Oh the drama. Justin Baldoni, actor and director of It Ends With Us, has added a new dimension to his ongoing legal battle with co-star Blake Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds. Baldoni’s legal team now claims that the character Nicepool, a satirical version of Deadpool in Deadpool & Wolverine, was based on Baldoni and intended to mock him.
Deadpool, aka “The Merc with a Mouth,” is an extremely popular comic and movie character who has inspired plenty of other superheroes. Ryan Reynolds maintains a positive reputation in Hollywood and has become a celebrity entrepreneur when not making blockbuster films.
Baldoni’s team asserts that Nicepool, played by Reynolds, is a caricature of Baldoni, portraying him as a disingenuous male feminist with performative traits. The allegations have sparked both criticism and amusement in Hollywood, further entangling an already heated dispute.
What is Nicepool’s Role in the Film?
Nicepool, introduced as a multiverse variant of Deadpool, is a quirky and insincere character with a man bun and an overly enthusiastic approach to supporting women. While Deadpool sees Nicepool as deeply annoying, the character meets a grisly end after being used as a human shield. Notably, Nicepool’s demise comes at the hands of Ladypool, played by Lively, in a scene that some speculate carries deeper meaning tied to Baldoni’s allegations.
In one moment, Nicepool comments on Ladypool’s appearance, saying she “just had a baby, and you can’t even tell.” This line has drawn comparisons to Lively’s previous claims that Baldoni fat-shamed her post-pregnancy, fueling speculation that the character was designed as a jab at Baldoni.
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Baldoni’s Response
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, has been vocal about the alleged connection, calling the character’s similarities to Baldoni “unquestionable.” Freedman cited the man bun and Nicepool’s persona as deliberate attempts to ridicule Baldoni. In an appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Freedman doubled down, claiming Nicepool’s portrayal is evidence of bullying and harassment.
Freedman has also sent a formal request to Marvel Studios and Disney, demanding the preservation of documents related to the character’s development. Baldoni’s team aims to prove that the character was created to mock him during the ongoing fallout from It Ends With Us.
Mixed Reactions from Fans and Critics
The allegations have been met with a mix of disbelief and humor. Some fans doubt the claim, pointing to the timeline of the films’ productions. Others, however, have praised Ryan Reynolds for his portrayal, calling Nicepool “the coolest thing he’s ever done.” Critics have even retroactively boosted their reviews of Deadpool & Wolverine, finding Nicepool’s satire more amusing in light of the controversy.
Some other celebrities like Amber Heard have spoken out in support of Lively. As Baldoni’s legal team presses forward, the debate over Nicepool’s origins continues to rage on. We’ll see if it holds up in court.
