A Hollywood legal battle erupts as Justin Baldoni sues Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds for defamation, alleging the ‘Nicepool’ character in Deadpool & Wolverine mocks him, while Lively counters with harassment claims.
At a Glance
- Justin Baldoni files $400 million defamation suit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds
- Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment during It Ends With Us production
- Marvel seeks to quash subpoena over ‘Nicepool’ character development
- Trial date set for March 9, 2026
- Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman may be subpoenaed as witnesses
Legal Crossfire in Hollywood
The legal feud between actor-director Justin Baldoni and Hollywood power couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has escalated into a full-blown courtroom drama. Baldoni has filed a defamation and harassment lawsuit against the two actors, alleging that the character “Nicepool” in the upcoming Deadpool & Wolverine film is a “defamatory and mocking portrayal” meant to caricature and damage his reputation.
The character, played by Reynolds, is at the heart of the dispute. Baldoni has subpoenaed Marvel Entertainment to release development documents about the character. In response, Marvel has filed a motion to quash the subpoena, claiming the material is confidential and central to ongoing MCU projects. “The requested documents are particularly sensitive,” Marvel’s counsel argued, “because they relate to the development of a character in an ongoing movie franchise.”
Watch legal experts discuss the case in Real Lawyers React to Justin Baldoni’s Opposition to Ryan Reynolds’ Motion to Dismiss.
Accusations and Motions Mount
Baldoni’s lawsuit also includes retaliation claims, asserting that Lively filed a sexual harassment allegation to discredit him professionally. Lively’s legal team maintains the claims are valid and separate from the defamation dispute, while Reynolds has filed a motion to dismiss, arguing that the depiction of Baldoni as a “predator” is constitutionally protected opinion.
Marvel, meanwhile, is attempting to shield its corporate interests, filing additional motions for a protective order to prevent the disclosure of any confidential studio materials. Disney’s legal team claims that revealing internal character development processes could compromise the MCU’s competitive position.
What Comes Next
The case has riveted Hollywood with speculation swirling about potential subpoenas for high-profile figures including Taylor Swift and Hugh Jackman—both reportedly named in early witness discussions. A trial date has been set for March 9, 2026, and discovery proceedings are now underway.
Observers say the lawsuit could reshape how creative liberties intersect with public image rights in Hollywood. Whether Baldoni can prove defamation—or if Marvel can keep its secrets sealed—remains a question that could set precedent across the industry.
