Justin Baldoni has intensified his legal dispute involving Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds by demanding that Disney and Marvel retain all documentation related to the development of Reynolds' character, Nicepool, in the 2024 blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine. Baldoni's legal team claims the character was deliberately crafted to mock and bully him in connection with ongoing allegations of harassment and retaliation from Lively.
In a litigation hold letter sent to Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige on January 7, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, demanded the preservation of all records pertaining to the development, writing, and filming of scenes featuring Nicepool. The letter, viewed by PEOPLE and TMZ, seeks evidence of an alleged effort to "mock, harass, ridicule, intimidate, or bully" Baldoni through the character.
The character Nicepool, a minor yet memorable presence in the film, made pointed remarks about feminist ideals and postpartum recovery. In one scene, Nicepool, played by Reynolds, says, "Where in God's name is the intimacy coordinator?!" and compliments Lively's Ladypool character for "snapping back" after childbirth. Baldoni contends these lines were veiled attacks targeting his personal and professional reputation.
This legal maneuver is the latest development in an increasingly contentious battle between Baldoni, 40, and Lively, 37, who filed a lawsuit accusing the It Ends With Us actor-director of sexual harassment and retaliation. Lively's complaint alleges Baldoni made inappropriate comments about her postpartum body and improvised physical intimacy scenes without prior discussion or the involvement of an intimacy coordinator.
Lively's attorneys assert that her claims are not mere creative disagreements but part of a larger pattern of misconduct. "As alleged in Ms. Lively's complaint, and as we will prove in litigation, Wayfarer [Studios] and its associates engaged in unlawful, retaliatory astroturfing against Ms. Lively," her legal team stated.
In his defense, Baldoni has denied all allegations and filed a $250 million lawsuit against The New York Times for what he claims was biased reporting favoring Lively and Reynolds. He also alleged that Reynolds exerted pressure on his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME), to sever ties with him. WME has denied these claims, stating, "There was no pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client."
Baldoni's legal strategy now includes focusing on Nicepool's character, which his lawyer claims was weaponized against him. Freedman indicated that Baldoni may pursue claims of tortious interference with contract and civil extortion.
The feud's origins trace back to the set of It Ends With Us, where Lively has alleged instances of misconduct by Baldoni. The drama escalated when deleted scenes from Deadpool & Wolverine surfaced online, with one clip showing Nicepool commenting about starting a podcast to "monetize the women's movement." Critics have drawn parallels between this fictional line and Baldoni's real-life podcast, Man Enough, which focuses on masculinity and gender issues.
Reynolds, who served as writer, producer, and star of Deadpool & Wolverine, has stood by Lively throughout the dispute. "We help each other, we work together so much," Lively said of Reynolds during the It Ends With Us premiere, acknowledging his input in her projects.
The allegations and counterclaims have thrust Disney and Marvel into an uncomfortable spotlight, with the companies yet to comment on the legal demands. While sources close to Reynolds have denied Baldoni's accusations, the legal battle shows no signs of abating.