Justin Baldoni’s religious beliefs reportedly played a role in the on-set drama surrounding It Ends With Us and his ongoing legal battle with co-star Blake Lively.
Lively, 37, filed a lawsuit in December 2024 detailing her discomfort over certain production decisions, including the casting of Adam Mondschein as a doctor in her character’s birth scene. According to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), Lively was “alarmed” upon learning that Mondschein was not only Baldoni’s “best friend” but also a member of the Baha’i community. The actor had previously appeared in The Gate: Dawn of the Baha’i Faith, a 2018 documentary exploring the religion’s origins.
Baldoni, 41, was raised in the Baha’i faith, a religion centered on the unity of humanity and the eradication of prejudice. Though Lively’s lawsuit does not directly reference his faith, sources suggest that its influence was deeply embedded in the film’s production.
Advertisement Religion on Set?
A source from Baldoni’s 2019 film Five Feet Apart recalled his frequent discussions about Baha’i beliefs.
This had shades of Scientology but with less prominence and people hovering at all times.
The insider claimed to THR.
However, another source offered a different perspective, stating that Baldoni’s approach was refreshing rather than intrusive.
I’ve never worked with a male director so concerned about everyone’s emotional and mental well-being. There was an openness and emotionality to his style that was more typical of a woman, and it probably wouldn’t be an issue if it was a [female director] because of the preconceived notions of gender.
the second source explained
According to multiple THR sources, Baldoni’s faith was evident throughout production. He allegedly led the cast and crew in prayer on the first day of filming and would “ask God for guidance” before making creative decisions. Reports also suggest that physical contact, including hugging, was common on set.
Experts Weigh In
Baha’i historian Zackery Heern of Idaho State University noted that expressions of faith can vary by culture. “In France, followers might be more inclined to hug. In Saudi Arabia, less so,” Heern told THR.
The professor also addressed one of Lively’s more startling allegations her claim that Baldoni said he could communicate with her late father, Ernie. Heern clarified that such beliefs are “not encouraged” within the Baha’i faith, adding, “It’s a bit fringe for Baha’i.”
Ongoing Legal Battle
The report’s findings align with the claims made in Lively’s lawsuit, where she accused Baldoni of creating a toxic work environment through excessive physical contact and unprofessional behavior. She alleged that he became “irritated, cold, and uncollaborative” when his advances were rejected.
Baldoni has denied all allegations, filing a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times and a separate $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloane. He maintains that Lively attempted to seize creative control of It Ends With Us despite his directorial authority.
Both parties continue to deny each other’s accusations. The legal showdown is set to begin on March 9, 2026.
Meanwhile, Lively and Reynolds have filed a motion to dismiss Baldoni’s lawsuit. Additionally, Us Weekly confirmed on February 20 that Lively is seeking a protective order, citing “violent, profane, sexist, and threatening communications” related to the case.
Source: US Weekly