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Justin Baldoni’s legal battle with Blake Lively appears to be over, and his main “focus” is now on family, according to reports. However, as with Lively, there are still questions as to what lies ahead for Baldoni professionally. To the best of public knowledge at this time, It ends with us the director/co-director did not book additional performances. Entertainment experts weighed in on whether Baldoni has a path forward, and are now sharing their thoughts on his “only path back” to Tinseltown.
During Lively and Baldoni’s trial, sources claimed that the situation caused significant damage to their reputations. The idea of โโdamaging the two actors’ public image was also raised in a lengthy Us Weekly article. One of the news outlet’s interviewees was public relations expert Mark Borkowski, who spoke about Baldoni and Lively’s current situation. Although Borkowski argued that “Blake suffered the most,” he also believed that Baldoni needed to keep his head down for a while:
Justin’s only way back (is) to do something good and (to remain silent) for two years.
Before the trial, Baldoni focused primarily on directing and producing in recent years. In particular, he led the 2019 project. Five feet apart and 2020s Clouds and acted as a producer on Movie Garfield, Ezra And Senior. In addition, Baldoni was one of the organizers Man is enough podcast with Liz Plank, who left the show in 2024 after Lively made sexual harassment allegations against Baldoni. Aside from Brockowski’s comments about the hiatus, fellow public relations veteran David Johnson says there are other key factors to consider:
Recovery from such an incident depends on three factors: the absence of new disagreements, continued professional achievements and time.
More about Justin Baldoni

(Image credit: Sony Pictures Releasing)
Justin Baldoni could reportedly make a huge amount of money if he gave a candid interview about the Blake Lively case
Blake Lively initially filed a legal complaint against Justin Baldoni in 2024, and she eventually filed a lawsuit against him for alleged sexual harassment and more, with other defendants named in the lawsuit. Baldoni denied Lively’s allegations and ultimately countersued her, as well as others such as her husband Ryan Reynolds, for alleged extortion and defamation. After both sides had their share of legal wins and losses, they settled the case in May 2026, although they ultimately went back to court once again. Ultimately, the judge ruled that Baldoni would have to pay Lively’s attorneys’ fees, but not damages.
More than a month ago, studio executives and other industry figures speculated about what Lively and Baldoni’s careers might look like following their legal troubles. The casting director opined that “tough times are ahead for both of them.” As for Lively, Borkowski reasoned in an interview with Us Weekly that she suffered more “because people thought she was humorous, family-oriented and approachable.” However, the same story claims that Lively can rebuild her career by being “undeniable at work and boring everywhere else.”
Previous reports also indicated that Blake Lively was already planning a career move after the legal drama. Meanwhile, Justin Baldoni’s path is a little unclear, although the assumption is that he wants to succeed. It ends with us sequel and is presumably open to Lively’s participation. Time will tell whether this theoretical sequel will materialize and whether Baldoni will heed the career advice of public relations experts and take a break.
