Ryan Reynolds ready to ‘buy out’ Justin Baldoni to secure Blake Lively’s role in ‘It Ends with Us’ sequel
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Ryan Reynolds is ready to traverse any path to ensure the ‘It Ends with Us’ sequel stars his wife Blake Lively.
Recently, it was reported by Life & Style magazine that the ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ star is ready to shell out any amount of money to secure his wife’s career.
In order to do so, Reynolds, 47, is reportedly even willing to buy out Justin Baldoni’s stake in the ‘It Ends with Us’ franchise.
Ryan Reynolds may buy out Justin Baldoni's stake to secure Blake Lively’s career
Speaking to the outlet, the source revealed, “Ryan is willing to offer millions to Blake’s director and co-star, Justin Baldoni, in an attempt to buy out his stake in the franchise so Blake can continue her role without having to work with Baldoni, with whom she clashed.”
The insider continued, “This is the biggest film Blake has ever made. Ryan wants to make sure she isn’t replaced in the sequel!”
During the promotion of ‘It Ends with Us’ - the motion picture based on Colleen Hoover’s novel of the same name - it became apparent that the two co-stars were at loggerheads with each other.
Lively - who played Lily Bloom in the movie - and Baldoni - who played Ryle Kincaid - were not photographed together during the film’s New York premiere in July.
Moreover, it was also said that the ‘Gossip Girl’ actress and ‘It Ends with Us’ director-actor Baldoni watched the film in two different theater halls.
Reports of their on-set feud also broke out with insiders revealing that the duo clashed over creative differences.
Lively and Baldoni allegedly clashed over the film’s ending during the post-production of the film.
While the film garnered mixed reviews, it has been considered a hit after clocking upward of $325 million at the box office. It was made at a budget of $25 million.
As feud speculations between Lively and Baldoni continued to swirl, many were left wondering whether the sequel of 'It Ends With Us' will see the light of the day.
When the ‘Jane the Virgin’ star was asked at the film’s premiere regarding returning to the director’s chair for a sequel, Baldoni, however, shocked his fans by distancing himself from the project.
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, according to Variety, Baldoni shared, “I think there are better people for that one,” before adding, “I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct. That’s what I think.”
Despite Baldoni's willingness to pass the baton to the ‘Sisterhood of Traveling Pants’ actress, Lively’s husband is reportedly anxious about her career.
Ryan Reynolds is working to 'reframe' Blake Lively’s image
The alleged feud with Justin Baldoni was not the only criticism that Blake Lively faced during her ‘It Ends with Us’ promotions.
The actress has also been criticized for “tone deaf” promotion of the movie where she was accused of trivializing the serious subject of domestic violence and promoting herself and her beauty products instead. She was also slammed for some of her old interviews that resurfaced and went viral recently.
Despite having superstars like Ryan Reynolds as her husband and pop diva Taylor Swift as her best friend, Lively found herself in hot waters during the film’s promotional tour.
Earlier this month, another source shared with Life & Style Magazine, per She Knows, “Ryan is deeply invested in helping Blake navigate this situation.”
They shared that the Marvel star was working passionately to restore Lively’s image following her “fall from grace”.
“With his keen eye for branding and his ability to turn any situation into a winning moment, Ryan is working closely with Blake’s team to reframe her public image in light of these troubling allegations,” shared the source.
