The highly publicized role that Blake Lively has decided to undertake with the film rendition of It Ends With Us recently made headlines but not quite for reasons people may have expected. A movie directed by none other than Justin Baldoni himself has been embroiled in scandal following Lively’s infamous costumes, which became key in a lawsuit filed against none other than Baldoni.
The costume designer filed a lawsuit against them, mentioning misusing the designs and that they infringed on his intellectual property against which he incurred huge and serious financial and personal losses. While costumes were to be one of the big factors in Lively’s portrayal, they’ve got caught amidst a very intense legal battle where both actor and director might see their reputation at stake in this regard.
Lively’s Costumes: The Controversy Continues Perhaps one of the most publicized film adaptations this year is that of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, It Ends With Us. Ever since Lively was cast, she has been known for her fashion-forward moments on the red carpet and was expected to bring in her A-game with her character’s wardrobe. However, some of the choices made for her costumes have raised eyebrows among both fans and professionals in the fashion world.
People close to the lawsuit described the issue of the costumes not being duly accorded to their owners. Basically, the plaintiff alleged that costumes made for the film by them had been used without license and constituted a case of infringement. That put an extra layer of debate at the heart of creative ownership in Hollywood particularly at the rapid pace of movie costume creation.
The Legal Battle: A Close-Up Look
Central to the claimant’s case against Justin Baldoni are issues of intellectual property theft and breach of contract. The costume designer contends that they were retained on a deal in writing that their art was to grace the movie exclusively, and later found many works altered or changed without the permission of the owner. It is put that such edits grossly diluted the creative vision underlying the designer’s work.
In a statement, the plaintiff noted, “When I saw Blake Lively wear my creations on set, I had no idea they were altered without my approval. These designs were not just clothes; they were pieces of art, and they deserved to be treated as such.”
Although both Baldoni and the production company have refused to comment on the lawsuit publicly, word from within the industry states that this case may reach precedent for filmmakers and costume designers alike. The nagging questions remain as to whether all this will affect the release of the film or Lively’s image as a fashion icon.
The Impact of the Film’s Release
The lawsuit has indeed caused a stir among fans who were looking forward to the premiere of the film. With the trial in process, people are even more eager to see if the aftermath of the controversy will affect the success of the movie. Production for It Ends With Us has been delayed several times, but this legal problem might just make it worse, especially when the case starts to take shape.
This notwithstanding, the film is still expected to be released, albeit with some public scrutiny. With the growing popularity of Colleen Hoover’s series of books and the star power of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, It Ends With Us is expected to do well at the box office, regardless of how the ongoing legal issues in the courts turn out.
Industry Reactions and Public Sentiment
The suit has deeply polarized the fashion and entertainment worlds, with some designers coming to the costume designer’s side on the grounds of creative rights, while others fear the suits will cause delays in productions and a legalistic climate of fear in Hollywood.
On the other hand, public opinion is still split. Lively followers and fans have come forward in support of the actress in light of the lawsuit damage it may do to her reputation. Others still perceive it might be a sign that larger issues are at play throughout Hollywood regarding costume designers and fashion in general.
What does the future hold for the movie ‘It Ends With Us’ and this recent lawsuit?
As the lawsuit unfolds, one literally holds their breath over what this will mean, not only for the release but also for the careers involved in the movie. Unless a settlement is reached quickly, it has the potential to result in further production delays and a turn in public perception against the movie and its stars.
For Blake Lively, the legal drama is a plot twist she never saw in her already eclectic career of acting, philanthropy, and fashion collaborations. With the legal battle, the two will fall under the microscope, and how each navigates the situation may shape their futures.
