Blake Lively sent a detailed 4-and-a-half-minute voice message to Justin Baldoni before filming began on It Ends with Us, asking if he could consider moving up the shooting schedule. The message reveals Blake’s struggle to manage a packed professional calendar while preparing for multiple projects and family responsibilities, highlighting her hopes that Baldoni might accommodate her request as both a director and friend. This Blake Lively voice memo request shows a more personal side to their earlier working relationship.
Challenges in Balancing Multiple Projects and Family Life
In the message, Lively explains how she’s trying to juggle filming It Ends with Us while also committed to shooting Proxy, a new science fiction movie directed by Kornél Mundruczó. She describes her schedule as overwhelming, having taken on too much with limited backup, including ongoing efforts to secure child care. On top of that, she and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, have planned a trip in early June, which might be disrupted if the filming remains on the original timeline.
Lively’s Approach and Tone in the Voicemail
Throughout the voice recording, Lively frames her request carefully, emphasizing that she is not applying pressure and respects Justin Baldoni’s decisions. She openly acknowledges the burden her asks may place on him but appeals as a friend, saying,
“None of it’s your problem, that’s why I’m talking to you as a friend at this point more than anything.”
She repeats that she will accept whatever Baldoni decides, underscoring the voluntary nature of her appeal.
Context and Implications of the Memo Amid Later Allegations
This voicemail was sent several months before production began, predating Blake Lively’s public accusations of sexual harassment and bullying against Baldoni. The recording does not contradict her claims but rather illustrates how their professional and personal relationship has deteriorated significantly since then. According to sources close to Blake, the message was a straightforward request made to a man who was both directing the film and representing the studio, not a demand or ultimatum.
Uncertainty Over Scheduling Changes and Their Effects
It remains unclear whether Justin Baldoni agreed to adjust the filming dates based on Blake’s request. The voice memo documents her attempt to navigate a stressful period in her career while maintaining a respectful and friendly tone toward Baldoni. This glimpse into their interactions highlights the complexities behind the scenes, as well as the pressures faced by actors balancing personal lives and demanding schedules.
