Justin Baldoni's stunt double from the film "It Ends with Us" has opened up about the palpable tension on the set, six months after lead actress Blake Lively initiated a fierce legal skirmish against director and co-star Baldoni. "The set atmosphere was palpable with tension; discomfort lingered in the air, palpable to all," revealed Thomas Canestraro, 38, in a recent interview with The Daily Mail, where he unveiled the dynamics behind the scenes of the 2024 romantic drama.
The actor and boxer shared with the outlet that the shooting process "stretched beyond anticipation," causing him to ponder, "'What's really happening here? Why are we spending so much time on this one scene? Why the deviation from the schedule?'"
Canestraro, who previously collaborated with Lively, 37, on "A Simple Favor" (2018), recounted having a "breezy and comfortable" rapport with her on that set. However, during the filming of "It Ends with Us," he noted that she seemed "more guarded and distant."
A source close to the former "Gossip Girl" star commented to PEOPLE, "Given her allegations, it's understandable that she would be closed off." PEOPLE has contacted the legal representatives of both Lively and Baldoni for their comments.
The legal saga between Lively and Baldoni unfolded in December 2024, when Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni, accusing him of misconduct during the film's production. The actress further alleged that Baldoni and his associates embarked on a retaliatory smear campaign aimed at "shattering" her reputation, which Baldoni has vehemently denied.
In January, Baldoni counter-sued Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and their publicist Leslie Sloane for $400 million, accusing them of extortion, defamation, and more.
Canestraro told The Daily Mail that he doesn't wish to "take sides" in the legal tug-of-war between Baldoni and Lively, expressing his hope that they can "reach a mutual accord." "We don't need this kind of toxicity in our industry," he added. "Simultaneously, one cannot dismiss anyone's feelings or experiences."
Both cases in "Lively v. Wayfarer Studios et al." are set to be heard in court in March 2026.
