'It Ends With Us' Actor Brandon Sklenar Addresses Cast Controversy | THR News Video
'It Ends With Us' star Brandon Sklenar is breaking his silence following the recent controversy swirling online involving the film's cast and creatives. Internet rumors ignited when fans speculated a potential rift between director-star Justin Baldoni and star-producer Blake Lively and now the actor who played Atlas Corrigan in the film based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel, took to his Instagram to finally address it all and specifically defend the women behind the project.
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00:00It ends with us star Brandon Sklenar is breaking his silence following the recent
00:04controversy swirling online involving the film's cast and creatives.
00:08Internet rumors ignited when fans speculated a potential rift between director-star Justin
00:13Baldoni and star producer Blake Lively. And now the actor who played Atlas Corrigan in the film,
00:18based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 novel, took to his Instagram on Tuesday to finally address it all
00:24and specifically defend the women behind the project. Sklenar wrote in a lengthy statement,
00:29Colleen and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a
00:34better life for themselves. Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into
00:38making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and
00:43detracts from what this film is about. It is, in fact, the opposite of the point."
00:48Lively and Baldoni have been the subjects of negative headlines since the film's release on
00:52August 9, after fans initially started speculating about a potential behind-the-scenes rift between
00:57the filmmakers. Sources later told The Hollywood Reporter that a fracture happened in the post-production
01:02process wherein two different cuts of the movie emerged, one from Lively and another from Baldoni.
01:08However, it's unclear which cut is playing in theaters. Rumors also surfaced that Lively was
01:13made to feel uncomfortable by Baldoni on set, while others online have come to defend the actor's
01:18character and criticize Lively for failing to appropriately address the movie's central topic
01:23of domestic violence, and instead using a more lighthearted approach, and focusing the film
01:28marketing on fashion, encouraging viewers to, quote, grab your friends and wear your florals,
01:33and promote her hair care line, Blake Brown Beauty.
01:41THR previously learned that Baldoni hired veteran PR crisis manager Melissa Nathan amid
01:46all the alleged drama. In his Instagram post, Glenar went on to say that, quote,
01:50Someone very close to me has been struggling with a relationship that has mirrored Lily's
01:54closely. I feel a responsibility to bring this to life and help spread that message further.
01:59The movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their s**t together and take
02:03responsibility for themselves and their actions. Glenar noted that the project is meant to inspire
02:08as well as validate, recognize, instill hope, build courage, and help people feel less alone.
02:14He concluded,
02:15All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it's helping.
02:19Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact,
02:22or if you simply want to be a part of something. Let's be a part of something better together.
02:27For more details on this story, head to THR.com.
02:30And for the latest entertainment news and updates, keep watching The Hollywood Reporter News.