Newly uncovered contract details from Blake Lively's upcoming film It Ends With Us have revealed staggering financial and creative disparities between the star and her co-director Justin Baldoni.
The Salary Divide That's Shocking Hollywood
According to documents obtained by DailyMail.com, Lively secured an unprecedented $1 million signing bonus alone, dwarfing Baldoni's entire compensation package. While the Gossip Girl actress commands millions for her leading role, Baldoni's directing fee remains substantially lower despite his dual role as co-star and director.
The contract revelations have ignited fresh conversations about pay equity in Hollywood, particularly concerning the valuation of female stars versus male directors in similar projects.
Creative Control Clauses and Producer Privileges
Lively's agreement extends far beyond financial compensation. The 36-year-old actress negotiated extensive creative control, including:
- Final approval over all key production elements
- Significant input into the editing process
- Producer credits that grant substantial behind-the-scenes influence
- Consultation rights on marketing and distribution strategies
These provisions position Lively not just as the film's star, but as a powerful creative force shaping the entire production.
Industry Implications and Reactions
The exposed contract terms arrive amid ongoing industry conversations about fair compensation and creative recognition. Industry insiders suggest Lively's deal reflects her evolution from television star to Hollywood powerhouse capable of commanding both financial and creative rewards.
The adaptation of Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel has been highly anticipated, with Lively's involvement generating significant buzz since its announcement. The film represents a crucial career moment for both Lively and Baldoni, though their contractual arrangements tell vastly different stories about their respective positions within the project.
As Hollywood continues grappling with transparency and equity issues, this exposed contract serves as a revealing case study in how star power translates to both financial gain and creative authority in modern filmmaking.
