Chills of Anticipation in Pre-Production (Image Credits: Cdn01.justjared.com)
Court documents in the escalating legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have revealed a previously private voice message that highlights their once-cordial collaboration on the film It Ends With Us.
Chills of Anticipation in Pre-Production
The audio clip, dated to early 2023, showcased Baldoni’s excitement just before filming began.[1][2]
Baldoni responded to photos Lively shared from her costume fittings for the role of Lily Bloom. He expressed genuine thrill in the message, stating, “Hey Blake, I hope the fitting was super successful. Thank you for sending those pictures, it was really cool. I was in the department head meeting, and they came through, and I was waiting for them to load, and I legit got the chills when I saw it. You look beautiful. It’s going to work so well.”[1][3]
This moment captured a high point of creative synergy. Both stars appeared aligned on bringing Colleen Hoover’s novel to life. The director’s words underscored his vision for the project.
TMZ first obtained and published the memo, drawing from unsealed exhibits in Lively’s lawsuit.[1]
Backdrop of a Promising Partnership
Production on It Ends With Us kicked off amid high expectations in 2023. Lively starred as the lead, while Baldoni directed and co-starred.[4]
The voice note emerged during costume preparations, a routine step that sparked visible enthusiasm. Baldoni’s reaction highlighted Lively’s embodiment of the character. Such exchanges pointed to collaborative energy before principal photography.
Shortly after this memo, another audio from Lively surfaced in court files. She referred to Baldoni as a “friend” while discussing scheduling around her family commitments post-childbirth.[5][6]
Shift to Legal Tensions
Relations deteriorated during filming. Rumors of discord surfaced after the film’s August 2024 release.[7]
Lively filed a lawsuit in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation by Baldoni. He denied the claims and countersued, though his suit faced dismissal in June 2025.[4][8]
The case now heads to trial on May 18, 2026. Unsealed materials, including thousands of emails, texts, and these memos, paint a complex picture of their professional dynamic.
- Early 2023: Friendly voice exchanges on costumes and schedules.
- Mid-2023: Filming begins; tensions reportedly build.
- December 2024: Lively’s harassment lawsuit filed.
- January 2025: Baldoni countersues.
- February 2026: Memos unsealed, fueling public debate.
Public and Fan Reactions Intensify
The leak has sparked online discussions. Some fans highlighted the contrast between early praise and later allegations.[9]
Baldoni also praised Lively’s script contributions in related notes, calling her a “great writer” with wit and humor, though he urged restraint on page additions.[9]
Others pointed to unsealed texts where Lively described Baldoni less favorably to friends. Testimonies from co-stars like Isabella Ferrer have added layers to the narrative.[8]
Representatives for both declined immediate comment on the latest revelations.[3]
Key Takeaways from the Unsealed Memos:
- Baldoni’s memo focused on Lively’s costume photos, evoking “chills” of excitement.
- Lively’s earlier note positioned their talk “as a friend” amid scheduling talks.
- Documents reveal a pre-filming rapport now under scrutiny in court.
These audio glimpses offer a stark reminder of how collaborations can fracture. As trial approaches, more exhibits may reshape perceptions of the It Ends With Us saga. What do you make of this early exchange amid the ongoing dispute? Share your thoughts in the comments.
