Brandon Sklenar Addresses It Ends With Us Drama: Where He Stands on Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni Feud

The It Ends With Us film adaptation has been making waves for more than just its powerful storyline. A legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has added intense off-screen drama to the highly anticipated movie. Amidst the controversy, Brandon Sklenar, who plays Atlas Corrigan, was recently asked where he stands on the issue. His answer? He’s firmly Team It Ends With Us rather than picking a side.

During a CBS Mornings interview on February 17, 2024, Sklenar made it clear that he wants to keep the focus on the film’s message rather than the legal disputes. “I just want people to remember why we made the movie in the first place and what it stands for,” he emphasized.

Brandon Sklenar’s Emotional Connection to It Ends With Us

Sklenar, known for his role in 1923, shared a deeply personal reason for his commitment to the film’s success. “That movie meant so much to me,” he revealed. “I have someone very, very close to me in my life who’s gone through what Lily Bloom is going through, and I’ve been on the front lines helping her navigate that space.”

His performance in It Ends With Us was more than just a role—it was a tribute to someone in his life who had experienced domestic abuse. “Me doing that film gave her the strength to change her life. It means a lot to me. It’s unfortunate that things get taken away from what the ethos of that thing is, and it gets convoluted.”

Brandon Sklenar’s Past Support for Blake Lively

While Sklenar now avoids taking a side, he previously seemed to show support for Blake Lively when she filed a legal complaint against Justin Baldoni in December 2024. He shared a New York Times article detailing Lively’s allegations on his Instagram Story, urging followers to “read this” alongside a heart emoji.

But now, with the legal dispute gaining momentum, he appears to be stepping back from the controversy, hoping that audiences will focus on the film’s emotional depth rather than the legal battle surrounding its stars.

Blake Lively’s Allegations Against Justin Baldoni

On December 20, 2024, four months after It Ends With Us premiered, Blake Lively filed a California Civil Rights Department (CRD) complaint against Justin Baldoni and his associates. According to the complaint, Lively alleged that Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, launched a sophisticated press and digital retaliation campaign against her after she raised concerns about misconduct on set.

Key Allegations Against Baldoni and His Team:

• Sexual harassment

• Retaliation for reporting misconduct

• Failure to investigate or prevent harassment

• Aiding and abetting retaliation

• Breach of contract

• Intentional infliction of emotional distress

• False light invasion of privacy

Lively stated that both she and other cast and crew members experienced “invasive, unwelcome, unprofessional, and sexually inappropriate behavior” from Justin Baldoni and Jamey Heath, the CEO of Wayfarer Studios.

According to the complaint, the alleged campaign against Lively caused “substantial harm” to her personal and professional reputation.

The New York Times Exposes Alleged Smear Campaign

On December 21, 2024, the New York Times published a bombshell report citing messages from Baldoni and his public relations team that supported Lively’s allegations. The messages allegedly exposed a coordinated effort to damage Lively’s reputation through a smear campaign.

Lively issued a statement through the New York Times, saying:

“I hope that my legal action helps pull back the curtain on these sinister retaliatory tactics to harm people who speak up about misconduct and helps protect others who may be targeted.”

Justin Baldoni Denies Allegations, Calls Accusations ‘Salacious’

Following the New York Times report, Baldoni and his attorney, Bryan Freedman, vehemently denied the accusations, calling them “categorically false.”

Freedman released a statement on behalf of Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios, accusing Lively of making “a desperate attempt to fix her negative reputation.” He claimed that the public backlash surrounding Lively’s press appearances for the movie was the true reason for any career struggles she faced, not any alleged misconduct.

Freedman’s Statement on The Allegations:

“It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios, and its representatives. These claims are completely false, outrageous, and intentionally salacious.”

Freedman also defended Wayfarer Studios’ hiring of a crisis management firm, arguing that their media strategy was standard practice in Hollywood.

Justin Baldoni Dropped by Talent Agency WME

Amidst the growing controversy, Justin Baldoni faced a significant career setback. On December 21, 2024, just hours after the New York Times report was published, his talent agency, William Morris Endeavor (WME), dropped him as a client.

Ari Emanuel, the CEO of WME’s parent company, Endeavor, confirmed the agency’s decision. However, speculation arose that Ryan Reynolds, Lively’s husband, had influenced the move. Baldoni later included this claim in his lawsuit against The New York Times.

WME Denies Ryan Reynolds’ Involvement

WME quickly denied that Reynolds had pressured them to drop Baldoni as a client. In a January 1, 2025 statement to The Hollywood Reporter, they clarified:

“In Baldoni’s filing, there is a claim that Reynolds pressured Baldoni’s agent at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere. This is not true. Baldoni’s former representative was not at the Deadpool & Wolverine premiere, nor was there any pressure from Reynolds or Lively at any time to drop Baldoni as a client.”

What’s Next for It Ends With Us and Its Stars?

With legal battles and Hollywood drama dominating headlines, the future of It Ends With Us remains uncertain. While the film has already been released, the off-screen controversy threatens to overshadow its message about domestic abuse and survival.

As for Brandon Sklenar, his commitment to the film’s original purpose stands out amidst the chaos. While he may have subtly supported Lively in the past, he now urges fans to focus on the heartbreaking yet inspiring story that It Ends With Us was meant to tell.

For now, the legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues, and only time will tell how this high-profile dispute will unfold in court and in Hollywood.