Blake Lively’s ongoing conflict with Justin Baldoni has sparked insights from Jana Kramer and Peter Facinelli about respectful collaboration in film. Kramer emphasized the importance of open dialogue and suggested edits during filming, recalling her past hesitance to speak up. Facinelli agreed, advocating for collaborative changes while respecting the original creator’s vision. The tension between Lively and Baldoni arose from “creative differences” during their film “It Ends With Us,” culminating in a lawsuit from Lively accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment, which he denies. Facinelli mentioned that any suggestions must be made respectfully, insisting on mutual collaboration without complete rewrites.
Blake Lively, Jana Kramer, Peter Facinelli. Getty Images(3)
Amid the ongoing controversy involving Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, both Jana Kramer and Peter Facinelli shared their insights on the dynamics between actors and directors in maintaining respectful partnerships.
“It’s intriguing to note that this significant discussion arose — particularly regarding Blake Lively,” Kramer, 41, mentioned during an episode of iHeartRadio’s “Whine Down” podcast on February 26. “In the latest film I wrapped in January, I felt it necessary to suggest tweaks like, ‘I’m not sure if she would express this in such a way. Can we adjust it?’ Collaboration is essential in my opinion.”
As rumors circulated about tensions between the co-stars of It Ends With Us, Lively, 37, and Baldoni, 41, in August 2024, a source informed Us Weekly about their “creative differences” while on set. Lively later captured public attention in December 2024 by filing a lawsuit against Baldoni for sexual harassment, which he has denied. Baldoni responded by suing Lively, Ryan Reynolds, and publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million, asserting that she aimed to depict him as a villain in her narrative. Lively has countered these claims.
During this ongoing legal dispute, Baldoni accused Lively of submitting a revised version of a crucial scene from the film — where two characters encounter each other on a rooftop — that significantly diverged from its original form.
Kramer emphasized the significance of being “considerate” when proposing edits as an actor. “I understand that it’s your project and you’ve put a lot of effort into it,” Kramer expressed. “Having a voice in that process is important.”
She reflected on her past experiences, saying she often “remained silent” and acted as “the puppet” in past roles. Now, she aims to bring her perspectives to the table.
From Facinelli’s viewpoint, collaboration is welcomed as long as it’s done “with respect.” (Facinelli, known for his roles in the Twilight series, also directed films such as 2018’s Breaking & Exiting, 2020’s The Vanished, and 2023’s On Fire.)
Justin Baldoni initially expressed only positive remarks regarding his co-star Blake Lively while rumors of an on-set conflict circulated. The film premiered in August 2024, and Baldoni, who directed and starred alongside Lively, praised her greatly. […]
“When I’m working on something I’ve created, that’s my vision. If I join a project like the one written by Jon Gunn, The Unbreakable Boy, I won’t come in trying to rewrite your work,” Facinelli, 51, stated. “I respect the original vision and seek collaboration in a manner that enhances the overall experience without overtaking someone else’s material.”
As a director, Facinelli mentioned that he values a collaborative atmosphere and is open to any ideas that improve the project. “It’s inherently collaborative,” he noted. “If an actor suggests something more compelling than what I’ve scripted, I’m all for it. However, if what I wrote is effective, we’ll stick with that.”
Kramer commented, “But complete rewrites? That’s crossing the line.”