Justin Baldoni has reportedly enlisted the help of veteran PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid rumors of drama with the “It Ends With Us” cast, including co-star Blake Lively.
The actor and director recently hired Nathan’s firm, The Agency Group, which specializes in communications, reputation management and personal publicity, the Hollywood Reporter confirmed Tuesday.
Reps for the “Jane the Virgin” alum did not immediately respond to Pvnew’s request for comment.
The news comes amid online speculation about a rift between Baldoni and Lively following his absence from several cast press events and group photos.
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Sources previously told Pvnew that they didn’t exactly see eye to eye on set and the director made the “Gossip Girl” star feel “uncomfortable” during filming.
The two star in the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, which tells the story of a toxic and abusive romance.
One industry source told us that Baldoni created an “extremely difficult” environment for the entire cast.
“It’s not just Blake,” an industry source said. “None of the cast enjoyed working with Justin. …They certainly didn’t talk to him at the premiere.”
Sources told the Hollywood Reporter that Baldoni, 40, and Lively, 36, clashed during the post-production stage after the actress asked “Deadpool & Wolverine” editor Shane Reid to develop a cut of the film.
However, it’s unclear whether Reid’s cut was used in the final version, which was credited to editors Oona Flaherty and Robb Sullivan.
A studio insider also told Pvnew Tuesday, “As a producer, Blake was given the opportunity to provide edits and feedback to the film. It’s completely normal for there to be multiple edits of a film.
“Sony went with the cut they deemed to be the best, and that was a cut that included Blake’s edits, and all parties were on board.”
It’s been reported that Baldoni will likely not return for a possible sequel despite his production company, Wayfarer Studios, owning the rights to Hoover’s 2022 follow-up novel, “It Starts With Us.”
In an interview with “Entertainment Tonight” last week, the actor said Lively would be better suited for the director gig on the second installment.
“I think that there are better people for that one,” he told the outlet. “I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct, that’s what I think.”
