reynolds, 47, got involved to protect his wife – and he doesn’t feel he owes Baldoni, 40, an apology.
“He stepped in to save the film from disaster,” a source said. “Ryan has every right to stand up for his wife, especially when it comes to a project she’s so passionate about.
“Ryan knew when he saw the script that it needed help. Together with Blake, they made sure that it was not only brilliant, but also a reflection of what this story is about.”
Ryan Reynolds stepped in to save his wife Blake Lively’s new film It Ends with Us because he felt he owed her something after she sacrificed her career to raise their children, sources have told DailyMail.com.
The film’s release was overshadowed by reports of a feud between Lively, 36, and Justin Baldoni – her co-star and director – over claims he was “almost violent” on set
DailyMail.com previously revealed that tensions between Lively and Baldoni rose over his refusal to “consider” her character’s perspective during filming of abuse scenes.
Baldoni was accused of focusing on “what he saw as the violent male point of view” and having a very “chauvinistic” approach to the subject.
Reynolds’ involvement was not a personal attack on Baldoni, but a desperate need to help his wife, with whom he has four children, realize her dreams.
“Ryan didn’t want this to end for anyone, especially his wife,” the source continued. “It wasn’t against Justin, but Justin took it personally and it’s not Ryan’s fault nor does he have any excuses to give.
‘He didn’t get anything out of this. He didn’t want any credits. He just wanted Blake’s first big break in the business to be a success.
‘In many ways, he feels that Blake has sacrificed a lot to raise their children while he could have pursued his own dreams, and he feels he owes her a great deal.
“He loves her more than anything and wants her to achieve her dreams. And she will always have her husband’s help, guidance and support in whatever she does.”
Rumors of a conflict between Baldoni and Lively surfaced on TikTok before the film’s release, after observant fans noticed that Baldoni was absent from press conferences promoting the film and that Hoover and Lively had unfollowed him on Instagram.
Reynolds’ involvement wasn’t a personal attack on Baldoni (pictured with Lively), but a desperate need to help his wife, with whom he has four children, realize her dreams
But Lively did not survive the film unscathed, with the actress facing mounting criticism for her “toneless” promotion of the drama.
It Ends with Us follows Lily Bloom, a florist from Lively, who falls in love with neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid, played by Baldoni. But shortly after they start dating, the romance turns toxic, with the latter turning violent.
Lively was criticized for promoting her Blake Brown hair care line during the film tour, encouraging moviegoers to “wear flowers” and appearing to sell the film as a romantic comedy instead of providing information about support for victims of domestic violence.
She was also criticized for her flippant responses in interviews, one of which saw her giggling with her co-stars Jenny Slate and Isabela Ferrer, as well as author Hoover, as they discussed everything from their dream jobs to their star signs. There was no mention of domestic violence during their chat.
In another interview with Brandon Sklenar, who plays Atlas, she joked about the way people can approach her to talk about the film’s subject matter. Many felt she should have taken the opportunity to tout sources.
“The promotion of this film is a direct slap in the face to every woman who has experienced domestic violence,” one person wrote on Instagram.
Lively has also been criticized for the way she promoted the film, with the actress being criticized for an interview she did with her co-stars
Another wrote on Reddit: ‘It wouldn’t cost anything to at least say she has empathy for women affected by domestic violence and drop all recourse. This is so insanely toneless.’
Samantha Karlin, founder of Women’s Leadership Challenge, told DailyMail.com: ‘It is insulting to people who have experienced deep and long-term trauma and can invalidate their experiences.
Blake simply didn’t realize how serious the subject was and how many women went to the film, could relate to it, and were desperate for advice, support, and resources.
‘She treated the interviews surrounding the film as if they were interviews surrounding Gossip Girl, a chick flick or a romantic comedy.
“I think she’s in a privileged position and clearly unaware that playing this role isn’t just about acting well.”
Lively appeared to acknowledge the criticism on Tuesday by posting a statement on her Instagram Story, along with a public service announcement about violence against women.
Lively appeared to respond to the criticism on Tuesday by posting a lengthy statement on Instagram
In a follow-up post, she shared statistics on domestic violence in the United States and gave fans a link to the National Domestic Violence Hotline
“Thank you to everyone who came out to show that people want to see films about women and the crowds we have. It Ends With Us is a story about the female experience. All the highest highs and lowest lows. And we are so proud of it,” the Gossip Girl alum wrote.
‘We celebrated this film and delivered an important message to the general public.
“Thank you for embracing @itendswithusmovie with as much love, pain, and joy as we did sharing it with you all.”
Gloria Allred, the famed attorney who has taken on a series of high-profile women’s rights cases, told DailyMail.com that this has been a “learning moment” for the actress.
“The credit goes to the survivors who dared to speak out about this issue because they were concerned that it wasn’t being taken seriously,” she said. “Victims aren’t just statistics… Movie and TV stars have the ability to speak out on many platforms. They should always take this issue seriously and use every opportunity to help, not hurt, victims of violence.”
“I’m glad that Ms. Lively now seems to understand that violence against women or men is not a joke. It can be a matter of life and death, and often is.”