Blake Lively may appear to be just another charming Hollywood actress, 

but behind the scenes, she has a very different approach to filmmaking—one that has sparked controversy. 

A resurfaced interview from 2022 reveals that Lively isn’t content with simply playing a role; she actively seeks creative control once she’s on set. 

This revelation has reignited discussions about her reported on-set tensions with It Ends With Us director and co-star, Justin Baldoni.

Lively’s Hidden Strategy for Creative Influence

During an appearance at the Forbes Power Women’s Summit in 2022, Lively admitted that she often takes on more than just acting responsibilities in her films. 

Though she initially presents herself as an easygoing performer, she revealed that she has a calculated approach—she secures the role first, then gradually assumes creative control over various aspects of the production.

“I want to have authorship,” she confessed, explaining that she finds acting fulfilling only when she can have a strong say in the script, story, character development, and even wardrobe. However, she acknowledged that she deliberately keeps this preference under wraps until filming begins.

Rubbing Directors the Wrong Way

Lively’s desire for creative input has not always been well received. In the same interview, she admitted that her approach has sometimes caused friction on set. “Some movies welcome my creative input, while other sets seethe when I try to assert myself into a position I wasn’t hired for,” she explained.

She even admitted to questioning her own assertiveness at times, saying, “I ask myself, ‘Am I the a**hole?’” The Gossip Girl alum recognizes that stepping beyond the boundaries of her original role can create tension, yet she remains firm in her belief that artistic collaboration is key to making great films.

The Justin Baldoni Feud: A Closer Look

Lively’s comments are particularly interesting in light of her rumored creative clashes with Justin Baldoni during the filming of It Ends With Us, the highly anticipated adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. Reports suggest that Lively and Baldoni, who serves as both director and lead actor, had disagreements over the film’s vision.

While details of their alleged disputes remain vague, Lively’s resurfaced remarks provide context for the rumored friction. If she approached It Ends With Us the way she described in the 2022 interview—initially going along with the production team’s direction but then stepping in to take control—it’s easy to see why conflicts may have arisen.

A History of Creative Control

Lively’s desire to be involved in more than just acting isn’t new. Over the years, she has taken on more behind-the-scenes responsibilities, particularly in films she feels passionately about.

For instance, in A Simple Favor (2018), Lively had significant input into her character’s wardrobe, crafting a unique style that played a crucial role in defining the mysterious and stylish Emily Nelson. She has also expressed interest in directing and producing, suggesting that her ambitions go far beyond just acting.

Still, the way she approaches creative control—only revealing her intentions after she has secured a role—adds an intriguing layer to her Hollywood persona. While some filmmakers may welcome her input, others might feel blindsided by an actor unexpectedly stepping into a producer-like role.

What’s Next for Lively?

As It Ends With Us nears its release, it remains to be seen how much of Lively’s influence will be evident in the final product. Will her vision shine through, or will Baldoni’s direction take precedence? Either way, the resurfaced interview has given fans and industry insiders a deeper understanding of Lively’s working style—and perhaps a better grasp of why tensions reportedly flared on set.

Lively’s approach to filmmaking challenges the traditional dynamic between actors and directors. While some may view her as overstepping her boundaries, others see her as an artist who refuses to be just another performer reading lines. One thing is clear: Blake Lively isn’t just here to act—she’s here to create, whether Hollywood likes it or not.

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