Hollywood’s Nice-Guy Myth

Ryan Reynolds has built a career on charm, wit and an image as one of Hollywood’s most agreeable leading men. Devoted to his wife, actress Blake Lively, and their four children, Reynolds is also known for close friendships with fellow A-listers, including Hugh Jackman.

That carefully maintained persona is now under scrutiny following the unsealing of court documents linked to Lively’s lawsuit against her It Ends With Us co-star Justin Baldoni. Lively alleges sexual harassment during the film’s 2023 production; Baldoni denies the claims. A New York judge will soon decide whether the case proceeds to trial on May 18.

Among hundreds of released exhibits are extensive text messages from Reynolds, many sent last summer to senior executives at William Morris Endeavour. The messages—some running hundreds of words—show Reynolds angrily denouncing Baldoni, who also served as the film’s writer, director and producer.

The correspondence suggests Reynolds was deeply involved in the film despite having no official role, urging that Lively receive final cut, public apologies from Baldoni and his producing partner Jamie Heath, and stronger support from Sony Pictures over what he viewed as a mishandled marketing campaign. At the time, Lively faced online backlash for promoting a domestic-violence drama with a lighthearted tone.

One exchange highlights Reynolds’ influence. Responding to a lengthy message, WME executive Warren Zavala wrote: “First of all, I love your writing. I've read this a couple times. I think we should chat. I can't respond in a way that plays at the same level.”

Shortly after the film’s release, Baldoni was dropped by WME, though the agency has denied pressure from Reynolds or Lively.

The disclosures have revived discussion of Reynolds’ reputation for creative control, recalling his well-documented clashes with Deadpool 2 director Tim Miller. Together, the texts offer a rare glimpse into how celebrity power, loyalty and leverage operate behind the scenes of Hollywood.