A judge has dismissed Justin Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, sparing Marvel from having to release confidential materials about Reynolds’ Nicepool character in Deadpool & Wolverine.
Judge Lewis Liman granted Marvel’s motion to quash a subpoena demanding proprietary documents tied to the character’s development. While defamation claims were dismissed, Baldoni may still file an amended interference with contracts claim by June 23.
Baldoni had accused Lively and Reynolds of a smear campaign after harassment allegations tied to It Ends With Us, which Baldoni directed and Lively starred in. His lawyers argued that Nicepool mocked Baldoni through sexist and body-shaming lines mirroring those allegations.
Marvel’s lawyers said the documents were irrelevant and releasing them could harm their interconnected film projects. They also argued producing the materials would be unduly burdensome.
This legal dispute is part of a larger conflict involving multiple lawsuits between Baldoni, Lively, and others linked to It Ends With Us. Lively’s lawyers called the suit a “sham,” while Baldoni’s team said they will amend claims and continue fighting.
Connections between Nicepool and It Ends With Us surfaced through casting credits and social media posts, drawing media attention. Disney and Marvel declined to comment.
Judge Liman’s decision protects Marvel’s confidential information for now, marking a win for the studio amid ongoing legal battles.
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