It Ends with UsDirector Justin Baldoni Heads to Sweden with Family amid Alleged Friction with Movie's Main Cast

Mar. 15, 2025

Justin Baldoni.Photo:Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Justin Baldoniis enjoying some time overseas.

TheIt Ends With Usactor and director shared a video tohis Instagram gridon Sunday, Aug. 11, that showed himself and his family at a movie theater in Sweden, where he surprised the audience with a heartfelt speech ahead of a screening of his hit film.

“This is a very special subject,” Baldoni, 40, told the packed theater in his footage, which he posted amidrecent reports of frictionwith the other primary cast members ofIt Ends With Us.

“It’s a beautiful film; it’s about hope. But it’s also about relationships, and unhealthy relationships, and learning how we can end thecycle of trauma in our lives,” he added. “And so I hope that, at the end of the film, you’re able to take a second and reflect and think about how that can work in your own life.”

“So enjoy the movie. Thank you so much for supporting it,” Baldoni concluded.

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“Seeing this packed theater, connecting with some of you, and hearing your stories is a powerful reminder of why webrought this story to life,” he continued. “And to all of you who have sent me messages, especially you survivors, your strength and bravery inspire me more than you can ever know. I see you. Med dig alltid ❤️.”

Baldoni’s post comes amid buzz about tension and alleged creative differences between himself and costarBlake Lively, though a set source told PEOPLE this week, “All is not what it seems.”

“There is much more to this story. The principal cast and [It Ends with Usnovelist]Colleen Hooverwill havenothing to do with him,” the insider added.

Reps for Lively, 36, and Baldoni did not respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively at the premiere ofIt Ends with Usin New York City on Aug. 6, 2024.John Nacion/Variety via Getty (2)

John Nacion/Variety via Getty (2)

Rumors of discord behind the scenes grew prior to the film’s release as Baldoni did most of his press solo, and did not pose for pictures alongside the cast at the film’s New York City premiere. Fans were also quick to spot that Hoover, 44, Lively andIt Ends With UscostarJenny Slatedo not follow Baldoni back on Instagram.

In a recently published interview withELLEU.K., Baldoni called Lively a “powerhouse” to work with and also explained how “friction” on set can benefit the final product. (Lively was also a producer on the project.)

“There are all these things that happen every day on set, there’salways friction that happenswhen you make a movie like this," he said. “Then at the end of the day, it’s that friction, I believe, that creates the beautiful art. Everything in life needs friction to grow.”

Added theJane the Virginalum, “We created something so beautiful and so magical, and it was hard, and it was worth it at the same time. And I grew so much as both a filmmaker, an actor and as a person throughout this experience.”

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni inIt Ends With Us(2024).Sony Pictures Entertainment

Sony Pictures Entertainment

Baldoni’s Instagram post from Sweden came one week after he shared photos of wife of 11 years,Emily Baldoni, in the Scandinavian country, to celebrate her 40th birthday.

“I am in awe of this woman. Her strength. Her bravery. Her groundedness. Her magic. Her love,” Baldoni wrote in partin his tribute. “Wherever she goes; she creates ceremony. And she’s taught me to do the same.”

“But she’s taught me what matters most is not in the bigness, but in the smallest moments. The pause between the beats. The calm between the waves. That’s where her ceremony lives,” he continued. “She is a fountain, constantly emptying herself so she can keep giving. It’s an honor to witness.”

The actor concluded, “Happy birthday, my love. 40 didn’t sneak up on you. You owned it and welcomed it with such love and beauty. The magic follows you wherever you go. I’m grateful I get to join you and learn from you on this journey.”

It Ends With Usis now playing in theaters.

source: people.com