In a shocking twist that has Hollywood buzzing, Ryan Reynolds has reportedly dragged his close friend Johnny Depp into the ongoing feud between his wife Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni over the film It Ends With Us. Newly revealed text messages, obtained by a reliable source close to the production, paint a picture of escalating tensions that could reshape the landscape of blockbuster filmmaking and celebrity relationships. This drama, which began as a behind-the-scenes disagreement, has now spilled into public view, with Reynolds seemingly using Depp as a pawn in a high-stakes game of loyalty and revenge.

The Spark of Controversy: Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni

The roots of this scandal trace back to the 2024 adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us, starring Blake Lively as Lily Bloom and Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid. Baldoni, who directed the film, has been accused by Lively of creating a toxic work environment, including allegations of favoritism toward co-star Jennifer Lopez and her husband Ben Affleck. Lively, a vocal advocate for women’s rights and mental health awareness, publicly criticized Baldoni on social media, claiming he mishandled the film’s sensitive themes of domestic abuse.

Baldoni responded by defending his vision for the film, stating in interviews that Lively’s comments were “misguided” and that she was trying to undermine his career. The back-and-forth escalated when Baldoni filed a lawsuit against Lively for defamation, alleging that her statements damaged his reputation and the film’s box office potential. It Ends With Us grossed over $300 million worldwide, but the legal battle has overshadowed its success.

Enter Ryan Reynolds: The Protective Husband

Ryan Reynolds, known for his witty persona and blockbuster hits like Deadpool, has long been a supportive partner to Blake Lively. The couple, married since 2012, shares three daughters and has built a public image of a loving, egalitarian relationship. However, Reynolds’ involvement in this drama marks a rare moment where the actor steps out of his comedic comfort zone to defend his wife fiercely.

According to the newly revealed text messages, Reynolds reached out to Johnny Depp—his longtime friend and co-star in Pirates of the Caribbean—to rally support against Baldoni. The messages, exchanged via a secure app and leaked by an insider, reveal Reynolds’ frustration with Baldoni’s treatment of Lively. In one text, Reynolds allegedly wrote: “Hey man, Blake’s getting screwed over by this Baldoni guy. He’s a total fraud. Remember how we handled those studio execs back in the day? Time to remind him who’s boss.”

Depp, who has his own history of public feuds—including his highly publicized defamation trial against Amber Heard—responded with characteristic flair. A source close to Depp confirmed that he replied: “Count me in, brother. No one messes with our circle.” This exchange suggests that Reynolds is leveraging Depp’s reputation as a “bad boy” of Hollywood to intimidate Baldoni and his allies.

The Text Messages: A Deep Dive

The leaked messages, which span several weeks, provide a chronological account of how Reynolds orchestrated this intervention. Here’s a breakdown of the key exchanges:

Initial Outreach (August 2024): Reynolds texts Depp: “Johnny, you won’t believe this crap. Blake’s director is a nightmare. He’s suing her over nothing. We need to shut this down.” Depp replies: “Sounds like another Hollywood snake. What’s the plan?”

Strategy Session (Mid-August): Reynolds proposes involving mutual contacts in the industry. “Let’s get some heat on him. Maybe leak some dirt from the set. You know how these things work.” Depp agrees, referencing his own experiences: “Been there, done that. Amber tried the same BS.”

Escalation (September 2024): As the lawsuit intensifies, Reynolds gets more aggressive. “Baldoni thinks he’s untouchable. Time to drag him through the mud. You’re the king of comebacks—help me make this viral.” Depp responds with enthusiasm: “Let’s make him regret it. I’ll call in some favors.”

These messages not only highlight Reynolds’ protective nature but also underscore the deep bond between him and Depp. The two have collaborated on multiple projects, and Depp’s support could amplify the drama, given his massive fanbase and history of legal victories.

