Did Ryan Reynolds break WGA strike rules? Blake Lively’s ‘It Ends with Us’ boast sparks trouble
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ryan Reynolds' involvement in the 2024 film 'It Ends with Us' has stirred controversy, particularly due to the timing of his contribution in light of last year's Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike.
However, recent reports suggest that Reynolds did not violate the strike, despite concerns within Hollywood.
Did Ryan Reynolds violate WGA strike rules?
Ryan Reynolds’ involvement in 'It Ends with Us' has sparked some controversy, particularly due to the timing of his work on the film's screenplay and the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike.
The film's production began on May 5, 2023, just three days after the strike started, which would have prevented Reynolds, a WGA member, from working on the script during that time.
Reynolds, credited as a screenwriter for 'Deadpool 2' and 'Deadpool & Wolverine', is a member of the WGA, which would have prohibited him from working on the screenplay during the strike from May 2 to September 27, 2023.
Writers picketed the New Jersey set, halting production in late June 2023, just before the SAG-AFTRA strike began on July 14. A source close to Reynolds mentioned that he revised the film’s rooftop scene back in April 2023.
Another source close to Variety clarified that Reynolds completed his contributions to the screenplay a month before the strike commenced, meaning he did not violate any strike rules.
In addition to the WGA concerns, there have been many rumors of tensions between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni during the making of the film. Initially, rumors surfaced suggesting they didn't get along, especially after Baldoni was notably absent from cast photos at the film's New York premiere.
Fans soon observed that several cast members of the film had unfollowed Baldoni on social media, fueling further speculation. Reports began to emerge about various problems, including supposed friction between Lively and Baldoni during filming and concerns over Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, working on the film without credit.
According to Variety, although neither party has publicly commented, the "bad blood" between them seems genuine, even though the exact cause remains unclear.
Blake Lively boasts about Ryan Reynolds’ contribution to 'It Ends with Us'
Blake Lively proudly revealed that Ryan Reynolds contributed to 'It Ends with Us' by rewriting the iconic rooftop scene. During the film's New York premiere, she told E! News that they often work together on their projects, with this being an example of their collaboration.
“We help each other, we work together so much. The iconic rooftop scene in this movie, my husband actually wrote it. Nobody knows that but you now. But he wrote it, he works on everything I do, I work on everything he does so his wins, his celebrations are mine, and mine are his. He’s all over this film.”
Reynolds' involvement came as a surprise to Justin Baldoni, who had believed Lively wrote the scene herself. The WGA did not respond to inquiries about whether his involvement in the project could lead to issues with uncredited participation.
'It Ends with Us' becomes box office sensation
In just three weeks, 'It Ends with Us', the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, has emerged as a box office powerhouse, amassing $242 million globally. The film, which has struck a chord with female audiences, is projected to reach an impressive $285 million to $300 million in ticket sales by the end of its run.
In a season dominated by movies geared toward younger male viewers, 'It Ends with Us' stands out as a rare hit that resonates with a different demographic.
The financial success of the film is notable, with its modest $25 million production budget yielding substantial profits. Industry insiders estimate that 'It Ends With Us' will generate between $25 million to $30 million in net profits for both Sony, the film's distributor, and Justin Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios, which co-financed the project with TSG Entertainment.
Some sources even suggest the profit margins could be twice as high, not accounting for theater earnings or bonus payments to stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
While the financial success of 'It Ends with Us' seems to pave the way for a sequel, based on Hoover's follow-up novel 'It Starts With Us', behind-the-scenes tensions between Lively and Bardoni may put future plans in jeopardy.
