In a surprising twist, Justin Baldoni has involved Disney in his ongoing legal battle with “It Ends With Us” co-star Blake Lively. The actor and director is seeking to preserve documents connected to the character of ‘Nicepool,’ a version of Deadpool from the upcoming Ryan Reynolds film Deadpool & Wolverine. Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, sent a formal request to Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige on January 7, urging them to retain all relevant materials pertaining to the character’s development.
The character of ‘Nicepool’ is described as an alternate-universe version of the well-known antihero Deadpool, known for his irreverent and often ridiculous traits. However, Baldoni claims that the portrayal of ‘Nicepool’ contains exaggerated traits that he believes are a direct attack on him. He contends that the character’s creation is meant to mock him personally, fueling further tension between him and the stars involved.
This latest development is part of an ongoing public dispute between Baldoni and Lively. The conflict began during the production of It Ends With Us, where Lively reportedly accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and fat-shaming. These allegations have since escalated into a broader legal and personal feud, with Baldoni now seeking legal action regarding the portrayal of ‘Nicepool’ in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Baldoni’s legal team is focusing on securing the documents that could shed light on the intent behind the character’s creation, with the belief that it may help support his claims. The involvement of major players like Disney and Marvel suggests that this dispute could extend beyond just a personal conflict, potentially impacting future projects and public image for all parties involved.
As the situation continues to unfold, fans of both the Deadpool franchise and It Ends With Us are watching closely to see how this legal battle develops. Baldoni’s latest move is just the latest chapter in what has become a highly publicized and contentious dispute.
