Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds' movies "It Ends With Us" and "Deadpool & Wolverine" topped the box office, making them the first husband and wife duo to hold the top two spots in 34 years. However, the promotional tour for "It Ends With Us" has been marred by speculation of cast drama involving Lively, Reynolds, and director Justin Baldoni.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have become the first husband and wife duo in 34 years to dominate the box office simultaneously, holding the top two spots with their respective films, "It Ends With Us" and "Deadpool & Wolverine."
"It Ends With Us," based on the popular Colleen Hoover novel, debuted with an impressive $50 million, surpassing expectations and rivaling Reynolds' Marvel Studios smash "Deadpool & Wolverine," which remained in the top spot with $54.2 million in its third week.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Dominate Box Office, Fueling Cast Drama Rumors
The last time a married couple achieved this box office feat was in 1990, when Bruce Willis' "Die Hard 2" and Demi Moore's "Ghost" occupied the top two slots.
However, the promotional tour for "It Ends With Us" has been overshadowed by speculation of behind-the-scenes drama involving Lively, Reynolds, and director Justin Baldoni.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Dominate Box Office, Fueling Cast Drama Rumors
Fans have taken to social media to analyze the tour's peculiar aspects, such as Baldoni's largely solo press appearances despite co-starring in the film alongside Lively.
When asked about who should direct a potential sequel, Baldoni deflected, suggesting Lively might be better suited for the role. Lively, in turn, has not mentioned Baldoni in any interviews.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Dominate Box Office, Fueling Cast Drama Rumors
Adding fuel to the fire, Lively and Baldwin were photographed separately at the film's premiere, despite being the romantic leads. Baldoni mostly posed solo or with friends and family, while Lively appeared with Reynolds and other cast members.
Intriguingly, Lively revealed that Reynolds had actually helped write at least one scene in "It Ends With Us," raising questions about his involvement in her projects.
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Dominate Box Office, Fueling Cast Drama Rumors
"The iconic rooftop scene, my husband actually wrote it," Lively told E! News. "Nobody knows that but you now."
She added that they collaborate on all their projects, saying, "We help each other. He works on everything I do; I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine and mine are his."
Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds Dominate Box Office, Fueling Cast Drama Rumors
Jenny Slate, who stars in "It Ends With Us," has also hinted at potential tensions on set. When asked about Baldoni's dual roles as director and actor, she remarked, "I just found it to be something, like, ‘Wow, I really just want to have one job at once.’"
Fans have also noticed that Balanced follows Lively and Slate on Instagram, but they do not follow him.
Despite the box office success of both "It Ends With Us" and "Deadpool & Wolverine," the drama surrounding the former has taken center stage. Representatives for Lively and Baldoni have not responded to requests for comment.
