A recently unsealed contract draft for Blake Lively’s role in ‘It Ends With Us’ has pulled back the curtain on the lucrative world of Hollywood star compensation, revealing a potential $1.75 million salary, substantial box office and award bonuses, and luxury on-set perks, all brought to light amidst her ongoing legal battle with co-star and director Justin Baldoni.
The highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, ‘It Ends With Us,’ continues to generate headlines, not just for its dramatic narrative, but for the real-life drama unfolding off-screen. In a recent legal development, a proposed contract for star Blake Lively’s performance as Lily Bloom was unsealed, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the financial expectations and luxurious amenities afforded to a leading Hollywood actress.
A Deep Dive into Lively’s Proposed Compensation
The draft contract, submitted to court by Justin Baldoni as part of the ongoing legal battle, revealed that Blake Lively was allegedly offered a base salary of $1.75 million for her role in the 2024 film. This substantial figure underscores the significant investment made in securing top-tier talent for major adaptations. Beyond the fixed compensation, the agreement outlined a complex structure of potential earnings tied to the film’s success and critical acclaim.
One of the most notable aspects of the proposed deal was Lively’s eligibility for 10% of the film’s gross proceeds. This arrangement, common for major stars, aligns her financial success directly with the movie’s overall performance. Such a clause demonstrates confidence in her star power to drive box office numbers and ensures a long-term stake in the film’s profitability.
The Incentive-Laden Bonus Structure
Hollywood contracts often include performance-based bonuses, and Lively’s proposed deal for ‘It Ends With Us’ was no exception. It featured an array of incentives designed to reward both box office triumphs and prestigious award recognition:
- Box Office Milestones: She was set to receive $250,000 for each major box office milestone, typically triggered when the film’s gross theatrical receipts reached three to five times its direct production cost. This incentivizes a star to actively promote the film and contributes to its commercial success.
- Academy Award Bonuses: For an Oscar nomination, Lively would have received $100,000, with a further $200,000 for a win (capped at $200,000 total).
- Golden Globe Bonuses: A Golden Globe nomination would have garnered her $75,000, escalating to $100,000 for a win.
- SAG Award Bonuses: Similarly, a SAG Award nomination was valued at $50,000, increasing to $75,000 for a win.
While the film, released in 2024, did not secure any major award nominations for Lively, these clauses highlight the aspirational goals of such productions and the value placed on critical recognition in a star’s contract. The details were revealed in court documents obtained by Us Weekly.
Lavish On-Set Perks and Family Accommodations
Beyond the financial figures, the contract also detailed an array of on-set amenities and personal services designed to ensure the comfort and convenience of a star of Blake Lively’s caliber. These perks offer a fascinating insight into the expectations that come with leading a major studio production:
- Personalized Transport: Lively was offered a personal driver with approval over the selection.
- Exclusive Trailer: The deal included exclusive use of a single, pop-out star trailer with customary amenities for her use during filming in New Jersey.
- Stipends: A $1,500 assistant fee and a $1,000-per-week stipend for training and meals during the New Jersey shoot were also part of the offer.
- Private Jet for Family: Perhaps the most eye-catching perk was the provision for a private jet during any filming days in Las Vegas. This jet would accommodate Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, their four children (James, 10, Inez, 9, Betty, 6, and Olin, 2), two nannies, her assistant, and her security team. This detail highlights the lengths to which productions go to accommodate a star’s personal life and family commitments.
These details, brought to light by the legal proceedings, captivated online audiences and sparked considerable buzz among netizens, as reported by E! News. They showcase the often unseen layers of a star’s contractual agreements, extending far beyond their acting services.
The Unsigned Agreement and Ongoing Legal Battle
Crucially, the provided draft contract, dated May 5, 2023, and detailing a production start of May 10, 2023, for seven weeks, was never signed by Blake Lively. This fact is central to the ongoing legal dispute with Justin Baldoni, her co-star and director on ‘It Ends With Us.’
The legal saga began when Lively sued Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment during the film’s production and alleging he launched a smear campaign against her in retaliation for speaking out. Baldoni, 41, has vehemently denied these claims and previously attempted to sue Lively for defamation, a lawsuit that was ultimately thrown out by a judge earlier this year.
The contract itself also contained provisions requiring all parties to resolve issues through arbitration rather than public court filings, adding another layer of complexity to why these details have now emerged publicly. Fans of both stars and the original novel are closely watching as the legal proceedings continue. Lively and Baldoni are currently scheduled to face off in court in March 2026, promising further developments in this high-profile Hollywood dispute.
