In the latest chapter of the legal saga between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, Baldoni has demanded that Disney and Marvel Studios preserve all documents related to the creation and portrayal of the character “Nicepool” in the film Deadpool & Wolverine. This move comes as part of a broader legal battle following Lively’s allegations against Baldoni, stemming from the production of It Ends With Us.
The ripple effect of the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni continues to expand, now drawing in key figures from the entertainment industry. Marvel president Kevin Feige, Disney CEO Bob Iger, and director Tim Miller have all found themselves caught up in the controversy, further intensifying the drama surrounding the high-profile case.
Baldoni, who has consistently denied the accusations, is now focusing on the Deadpool franchise, particularly the character played by Ryan Reynolds, known as Nicepool. The character, depicted as an overly sensitive version of Deadpool with a distinct man bun, has raised eyebrows for what Baldoni’s legal team claims is an intentional mockery of the actor’s public image. The character’s portrayal has become a point of contention in the ongoing dispute, with Baldoni’s lawyers seeking to establish that the characterization was designed to humiliate him.
Baldoni’s legal team has issued a letter to Disney and Marvel, requesting that all relevant documents related to the development of the Nicepool character be preserved. This includes any communications or plans that could shed light on the intent behind the character’s creation. The letter also calls for a close examination of any connections between Reynolds’ portrayal and the public persona of Baldoni, as well as the potential impact on his reputation.
There is no reaction from Marvel and Disney as of now, nor have attorneys for Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively commented on the matter. Bryan Freedman, the attorney representing Justin Baldoni, could not be reached for comment either. It is believed that Freedman is among the many industry figures affected by the ongoing Pacific Palisades fire, which has caused widespread damage.
A litigation hold letter, sent the same day the fires began, demands that both Marvel and Disney preserve “any and all documents related to the development of the ‘Nicepool’ character.” The letter also requests any communications regarding the writing, development, and filming of scenes featuring “Nicepool.” Moreover, it calls for the studio to retain “all documents relating to or reflecting a deliberate attempt to mock, harass, ridicule, intimidate, or bully Baldoni through the character of ‘Nicepool.'”
Freedman has expressed his concerns publicly, particularly regarding Reynolds’ use of Lively’s alleged harassment as a comedic element. “If somebody is seriously sexually harassed, you don’t make fun of it. It’s a serious issue,” Freedman stated. On The Megyn Kelly Show on January 7, he also made it clear that there was no doubt the “Nicepool” character was related to Baldoni, commenting, “Anybody that watched that hair bun can see it.”
Despite widespread speculation from fans, Reynolds has never confirmed if there’s a connection between the “Nicepool” character and Baldoni. This ongoing legal dispute has led to multiple lawsuits, including a $250 million suit filed by Baldoni and nine others against The New York Times on December 31. The lawsuit accuses the publication of using “cherry-picked” and “doctored” communications in a report that relied heavily on a letter from Lively to the California Civil Rights Department, which accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and retaliatory online actions. The complaint further claims that Lively orchestrated a “strategic and manipulative” smear campaign, using false allegations to control the production.
The litigation hold letter also hints at additional tensions, particularly a rift between Reynolds and Deadpool director Tim Miller. It instructs Marvel and Disney to preserve documents related to complaints against Reynolds, including from Miller, who did not return to direct Deadpool 2 or Deadpool & Wolverine. The letter also requests documents concerning any instances where Reynolds exerted “creative control” over any film projects, with Miller’s departure from Deadpool 2 being a key point of contention.
A litigation hold letter often precedes formal litigation. Although Baldoni has not yet filed a lawsuit against Lively or Reynolds, Freedman has indicated that legal action is likely imminent, promising to “sue them into oblivion.” Following the publication of the Times article, Baldoni was dropped by WME, the agency he shared with Lively and Reynolds, which also represents Miller.
