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The press tour for “It Ends With Us” is now the subject of discussion, not only for having domestic violence but also for the drama between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The initial idea that it was a marketing strategy that went wrong has transformed into a story of conflict and scandal. For those who have been following the press tour of the movie, here is a closer look at the drama that occurred in the movie. Also read : (https://test.inpactimes.com/it-ends-with-us-review-from-trauma-to-drama/)
The rumours begin.
The speculation about the rift between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni began when the film was launched in New York and Europe. Critics pointed out that Lively and Baldoni were not spotted taking pictures together or giving interviews for the same program together. This kind of isolation caused some fans to speculate that this was on purpose to make more sales. It was suggested that being filmed apart would echo the film’s subject matter of spousal abuse, perhaps not glamorizing their real-life partnership.
But these theories were dismissed when several cast members and even Colleen Hoover, the author of the novel on which the movie is based, decided to stop following Baldoni on social media. This move only adds more fuel to the fire, which indicates that something is wrong between the leading actors of the film.
Creative Differences and the Reynolds Factor
It should therefore be quite obvious that creative differences played a role. The adaptation was produced by Baldoni, who directed and acted in the film after he bought the rights to the work in 2019. Lively signed up later on in the movie, both as an actress and as an executive producer. Some tension was expressed during the press tour of the film. Baldoni’s remark about Lively possibly directing a sequel was ambiguous; he said, ‘I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct,’ which suggested there were issues left unsaid.
Further fuel to the fire was Blake Lively’s revelation that her husband, Ryan Reynolds wrote the iconic rooftop scene in the movie. In an interview, she said Reynolds had penned an extraordinary rooftop scene and had collaborated with the movie’s editor, Shane Reid, who has Deadpool and Wolverine to his credit. This revelation caused quite a stir, especially because the screenwriter of the film, Christy Hall, was not privy to these alterations; it seemed that there was no efficient communication and cooperation.
Marketing Backlash
The promotion of the book also elicited controversies in its marketing. Some people were not happy with Lively’s promotional strategy because they claimed that it was not in line with the movie’s theme. She concentrated on the launch of her new hair care product and the flower theme of the movie, which others thought was a humorous approach to a movie that depicted female abuse. This approach resulted in accusations of tone-deafness, as the critics stated that it detracted from the severity of the themes of the movie.
However, the promotional activities carried out by Baldoni were more concerned with creating awareness of domestic violence. In his interviews on the red carpet, his focus was on the movie and his collaboration with the No More Foundation to help survivors of abuse. The difference in their promotional strategies for the public also defined the growing gap between the two stars.
Social media and perception by the public
The drama was intensified by responses on social networks. Some of the users complained that Lively’s commercials were too aggressive for promoting a movie about the topic of domestic violence. Racing to Lively’s defence, Indian producer Rhea Kapoor only served to fuel the fire further. Kapoor further said that what Lively did was part of marketing the film, and therefore criticism was unfair. But this defence did not chalk up well with many, and soon there was a flood of backlash on Reddit and other social media sites.
Some people attacked Kapoor and Lively for being out of touch with the concept of domestic abuse and believing that they were privileged. This perception was further fuelled by rumours that had it that Baldoni was barred from covering the press and even interacting with the cast on social media platforms.
Situation Today and Potential Tomorrow
In the course of the drama, some measures were taken by Baldoni concerning the situation; he hired a crisis PR firm to help in controlling the information flow. He also hinted that he may not be back for a sequel and recommended that Lively take up directing the movie. On the other hand, Lively has continued to speak out for the rights of victims of domestic violence, yet she has not said anything bad about Baldoni.
All in all, it can be stated that the press tour for It Ends With Us is accompanied by a considerable amount of backstage controversy. From the conflict of ideas to the conflict in promotional techniques and even social media mishaps, the journey has not been easy at all. When the dust has finally settled, it would be interesting to know what effects these would have on this movie’s legacy as well as on Lively and Baldoni’s working relationship in the future. For now, fans and critics have to remain content with the game of musical chairs that exists between personal and professional relationships on the big screen.
