Blake Lively recently found herself in the midst of unexpected controversy following the release of her highly successful film It Ends With Us. Despite the movie’s impressive box office performance, grossing over $300 million worldwide, the romantic drama has sparked significant backlash, particularly regarding its handling of sensitive themes like domestic violence. According to a source, Lively, who also produced the film, was “pretty surprised” by the negative attention and media scrutiny surrounding its release. The tension between Lively and co-star Justin Baldoni, along with criticisms of the film’s marketing, fueled the drama, but Lively remains committed to pushing forward with projects she’s passionate about.
Backlash Surrounding It Ends With Us
Blake Lively was taken aback by the unexpected wave of criticism surrounding the release of her film *It Ends With Us*. According to a source close to the actress, she was “pretty surprised at the backlash and drama” that unfolded during the movie’s promotion. Lively, who is not accustomed to being at the center of such negative media attention, found the experience overwhelming. The source added that “not one day went by” without her name being mentioned in the news under an unfavorable spotlight.
The tension between Lively and the film’s director and co-star, Justin Baldoni, only fueled the media frenzy. The two stars were noticeably distant during promotional events, avoiding photos together and skipping joint interviews, which led to a firestorm of speculation. While Lively’s passion for the film and its important message has been evident, the focus on interpersonal drama and criticisms of the marketing campaign dampened what should have been a career-high moment for the actress.
The Success and Criticism of It Ends With Us
Despite the negative attention, *It Ends With Us* has turned out to be a major success at the box office, grossing over $300 million globally. This achievement marks a career high for Lively, who not only starred in but also produced the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. However, some viewers criticized the marketing of the film, particularly its treatment of sensitive themes like domestic violence and trauma, which they felt was misleading.
Amidst the criticism, Lively and her co-star, Brandon Sklenar, have remained vocal about the film’s mission to shed light on these important issues. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lively expressed her pride in the film and thanked fans for their support, emphasizing the significance of the story. Sklenar also came to the defense of the film, especially the women involved, urging people not to lose sight of the film’s core message while vilifying those who had poured their hearts into the project.
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