A heated legal feud has erupted between Justin Baldoni and Ryan Reynolds over the alleged parody of Baldoni in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine.
The controversy stems from the character Nicepool, which Baldoni’s legal team argues is a direct mockery of him.
Baldoni has also launched a lawsuit against The New York Times. Credit: John Nacion/Getty
ADVERT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
Baldoni’s attorney emphasized the severity of the claim, saying (via The Independent, “What Ryan Reynolds has seemingly done is use his power and influence to not only help Blake Lively take over [It Ends with Us] but he’s used it on Deadpool and to make fun of Justin Baldoni,”
The letter sent to Marvel and Disney requests the preservation of all creative materials linked to the character.
The backdrop to this feud appears to be Baldoni’s earlier professional interactions with Reynolds’ wife, Blake Lively, during their collaboration on the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us.
Credit: Theo Wargo / Getty
ADVERT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
According to insiders, creative disagreements between Baldoni and Lively may have laid the groundwork for this latest spat.
Baldoni, who directed and starred in It Ends With Us, reportedly clashed with Lively over the production’s direction.
This tension now seems to have spilled over into the Deadpool universe, where Baldoni believes he is being ridiculed through the Nicepool persona.
While the exact nature of the character remains under wraps, the legal team argues that its traits mirror exaggerated perceptions of Baldoni.
ADVERT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
Ryan Reynolds, known for his comedic style and penchant for breaking the fourth wall, has not publicly addressed the claims. Industry experts note that this feud could impact the film’s reception if audiences perceive the character as crossing the line into personal attacks.
Fans of both stars have taken to social media, with some defending Reynolds’ signature humor while others back Baldoni’s right to challenge perceived slights.
The dispute raises broader questions about the boundaries of parody, particularly when it intersects with personal and professional relationships.
As legal proceedings unfold, all eyes remain on whether this drama will cast a shadow over Deadpool & Wolverine, one of Marvel’s most anticipated releases.
ADVERT – CONTINUE READING BELOW
Last month, Blake Lively filed a formal lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star and director Justin Baldoni, while he filed a lawsuit of his own against the New York Times.
