'It Ends With Us' star Justin Baldoni addresses creative 'friction' on set amid Blake Lively feud rumors

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Justin Baldoni opened up about the “friction” that arises from undertaking dual roles of both filmmaking and acting and how that “friction” enhances the creative process. 

Baldoni, 40, took the dual responsibility of both donning the director’s hat along with portraying a principal character - the dashing neurosurgeon Ryle - in the motion picture based on Collen Hoover’s novel ‘It Ends With Us’. 

Reminiscing about the paths that he has undertaken during the filming process, the ‘Jane the Virgin’ actor said that the internal friction just adds beauty to the creative process. 

Since the release of the film ‘It Ends With Us’ last Friday, Baldoni is continuously in the headlines for his alleged feud with co-star and producer Blake Lively. Recently, it has also been alleged that he had some creative differences with his cast members. 

The 40-year-old actor is now addressing speculations while attributing friction to inspiring craft among the artists.

Justin Baldoni opens up about role of friction in creative process

The actor-filmmaker of ‘It Ends With Us’ recently opened up about his creative process in an interview with ELLE UK. 

Talking about the challenges of the dual role, he said, “It’s very challenging to act and direct, and especially with a project like this," Daily Mail reported.

“There was a lot of pressure playing such a complex role like Ryle and, of course, as a filmmaker, you're always navigating personalities,” said the star in the interview. 

He recalled, “There are all these things that happen every day on set, there's always friction that happens when you make a movie like this,” before explaining, “Then at the end of the day, it's that friction, I believe, that creates the beautiful art.”

“Everything in life needs friction to grow. And look, we created something so beautiful and so magical, and it was hard, and it was worth it at the same time. And I grew so much as both a filmmaker, an actor and as a person throughout this experience,” shared Baldoni. 

While Baldoni may have talked about the friction between his dual roles, he has been in the headlines for the past few days for his alleged feud with co-star Blake Lively and other cast members.

Justin Baldoni’s alleged feud with cast members including Blake Lively

Recently, a source close to Blake Lively made an explosive allegation against Justin Baldoni, saying that he behaved in a “chauvinistic” and “borderline abusive” manner while filming the motion picture.

They further claimed that Baldoni was “dismissive” of Lively’s suggestions while depicting scenes of abuse in the film, and reportedly did not pay attention to her creative inputs. 

The source shared, “Justin almost became the character in the sense that some women on set felt he was borderline abusive to them and that he was unprofessional and unapologetic.”

Another report by Hollywood Reporter claimed that there was "a fracture among the filmmakers in the post-production process, wherein two different cuts of the movie emerged.”

Meanwhile, another source dished to People that the fracture was initiated because of the “creative differences” and got “overblown” since then.

Recently, an on-set source from the set of ‘It Ends With Us’ shared with the outlet, "All is not what it seems.”

"There is much more to this story. The principal cast and [author] Colleen Hoover will have nothing to do with him,” the source added.

Suspicions of the internal turmoil arose when Baldoni was not photographed with the ‘It Ends With Us’ cast members during the August 6 premiere of the film in New York City. 

Amid the speculations, the actor took away his family for a family vacation in Sweden. He took to his Instagram to post a special message from the European nation. 

Posting a video, he wrote, "Back in Sweden with the family and walked by the local Filmstaden. I was blown away by the support."

Baldoni continued, "Seeing this packed theater, connecting with some of you, and hearing your stories is a powerful reminder of why we brought this story to life," before adding, "And to all of you who have sent me messages, especially you survivors, your strength and bravery inspire me more than you can ever know. I see you. Med dig alltid ❤️."