Blake Lively Reveals Plan To Take Control Of Movies In Resurfaced Clip
A recently resurfaced interview shows Blake Lively admitting that she prefers to take a hands-on approach to movies once she lands a role.
Blake Lively may present herself as just another Hollywood actress, but according to a recently resurfaced interview, she prefers to take a hands-on approach once she lands a role.
The "It Ends with Us" star previously admitted to assuming more creative control over her projects after securing a job, a revelation that has resurfaced amid reports of tension with her former co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
The resurfaced clip, taken from Blake Livelyâs 2022 appearance at the Forbes Power Womenâs Summit, is now drawing fresh attention in light of their reported on-set power struggle and ongoing legal drama.
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Blake Livelyâs Desire For Creative Control
During the 2022 summit, Lively spoke candidly about feeling unfulfilled by acting alone, explaining that she often wants a greater role in shaping the story beyond simply delivering lines.
âI also knew that wasn't fulfilling for me, that I wanted to be part of the storytelling, be a part of the narrative, whether that be in the writing, the costume design, creating the character,â she said in the interview, which was recently obtained by TMZ.
She admitted that she often downplayed her creative ambitions during early meetings, waiting until she was already on set to assert herself.
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âWhen I was in the meetings, I was like, Iâm just here to be the actor and Iâm here to get the gig. I wouldnât reveal that I needed to have authorship to feel fulfilled,â Lively explained of her plan. âAnd I feel for them, it felt like a rug pull, and youâre trying to insert yourself into something we didnât hire you to do.â
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Blake Lively Talks Balancing Asserting Herself Creatively While Respecting The Existing Teamâs Vision
The actress also acknowledged that some directors, writers, and producers welcomed her input, while others weren't as welcoming. âSometimes I had the director, writers, producers who would welcome that once I was able to offer that, and sometimes I had people who resented that, because they just hired me to be the actor," she said.
She further reflected on the delicate balance of asserting herself creatively while respecting the existing teamâs vision.
"Itâs just as important to say, âIâm standing up for this, and I believe in this, and thatâs why Iâm not being difficult,â and thereâs other moments to say, âAm I being the a--hole here in the room? What is happening here?ââ
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Blake Lively Seemingly Presents Herself As Easygoing Before Showcasing Her Desire For More Creative Control
As heard in the interview, Lively seemingly initially presents herself as an easygoing actress eager for the opportunity, only for her strong desire for creative control to emerge once production is underway.
The actress also explained that while some film sets are receptive to her creative input, others have been less welcoming, frustrated by her attempts to take on a role beyond what she was originally hired for.
Livelyâs comments are now being viewed in the context of her reported behind-the-scenes power struggle with Baldoni on the set of "It Ends with Us."
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The Resurfaced Interview Comes As Blake Lively's Legal Battle Heats Up
The film, based on Colleen Hooverâs bestselling novel, has been plagued by reports of creative tension, with some sources suggesting that Lively pushed for more control than Baldoni anticipated.
The escalating legal battle between the two is set to go to trial in March 2026, but a federal judge is warning that continued public sparring could push the court date up sooner. âIf this case continues to be litigated in the press, I will move up the trial date,â Liman stated, urging both parties to follow legal protocol and avoid influencing public perception.
To prevent further media interference, Liman has ordered both sides to adhere to the New York Rules of Professional Conduct, which prohibit attorneys from making public statements that could sway a jury. Livelyâs legal team has accused Baldoniâs attorney, Bryan Freedman, of making âextrajudicial statementsâ that verge on defamation.
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Legal Battle Intensifies
Baldoni, who both directed and starred in "It Ends with Us," recently launched a website related to the case, further fueling the legal drama.
The "Gossip Girl" star has accused him of sexual harassment and orchestrating a smear campaign against her, while Baldoni has fired back with a defamation countersuit, claiming that Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, used their Hollywood influence to damage his career.