A nearly three-year-old interview with Blake Lively has resurfaced, shedding light on her desire for creative control beyond her role as an actress. This comes at a pivotal moment, as Lively is embroiled in a heated legal battle with "It Ends With Us" director and co-star Justin Baldoni. The dispute highlights the complexities of power dynamics in Hollywood and the challenges faced by women seeking to assert their creative voice.
The Interview: Seeking Authorship
In 2022, at the Forbes Power Women's Summit, Lively shared her need for creative input in projects. She admitted that simply following direction as an actress wasn't fulfilling for her; she required involvement in aspects like costume design and writing. Lively revealed that she often presents herself as a compliant actor during initial meetings, only to later assert her need for authorship. This approach has led to mixed reactions from directors and producers, with some welcoming her input while others resent her for overstepping boundaries.
The "It Ends With Us" Dispute
The interview has gained new relevance as Lively faces allegations from Baldoni that she undermined his authority on the set of "It Ends With Us." In a $400 million lawsuit, Baldoni claims that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, exerted significant influence over the film, including unauthorized script changes and interference in the editing process. Lively allegedly pushed for her own director's cut and threatened not to promote the film unless her version was released.
Background on the Feud
The tension between Lively and Baldoni became public in December when Lively filed a civil rights complaint against him, alleging privacy invasion and pressure to lose weight after childbirth. She also accused him of orchestrating a PR campaign to damage her reputation. Baldoni was subsequently dropped by his talent agency and had an award for his women's empowerment work rescinded. In response, Baldoni countersued, claiming Lively tormented him and his family, falsely accused him of sexual harassment, and used him as a scapegoat to avoid negative press.
The Legal Battle Ahead
As the legal battle unfolds, with a trial set for March 2026, the resurfaced interview provides insight into Lively's motivations and the broader context of her actions. It highlights the challenges women face in asserting creative control in a male-dominated industry and the potential backlash they may encounter.
Conclusion
Blake Lively's quest for creative control is a testament to her commitment to her craft and her desire to leave a lasting impact on her projects. While her methods may be controversial, they reflect a deeper issue within the entertainment industry: the struggle for women to have their voices heard and respected. As the legal drama surrounding "It Ends With Us" continues, Lively's story serves as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and creative freedom in Hollywood.
Main Image: Blake Lively at the 10th Annual Forbes Power Women's Summit.
Credit: Getty Images
Source:
Mary Whitfill Roeloffs, Forbes https://www.forbes.com/sites/maryroeloffs/2025/02/12/blake-lively-admitted-to-forbes-she-needed-authorship-on-her-films/