Disney Faces Legal Heat

Actor and filmmaker Justin Baldoni has ignited a legal storm by suing Blake Lively for alleged sexual harassment and defamation, stemming from her involvement in the film It Ends With Us, which he directed and starred in. The dispute has since taken a surprising turn, with Baldoni’s legal team now targeting Marvel Studios and Disney, accusing them of creating the character "Nicepool" as a deliberate caricature to mock and belittle him.

Justin Baldoni's lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has demanded Marvel Studios and Disney preserve records tied to the creation of "Nicepool." The January 7 notice alleges the character may have been designed to mock and intimidate Baldoni, fueling speculation about targeted ridicule within the industry.

The controversy centers around Nicepool, a quirky, long-haired superhero featured in Deadpool and Wolverine. Known for his overly sensitive demeanor and humorously progressive remarks, Nicepool shares an interaction with Ladypool — a character portrayed by Lively — that has raised eyebrows. In one scene, Nicepool remarks:

“Oh my goodness, wait until you see Ladypool. She’s stunning,” he quips, adding, “She just had a baby, too, and you’d never know it.”

Ryan Reynolds, the star, writer, and producer behind the Deadpool series, has yet to comment on whether Baldoni was the inspiration for Nicepool. However, Freedman insists the similarities are too pointed to dismiss.

“This wasn’t coincidence — it was targeted,” Freedman stated during an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show. “The hair, the dialogue, the tone — it’s clearly a mockery of Justin Baldoni. Turning a serious issue into a running gag is crossing a line.”

The situation has sparked widespread speculation among fans and industry insiders, with many questioning whether this could lead to legal action or PR fallout for Marvel Studios and Disney. The escalating feud adds a new layer of complexity to an already contentious narrative.