Blake Lively, the beloved actress known for her roles in Gossip Girl, The Age of Adaline, and A Simple Favor, is once again in the spotlight, but this time, it's not just for her on-screen performances. Recently, Lively has been at the center of numerous discussions and controversies linked to her involvement with the upcoming film It Ends With Us, directed by Justin Baldoni. As this project garners significant attention, fan backlash, professional disputes, and public statements have placed Lively in the midst of a trending topic that shows no signs of slowing down.
Why is 'Blake Lively' Trending?
Blake Lively is currently trending due to her role in the much-anticipated movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, It Ends With Us. The film, which has generated a lot of pre-release buzz, has also been met with considerable backlash from fans of the book and others in the public. As PEOPLE reports, Lively was "pretty surprised" by the critical reception and drama surrounding the film — a situation that has left the actress feeling "upset" and as though things were spiraling "out of control."
Aside from her feelings regarding the backlash, Lively has also been linked to rumors of a possible feud with her co-star and the film's director, Justin Baldoni. This alleged discord has further fueled public interest in her, making her a popular topic of discussion across social media platforms and entertainment news outlets.
The Drama Surrounding It Ends With Us
Fan Backlash and Lively's Reaction
The adaptation of It Ends With Us was highly anticipated by fans of the Colleen Hoover novel, but the casting decisions and early production images released to the public have sparked waves of criticism. Many fans expressed disappointment over the choices made for the film, particularly the casting of Lively in the lead role. According to a PEOPLE source, Lively was "surprised" by the intensity of the backlash and the drama it generated. The source claims that the situation felt "very out of control" for her, especially as the criticism grew louder on social media.
Despite the negative reactions, the film has already become one of the biggest box-office hits of Lively's career. This success speaks to Lively's star power, even amidst controversy, but it also highlights the personal toll the situation has taken on her. Lively, who typically maintains a calm and composed public persona, is reportedly struggling with the unanticipated pushback.
Alleged Feud with Director Justin Baldoni
In addition to the criticism from fans, rumors have surfaced that suggest tension between Blake Lively and her co-star and director, Justin Baldoni. According to an article from IMDb, some experts have speculated that Lively may be using "linguistic deflection" when discussing her relationship with Baldoni, hinting at unresolved tension between the two. While neither Lively nor Baldoni has publicly confirmed the existence of any professional conflict, the media has been quick to dissect and analyze their interactions during press events and interviews.
The IMDb article indicates that psychological experts have pointed to Lively's communication style and body language as possible evidence of a "bitter feud" with Baldoni, although it's important to remember that these assessments are speculative. Nonetheless, such rumors have only added fuel to the already heightened interest in Lively's involvement in the project.
Brandon Sklenar's Defense of the Film
Amidst the ongoing drama, another of Lively's It Ends With Us co-stars, Brandon Sklenar, has stepped into the spotlight, defending the film and its team in response to the backlash. In an interview with Us Weekly, Sklenar explained why he felt compelled to speak out, particularly in defense of the women involved in the film's production, including Lively. He acknowledged the importance of addressing the criticism head-on and expressed his support for the project, despite the negativity it has received.
Sklenar's statement was seen as a way to bring balance to the ongoing discussion, praising the hard work of the film's cast and crew while acknowledging that the backlash had been a difficult experience for everyone involved. His words may have provided some reassurance to fans and colleagues alike, but they also underscore the broader challenges that the film continues to face as it heads toward its release.
Conclusion
Blake Lively's involvement in It Ends With Us has undeniably placed her at the center of a media storm, with fan backlash, rumors of on-set tension, and public statements all contributing to the ongoing drama. Lively's reaction to the situation, including her reported surprise and disappointment, shows how even seasoned actors can be caught off guard by the complexities of public perception. With the film already a commercial success, it remains to be seen how Lively and her co-stars will navigate the continuing controversies as the release date approaches.
As more details emerge, one thing is certain: Blake Lively's name will remain in the headlines for some time, whether due to her performance on screen or the intrigue surrounding the It Ends With Us project.
Sources
- Blake Lively Was 'Upset' by It Ends With Us Drama: 'It Felt Very Out of Control to Her' (Exclusive) – PEOPLE
- "She does a thing in psychology known as linguistic deflection": Expert Reveals Biggest Red Flag That Gives Away Blake Lively’s Bitter Feud With Justin Baldoni – IMDb
- Brandon Sklenar Explains Why He Spoke Out Amid It Ends With Us Drama – Us Weekly