Blake Lively Was 'Upset' byIt Ends With UsDrama: 'It Felt Very Out of Control to Her' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

The actress was “pretty surprised at the backlash and drama” that surrounded the romantic drama’s release last month, a source tells PEOPLE.

The source says the situation “felt out of control to her.” Still, Lively, 37, who next appearsinA Simple Favor 2with Anna Kendrick, “enjoys working and will continue to push forward projects that she’s excited about.”

Lively is also a producer behind the Colleen Hoover adaptationIt Ends With Us, which has since become the highest-grossing box-office hit of the actress' career so far.

Reports oftension between Lively and the film’s director and male lead Justin Baldonicaused a firestorm of media attention after the two costars did not pose for photos together on the red carpet at the premiere. They also didn’t do any press together in the lead-up to the release.

Blake Lively on Aug. 8, 2024.Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Gareth Cattermole/Getty

Additionally, some people online took issue with the film’s marketing campaign, claiming it was misleading for a project that deals with themes of domestic violence and trauma. And brief clipsfrom Lively’s interviews, recent and years-old, went viral on social media with criticisms.

Lively has been open about her passion for creating the film and hoping that itsheds light on important issues and empowers other women.

Blake Lively on Feb. 13, 2024.Taylor Hill/WireImage

Taylor Hill/WireImage

“It Ends With Usis a story of the female experience. Al the highest highs, and lowest lows. And we are so proud of it,” she wrote on Instagram after opening weekend. “We have been in celebration of this film and of getting a message so important out there to the masses. Thank you all for embracingIt Ends With Uswith the same love, pain and joy we had sharing it with you all.”

Blake Lively on Aug. 3, 2024.Gotham/GC Images

Gotham/GC Images

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Lively’scostar Brandon Sklenar has spoken out about “negativity” directedat the women of the cast, writing on Instagram, in part: “Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about. It is, in fact, the opposite of the point.”

It Ends With Ushas grossed over $300 million at the worldwide box office, though the hope for a sequel seems low. Hoover wrote a follow-up book, titledIt Starts With Us, which Baldoni, 40, owns the rights to turn into a film, and hehas suggested Lively direct the sequel if it happens.

source: people.com