Unpacking The 'It Ends With Us' Set Drama: What Justin Baldoni's Body Double Revealed About Blake Lively And On-Set Tensions

The highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, "It Ends With Us," has been generating buzz long before its release, but not always for the reasons fans might expect. Beyond the excitement of seeing Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid come to life on screen, the production has been plagued by reports of significant on-set tension, culminating in dueling lawsuits between its lead stars, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Now, a unique perspective has emerged from the heart of the drama: Justin Baldoni's body double, Thomas Canestraro, who has shed light on the allegedly "tense" and "awkward" atmosphere that permeated the set.

The Man Behind the Stunts: Thomas Canestraro's Unique Vantage Point

In the intricate world of filmmaking, body doubles play a crucial, often unsung, role. They step in for actors during scenes requiring specific physical attributes, stunts, or simply to help with continuity and lighting. For "It Ends With Us," stunt actor Thomas Canestraro served as Justin Baldoni’s body double, putting him in a unique position to observe the day-to-day dynamics of the production. While his primary focus was on replicating Baldoni's movements and ensuring seamless transitions, his presence on set, particularly during pivotal scenes filmed in locations like Hoboken, gave him an unparalleled, firsthand account of the environment.

Canestraro's recent public statements mark the first time someone so intimately involved in the production has spoken out about the alleged tensions. His revelations offer a rare glimpse behind the curtain, moving beyond speculative rumors to provide concrete observations from someone who was literally standing in for one of the main actors amidst the brewing storm. His detailed accounts provide context to the bitter legal dispute that has overshadowed the film's production, giving fans and industry observers alike a clearer picture of what might have truly transpired.

A "Tense" and "Awkward" Atmosphere: Canestraro's Account

According to Thomas Canestraro, the set of "It Ends With Us" was far from a harmonious working environment. He explicitly described the on-set atmosphere as "tense" and even "awkward." This isn't just a casual observation; it paints a picture of a production where the creative process was potentially overshadowed by underlying friction between the lead stars. Canestraro's role as Justin Baldoni's body double meant he was often present during scenes involving both Baldoni and Blake Lively, making his perception of the environment particularly telling.

His insights suggest that the discomfort was palpable enough for an external observer to pick up on. "You could tell," Canestraro reportedly stated, indicating that the tension was not subtle but rather an evident characteristic of the set. Such an environment can significantly impact not only the morale of the cast and crew but also the overall quality and authenticity of the performances. When key players are embroiled in personal or professional disagreements, it inevitably casts a shadow over the collaborative nature of filmmaking, making the process more challenging than it needs to be.

Blake Lively's On-Set Demeanor: "Closed Off"

A significant part of Canestraro's revelations focuses on Blake Lively's alleged behavior on set. He described the actress as appearing "closed off." This observation, coming from someone who spent significant time in close proximity to the stars, offers a potential insight into the source of the tension. A "closed off" demeanor could manifest in various ways, from limited communication to a general air of unapproachability, contributing to an uncomfortable working dynamic.

While the reasons behind Lively's alleged "closed off" behavior are not detailed by Canestraro, his statement provides a piece of the puzzle in understanding the complex interpersonal dynamics that led to the subsequent legal battles. In a collaborative art form like filmmaking, open communication and a positive working relationship between lead actors are often crucial for the success of a project, especially one that deals with sensitive and emotional themes like "It Ends With Us." The perceived lack of such openness could easily contribute to a strained environment, impacting everyone involved, from the director to the crew members and even the body doubles.

The Legal Fallout: Dueling Lawsuits and a Protracted Battle

Canestraro's observations are particularly relevant given the bitter legal war that has erupted between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The tension on set, as described by the body double, appears to have escalated into serious allegations and counter-allegations. Lively reportedly sued Baldoni, who not only denied the allegations but also countersued Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for a staggering $400 million over alleged damages.

This legal battle, which began back in January, is far from over. Reports indicate that the "months-long bitter legal war" is "expected to be dragged well into the spring of 2026." This protracted timeline underscores the severity and complexity of the dispute, suggesting that the issues at hand are deeply rooted and require extensive legal proceedings to resolve. The financial implications, with Baldoni's $400 million countersuit, highlight the serious nature of the claims being made by both parties.

Why This Matters for "It Ends With Us"

The ongoing drama surrounding "It Ends With Us" is more than just celebrity gossip; it has tangible implications for the film itself. On-set conflicts, especially between lead actors, can influence everything from reshoots to promotional tours. For a film based on such a beloved and emotionally charged novel, the public perception of the production's harmony (or lack thereof) can significantly impact its reception. Fans often invest deeply in the stories and the people who bring them to life, and news of such severe discord can be disheartening.

Moreover, the legal battle itself creates a cloud over the project. While Sony, the studio behind the film, aims for a successful release, the lingering lawsuits could potentially affect future collaborations for the involved parties. The detailed accounts from individuals like Thomas Canestraro provide crucial context, helping to piece together the narrative of what truly happened behind the scenes and why the "It Ends With Us" drama seems to never end.

Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Tense Reality of Filming

The revelations from Justin Baldoni’s body double, Thomas Canestraro, offer an unprecedented look into the challenging environment on the set of "It Ends With Us." His descriptions of a "tense" and "awkward" atmosphere, coupled with observations about Blake Lively appearing "closed off," provide valuable context to the ongoing and bitter legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni. While the film promises to deliver a powerful story to its eager audience, the journey to its completion has clearly been fraught with significant interpersonal challenges. As the legal battle is set to continue for years, the public remains captivated by the unfolding drama, eager to understand the full scope of what transpired behind the scenes of this highly anticipated adaptation.

**Summary:** Justin Baldoni's body double, Thomas Canestraro, has detailed the "tense" and "awkward" environment on the "It Ends With Us" set, describing Blake Lively as appearing "closed off." These revelations come amidst ongoing dueling lawsuits between Lively and Baldoni, with Baldoni denying allegations and countersuing for $400 million. The legal battle is expected to continue until spring 2026, casting a long shadow over the highly anticipated film adaptation.