BLAKE Lively and Justin Baldoni’s rivalry rumors – and speculation about what’s behind it – have taken over social media.
But while the It Ends With Us co-stars remain tight-lipped, a body language expert says helpful clues can be gleaned from recently resurfaced images — including a possible red flag.
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A rumored rift between Blake, 36, and Justin, 40, has left social media users dying to know what really happened between the two on set.
They were not photographed together while promoting the film, and Blake seemingly avoided questions about their collaboration.
But no one involved in adapting Colleen Hoover’s book has given a clear answer about what’s going on.
The buzz led to old clips resurfacing – and according to one body language expert, they hold clues to the origins of the so-called rivalry.
Read more about Blake Lively
Judi James said the clips showed elements of “disagreement” while on set, even as they featured smiling faces for fans and crew.
“On the surface, their body language seemed collaborative, where both lead actors were producing or directing,” she told The US Sun.
Blake was the film’s producer, while boss Justin was the director.
“There have been no apparent signs of a direct confrontation, but I’m inclined to say they may not work together again,” James continued.
“Blake seemed to be offering, suggesting or verifying instructions on set.
But there was more than initially met the eye.
“Some more detailed gestures showed some disagreement,” she said.
“Blake showed slight signs of submissiveness and anxiety in his discussions with Justin.
“The lack of unifying poses between them, even though they try to show signs of unity and friendship, seems like a red flag.”
BLAKE SUBMISSION?
James noted that the Gossip Girl star did what appeared to be “anxiously wringing her hands” in one clip.
“She sucked her lips inward in a submissive-looking display,” James said.
Blake seemed to be taking control here at times.
Judi James
“She kept her handshake high and then twisted them in what seemed like an anxiety ritual, so Blake was really anxious on set.
“However, Blake’s rituals of submission can be deceptive.”
IS BLAKE THE BOSS?
Other images, however, appeared to show Blake calling the shots.
James noted that although Justin was the director, Blake showed some “directional arm signals” that could indicate she would “take control and make suggestions.”
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“Blake seemed to be taking control here at times,” she noted.
“Still, while Justin is in charge, their body language seems reasonably collaborative for a movie set.
“Overall, across all the online clips, there was no visually dominant winner between Justin and Blake in the power stakes.”
WHAT’S GOING ON, GUYS?
Talk of a feud between Blake and Justin reached a fever pitch as they promoted the film through interviews and red carpet appearances.
They posed separately at the New York premiere, and although Blake joined other co-stars for interviews, Justin is alone.
Blake and several co-stars, including Jenny Slate, reportedly unfollowed Justin on Instagram.
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The Hollywood Reporter claimed that difficulties between the pair arose in two film cuts, one by Justin and the other by Blake.
Blake also disclosed that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, wrote part of a pivotal scene.
Some TikTokers speculated that Blake stripped Justin of his directorial duties.
She, in turn, spoke candidly about her hands-on approach to the film.
Blake took on a slightly more dominant moment.
Judi James
“The work I did as a producer was much more consuming than anything I did playing Lily. I just did everything. There’s nothing I haven’t mentioned in this movie,” Blake said. Variety.
“I put everything I have into this and I’m proud of it.” It’s one of the greatest gifts of my life and definitely my career,” she added.
Some fans also took issue with Blake’s promotion of the film, accusing her of treating it like a light-hearted romantic comedy to watch with friends while wearing floral dresses.
Meanwhile, Justin has been the only cast member to consistently discuss domestic violence, a central theme of the book and film.
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TWO SIDES OF THE TALE
While neither Justin nor Blake have spoken out about any disagreements, insiders have come forward with allegations about the drama.
DailyMail.com reported that a source said Justin fostered a “tense atmosphere on set.”
“During scenes depicting abuse, Justin did not consider Blake’s character’s perspective, focusing only on what he believed to be the abusive male point of view,” they told the publication.
“His approach was very chauvinistic, creating a tense atmosphere on set,” the source said.
Interestingly, on Wednesday, Justin also told CBS that he was scared to act in the film.
“As a man, I will always have my own biases, it’s one of the reasons I was afraid to direct this film let alone act in it,” he said.
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“I wanted to make sure this film always had a female gaze and I would never put myself in that.”
On Thursday, talking at the Today showthe actor stumbled when Sheinelle asked about Blake.
I CONQUERED
According to James, one of the clips it showed Justin looking “complacent.”
“Blake was seen during filming showing Justin how to pull her into the clinch, doing it with him first,” she said.
“Blake took on a bit more of a dominant moment.
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“This direction of their movements could have been a critical point for some actors if they both wanted to imprint their hierarchy of direction on each other.
“That moment seemed to pass well.
“Blake pulled him in and his response seemed reasonable and accommodating.
“His eyebrows rise quickly, suggesting he understands, and he seems happy to know what to do here.”
Other clip showed “cold elements”, including a “polite truce”.
“Blake and Justin’s torsos never face each other or reach a stage of true proximity,” James said.
“Still, all of this suggested the lack of any definitive animosity-fueled collapse.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
