Introduction

In an escalating legal battle linked to Hollywood heavyweights, actor and director Justin Baldoni is demanding that Disney and Marvel retain all documents relating to Ryan Reynolds' portrayal of the character "Nicepool" in "Deadpool & Wolverine." This dramatic turn comes in the wake of a highly publicized feud involving Baldoni’s former co-star Blake Lively, leading to a slew of legal actions that have captured the attention of industry insiders.

Legal Actions Initiated

On January 7, Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, dispatched a litigation hold letter to executives Kevin Feige and Bob Iger. The correspondence aims to safeguard all pertinent documents tied to Baldoni as he prepares for potential claims against Reynolds, Lively, and other unnamed entities. Interestingly, the film "It Ends With Us," which has sparked the current drama, was produced by Sony, not Disney—shifting the narrative focus onto how Baldoni believes Reynolds's character may have teased him in the Marvel film.

Claims of Mockery

Freedman's assertion stems from a scene in "Deadpool & Wolverine" where Reynolds, in the role of Nicepool, delivers lines that Baldoni's legal team interprets as mocking. This includes a jab at intimacy coordinators and a comment about another character’s postpartum physique. Adding to the controversy, Lively has accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and body-shaming during filming, igniting a firestorm of accusations and counterclaims.

Demands Made to Disney and Marvel

The letter demands that Disney and Marvel preserve "any and all documents relating to the development of the ‘Nicepool’ character," particularly those that could suggest malicious intent towards Baldoni. It highlights concerns regarding how Reynolds, who co-wrote and produced the film, has leveraged serious themes of harassment for comedic effect.

Baldoni's Response to Media Allegations

The fallout from this dispute is multifaceted. Following an unflattering article from The New York Times that included elements of Lively’s accusations, Baldoni filed a $250 million lawsuit against the newspaper for allegedly misrepresenting facts and context surrounding his conduct. In retaliation, Lively launched her own legal proceedings against Baldoni and others, further complicating an already tangled situation.

Industry Implications

While tension brews, it has also brought the industry into the spotlight, including past conflicts between Reynolds and Tim Miller, the original director of "Deadpool." The litigation hold letter hints that underlying issues may not only pertain to Baldoni but also to the dynamics between several major figures in the franchise.

Future Legal Actions

Baldoni has indicated that more lawsuits are on the horizon, as Freedman remarked on national television about the serious nature of the claims. He expressed disbelief that Reynolds would use Lively's alleged mistreatment as a source of laughs.

Implications for Hollywood

As this complex web of accusations continues to unravel, Hollywood is watching closely. The unique intersection of personal and professional lives in this case raises questions about boundaries in the entertainment industry and may usher in a new wave of accountability among its stars.

Notable Coincidence

In a striking coincidence, the actor credited for portraying Nicepool in "Deadpool & Wolverine" is listed as "Gordon Reynolds," diverging from Ryan Reynolds’ recognizable name. This detail has not gone unnoticed by fans and industry watchers alike, adding an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating saga.

Conclusion

Stay tuned as this story unfolds, with the potential for shocking revelations that could reshape the narratives of all parties involved.