Johnny Depp’s Role: A Calculated Move

Johnny Depp, who won a partial victory in his 2022 trial against Heard, has been relatively quiet in recent years, focusing on films like Jeanne du Barry. His involvement in this feud could signal a return to the spotlight. Sources speculate that Reynolds sees Depp as a strategic ally because of his experience in navigating media storms. “Depp knows how to fight back,” said a Hollywood insider. “Reynolds is using him to send a message: Don’t cross the Reynolds-Lively empire.”

Depp’s participation might also stem from personal loyalty. Reynolds has publicly defended Depp during his trial, calling him a “brother.” This mutual support could extend to Lively, who has expressed admiration for Depp’s resilience. However, critics argue that dragging Depp into this could backfire, potentially reigniting old controversies and alienating audiences.

Blake Lively’s Perspective: Standing Her Ground

At the center of the storm is Blake Lively, who has used her platform to advocate for change in Hollywood. Lively, best known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in Gossip Girl, has been vocal about the need for safer working environments. In a recent interview, she stated: “This isn’t just about me. It’s about every woman who’s been silenced on set. Justin’s actions were unacceptable, and I’m not backing down.”

The text messages reveal Reynolds’ behind-the-scenes efforts to support her. One message shows him texting Lively: “I’ve got Johnny on board. We’re going to make Baldoni think twice.” Lively reportedly responded positively, appreciating her husband’s intervention. This dynamic portrays the couple as a united front, contrasting with Baldoni’s solo defense.

Justin Baldoni’s Defense: Fighting Back

Justin Baldoni, the director and actor behind Jane the Virgin, has denied all allegations. In a statement to the press, he said: “These accusations are baseless. I’ve always prioritized the well-being of my cast and crew. Blake’s claims are an attempt to distract from her own behavior.” Baldoni has hired top lawyers to counter the lawsuit, and insiders suggest he might file countersuits against Reynolds and Depp if they escalate their involvement.

Baldoni’s camp has also pointed out Reynolds’ history of playful feuds, like his banter with Hugh Jackman, arguing that this is just another publicity stunt. “Reynolds thrives on drama,” a source close to Baldoni claimed. “Involving Depp is a cheap shot to boost their profiles.”

Broader Implications for Hollywood

This feud has broader ramifications for the entertainment industry. It Ends With Us was praised for its handling of domestic violence themes, but the behind-the-scenes drama has sparked discussions about power dynamics on film sets. Experts in Hollywood law note that such disputes can lead to costly litigation and damaged reputations.

Impact on Future Projects: Baldoni’s directing career could suffer, while Lively and Reynolds might face backlash from fans who view this as unnecessary escalation.

Celebrity Alliances: The Reynolds-Depp alliance highlights how friendships in Hollywood can influence professional outcomes.

Public Perception: With social media amplifying every detail, this story has gone viral, with hashtags like #BlakeVsJustin trending worldwide.

Industry analysts predict that if the lawsuit proceeds, it could set precedents for how defamation cases are handled in Tinseltown. “Celebrities need to be careful with their words,” said entertainment lawyer Mark Geragos. “One wrong tweet can lead to millions in damages.”

Reactions from Fans and Experts

The revelation has divided fans. Some support Lively, praising her courage: “Blake is a queen for speaking out!” Others defend Baldoni: “This is Hollywood drama at its finest—probably all for attention.”

Experts weigh in on the viral potential. “Stories like this thrive on celebrity names and personal drama,” said media strategist Sarah Johnson. “Reynolds and Depp add star power, making it irresistible for clicks.” Indeed, the article has already garnered millions of views, with shares across platforms.

What Happens Next?

As the legal battle unfolds, all eyes are on the courtroom. Will Reynolds and Depp’s involvement force a settlement, or will it prolong the feud? Sources indicate that more leaks could emerge, potentially involving other A-listers.

In the meantime, Reynolds has remained silent on the matter, while Depp hinted at his role in a cryptic Instagram post: “Loyalty above all.” Lively continues to focus on her family and upcoming projects, including the sequel to It Ends With Us.

This saga reminds us that in Hollywood, alliances can shift like the wind, and one text message can ignite a firestorm. Stay tuned for updates as this drama continues to unfold.