Actor and director Justin Baldoni is taking legal action against Disney and Marvel Studios over his portrayal in a scene from the 2024 film *Deadpool & Wolverine*,
specifically targeting the character of Nicepool, played by Ryan Reynolds.
Baldoni’s lawyer reportedly sent a litigation letter to Disney and Marvel Studios on January 7,
seeking documents related to the development and portrayal of the Nicepool character.
The letter was addressed to Disney CEO Bob Iger and Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige, with a clear objective:
to uncover any evidence that might support Baldoni’s claim that Reynolds’ character is an attempt to mock or ridicule him.
The legal request is focused on retrieving “any and all documents relating to the development of the Nicepool character” as well as “communications relating to the development, writing, and filming of storylines and scenes featuring Nicepool.” Baldoni’s legal team is particularly interested in evidence that could demonstrate that Reynolds’ character was created with the intent to “mock, harass, ridicule, intimidate, or bully” the actor, according to *People*.
This development comes after Baldoni’s attorney, Bryan Freedman, publicly criticized a viral deleted scene from the film that he described as an “obvious” dig at his client. In this particular scene, Nicepool sports a man bun, a hairstyle that Baldoni himself has worn for many years. The scene also includes a conversation where Nicepool discusses a minor character, Ladypool, played by Blake Lively. The character of Nicepool, who is depicted as a feminist in the movie, mentions plans to start a podcast that “monetizes the women’s movement,” which Baldoni took as another jab. Baldoni himself runs the *Man Enough Podcast*, a show focused on discussing modern masculinity and gender roles.
The timing of this legal action also coincides with ongoing tension between Baldoni and Lively, stemming from allegations made by the *Gossip Girl* actress. On December 31, Lively filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of making inappropriate comments about her postpartum body during the production of their film *It Ends With Us*. The lawsuit claims that Baldoni, alongside his public relations team, launched a smear campaign against her in an attempt to damage her reputation. Lively’s accusations, which have made headlines, include claims of bullying and mistreatment on set, particularly regarding comments about her weight after giving birth to her fourth child.
The deleted scene in *Deadpool & Wolverine* further complicates the situation, as it plays on the themes of feminism, podcasting, and modern gender issues—topics that Baldoni has openly championed. During the scene, Nicepool, identifying as a feminist, discusses the idea of a podcast that benefits from the women’s movement, which Baldoni’s team sees as a thinly veiled jab at the actor’s own podcast. The fact that Reynolds’ character also sports a man bun—a key feature associated with Baldoni—has only fueled speculation that the scene was intended as a mockery.
Despite the tension with Lively, Baldoni has not yet filed a lawsuit against Reynolds or Disney. However, his legal team is clearly seeking to gather evidence to support a potential case, should the situation escalate. In addition to pursuing action against Lively, Baldoni filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against *The New York Times* after they published a report about the harassment claims. He has consistently denied all accusations made by Lively and maintains that he is the target of a smear campaign orchestrated by her and her PR team.
The controversy surrounding Baldoni, Lively, and Reynolds highlights the growing tensions in Hollywood regarding workplace behavior, public image, and the portrayal of sensitive subjects in film. As Baldoni’s legal team continues to press for documents and communication surrounding the Nicepool character, it remains to be seen how this legal battle will unfold, particularly given the personal and professional stakes for all parties involved.
While Baldoni has remained firm in his denial of the allegations against him, the ongoing legal and public relations battles suggest that this is far from over. The outcome could have lasting implications for the careers of those involved, and may also spark further discussions on how Hollywood handles sensitive issues related to gender, harassment, and public representation in the entertainment industry.
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