An unsigned draft of Blake Lively’s contract for the film It Ends With Us reveals she was set to receive a base salary exceeding $1.7 million, in addition to substantial performance bonuses, according to a recent report by Us Weekly. This disclosure came as court documents were unsealed on October 9, 2024, amid the continuing legal dispute between Lively and director Justin Baldoni over allegations of sexual harassment during the movie’s production.
Justin Baldoni, 41, along with his legal team, made public the previously confidential contract as part of ongoing litigation. Lively, 38, has accused Baldoni of misconduct on set, which Baldoni denies, leading the two parties toward a high-stakes trial scheduled for March 9, 2026.
Contract Terms Outline Base Pay and Bonuses Linked to Film Success
The contract, dated May 5, 2023, was drafted before filming commenced on May 10, 2023, with principal photography lasting seven weeks in New Jersey. Although Lively never signed this version of the agreement, it specified a fixed compensation of $1.75 million for her portrayal of Lily Bloom, the lead character from Colleen Hoover’s novel.
Lively and her representatives negotiated additional compensation tied to the film’s financial and critical success. This arrangement included earning 10% of the film’s gross revenue and tiered bonus payments contingent on box office milestones being met.
Specifically, Lively would receive $250,000 increments when the gross theatrical revenue reached three times the film’s direct production costs, with further bonuses available if the film’s earnings increased to four and five times those costs.
Incentives Extended to Awards Recognition and On-Set Provisions
The contract also outlined substantial awards-based bonuses. Lively stood to gain $100,000 if nominated for an Academy Award and $200,000 upon winning one. Nominations and wins for Golden Globes and Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Awards would also trigger payments ranging from $50,000 to $100,000, although Lively did not receive any nominations from these bodies.
Beyond financial terms, the draft included specific requirements for Lively’s comfort and safety on set. She was to have approval over her driver, guaranteed exclusive use of a star trailer equipped with amenities during filming in New Jersey, and a weekly allowance of $1,000 for training and meals.
For any filming days in Las Vegas, the contract stipulated provision of a private jet accommodating Lively, her four children, an assistant, two nannies, and security personnel. Additionally, a $1,500 assistant fee was included as part of her compensation.
Arbitration Clause and Legal Dispute Context
The draft agreement required that all disputes be resolved through arbitration rather than public court proceedings, a provision at odds with the current litigation, which involves public claims and counterclaims.
Lively has alleged that after she raised concerns on set, Baldoni retaliated by hiring a crisis public relations team aimed at damaging her reputation. Baldoni denies these accusations, asserting that Lively’s claims have harmed his own standing in the industry.
The legal battle remains unresolved as both parties prepare for trial early in 2026, with the contract details casting light on the high financial stakes involved in the production and subsequent dispute.
What the Contract Reveals About Industry Practices and Potential Implications
This leaked contract offers insight into the considerable remuneration packages leading actors may negotiate, including performance bonuses tied to box office returns and award recognition. It also highlights the extensive demands for on-set accommodations and personal security for leading talent like Blake Lively.
As the trial approaches, these contractual elements may play a role in the ongoing dispute’s outcomes, possibly influencing how industry standard contracts address allegations of misconduct, compensation transparency, and working conditions. The case underscores the complexities involved when contractual agreements intersect with legal and ethical conflicts in Hollywood productions.
