Since its debut on February 17, the romantic drama ‘Just One More Time,’ starring Blake Lively, has captivated German audiences and topped Netflix’s charts. Based on Colleen Hoover’s novel, it follows Lily Bloom’s tumultuous journey through an abusive relationship and a love triangle. Despite earning over $350 million against a $25 million budget, the film faces turmoil with legal disputes involving Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and director Justin Baldoni, culminating in a trial set for March 2026.
Since its release on February 17, German audiences have been captivated by the romantic drama ‘Just One More Time.’ Starring the iconic Blake Lively, this film ascended to the top of Netflix’s movie charts on its very first day, indicating a strong desire among viewers to experience its storyline, which has recently sparked significant controversy in Hollywood.
Overview of ‘Just One More Time’
‘Just One More Time’ is based on the acclaimed novel by Colleen Hoover and follows the life of Lily Bloom, portrayed by Lively. As a child, Lily witnessed her father’s brutal treatment of her mother, shaping her tumultuous journey into adulthood. Presently, she finds herself entangled in a complex love triangle while grappling with an abusive relationship.
This cinematic venture has achieved remarkable success, raking in over $350 million globally against a budget of just $25 million. Despite its box office triumph, the film’s release has been overshadowed by rumors of discord among its cast and crew. Recently, lead actress and producer Blake Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and director Justin Baldoni have found themselves embroiled in legal disputes, with claims for damages reaching nine figures.
The Drama Behind ‘Just One More Time’
During the promotional tour last summer, it became apparent that Lively and Baldoni were maintaining a distance from one another. The two stars avoided joint interviews and shared no moments on the red carpet, leading to speculation and unanswered questions.
In December 2024, following the film’s theatrical success, Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Agency, alleging that Baldoni caused her ‘severe emotional distress’ while filming. She accused him of showing inappropriate images, questioning her about her intimate life, and attempting to insert unapproved intimate scenes into the film.
Legal Battles: Did Blake Lively Take Control of the Film?
Baldoni has also claimed that Lively was behind a social media campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
In response, Baldoni filed a lawsuit in January, seeking at least $400 million in damages. He alleges that Lively and Reynolds conspired to ‘steal’ the film from him and undermine his career through false accusations. The lawsuit includes charges of extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.
Upcoming Trial Scheduled for Spring 2026
Reports suggest that Lively played a significant role in creating a new cut of the film, which the distributor Sony ultimately chose for its release. However, Lively refutes this claim, asserting that the new version was made at Sony’s behest.
The outcome of this contentious legal battle remains uncertain, with a hearing set for March 9, 2026. A pre-trial meeting has already occurred, and Baldoni has launched a website to share additional details about the events surrounding their collaboration, allowing fans access to relevant legal documents for a clearer understanding of the situation.