Ryan Reynolds has become further entangled in the ongoing legal conflict between his wife, Blake Lively, and actor-director Justin Baldoni. On January 7, a letter from Baldoni’s legal team demanded Disney “preserve evidence” related to last year’s hit film “Deadpool & Wolverine.” This move appears to be in anticipation of potential litigation against Reynolds and Lively. The dispute stems from Lively’s allegations that Baldoni sexually harassed and fat-shamed her post-partum body on the set of “It Ends With Us.” In “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Reynolds’ Nicepool character allegedly mocks Baldoni, with lines that appear to reference the accusations made by Lively.
Baldoni’s five-page letter requests Disney preserve all relevant documents and communications, including any documents related to complaints of sexual or other harassment against Reynolds. While Lively has mentioned numerous instances of alleged misconduct by Baldoni during the 2023 production of “It Ends With Us,” there has been no such indication against Reynolds.
The letter has implications for director Tim Miller, who directed the first Deadpool movie and reportedly had friction with Reynolds. Further fueling the drama, the letter focuses heavily on the character of Nicepool, an alternate version of Deadpool depicted in the film. Baldoni’s lawyer alleges that Nicepool is a deliberate attempt to mock and harass Baldoni.
Blake Lively had previously launched a formal sexual harassment and retaliation suit against Baldoni, his studio Wayfarer Studios, and his PR team. Baldoni and his publicists filed against the Times for allegedly distorting communications to mislead the public.
Baldoni’s legal demands on Disney
Following this, Lively filed a similar suit in federal court, claiming conspiracy. No new legal action has been initiated against Reynolds or Lively. Disney, Marvel, and Lively’s team have not responded to offers for comment.
In light of recent wildfires affecting Hollywood, which have devastated the home of Baldoni’s lawyer, Freedman, there have been delays. However, the legal drama unfolds with intense public and legal scrutiny. Baldoni was also recently dropped off by his agency, WME, representing Lively and Reynolds.
The situation is poised to create further ripples throughout Hollywood as the legal battles continue. All eyes are on what additional developments may emerge from this high-stakes legal showdown. The situation involving Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively, and Justin Baldoni remains highly contentious.
While Reynolds’ deeper involvement through Disney’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” adds complexity, no immediate lawsuit has been filed. More developments are expected as legal teams continue their maneuvers.