Kristina Roberts
The filming of It Ends With Us was not as smooth as expected, according to Justin Baldoni’s stunt double, Thomas Canestraro. He recently opened up about the atmosphere on set, describing it as tense and uncomfortable. Canestraro, who stepped in as Baldoni’s body double for the final two weeks of shooting in early 2024, noticed that Blake Lively, one of the lead actors, seemed more reserved than usual. He mentioned, “You could tell that the set was tense. There was some discomfort from everybody.”
Canestraro had previously worked with Lively on A Simple Favor, where he found her to be warm and professional. However, during It Ends With Us, he sensed a change in her behavior. While filming an intense scene between Lively’s character, Lily Bloom, and Baldoni’s character, Ryle Kincaid, the stuntman felt the strain on set. At first, he thought the tension might have been due to the 2023 writers’ strike, which had affected many actors. But as the days passed, he began to suspect that something else was going on between Lively and Baldoni.
The production faced unexpected delays, which added to the unease. Originally, Canestraro was supposed to work for just five days, but the shoot stretched to two weeks. He recalled wondering, “What’s happening here? Why are we taking so much time to film this scene? Why are we not on schedule?” The extended filming period made him question whether there were deeper issues behind the scenes.
Despite the tension, Canestraro acknowledged that Lively remained professional. During their previous collaboration on A Simple Favor, she had made sure he was well taken care of, ensuring he had proper accommodations. This time, however, she seemed more distant. The stunt double did not elaborate on the exact cause of the discomfort but hinted that the situation might have been linked to later developments, including a legal case involving Baldoni.
Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively’s husband, was also reportedly present on set at times, which added another layer to the dynamics. After the legal issues involving Baldoni surfaced, Reynolds’ presence became a point of reflection for those who had been part of the production. While Canestraro did not directly link the tension to the legal case, his observations suggested that the environment was far from relaxed.
The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, was highly anticipated, but the behind-the-scenes challenges may have affected the overall mood during production. Canestraro’s account provides a glimpse into the struggles that sometimes happen off-camera, even on big-budget projects with A-list stars. His comments highlight how external pressures, personal dynamics, and unexpected delays can create a stressful working environment, even for seasoned professionals.
While the exact reasons for the discomfort remain unclear, Canestraro’s insights reveal that not everything was as harmonious as it might have seemed. His experience serves as a reminder that film sets, despite their glamorous appearances, can sometimes be filled with unspoken tensions and unaddressed issues. The fact that a stunt performer noticed these changes suggests that the atmosphere was noticeably different from what one would expect on a typical movie set.
Blake Lively, known for her cheerful and outgoing personality, has always been praised for her professionalism. However, Canestraro’s remarks indicate that even the most composed actors can be affected by difficult circumstances. Whether it was due to personal conflicts, work-related stress, or other undisclosed factors, the It Ends With Us set was far from the usual collaborative and energetic space that filmmakers aim for.
The delays in filming also raise questions about whether the tension impacted the production schedule. Extended shoots often lead to budget increases and logistical challenges, which can further strain relationships among cast and crew. While Canestraro did not blame anyone directly, his observations suggest that the issues were significant enough to be felt by everyone involved.
As fans eagerly await the release of It Ends With Us, Canestraro’s revelations add an unexpected layer of intrigue to the movie’s backstory. While most audiences will focus on the final product, those who worked on the film may remember it as a project that came with its share of behind-the-scenes struggles. The hope is that, despite the challenges, the film will still deliver a powerful and emotionally resonant experience, true to the spirit of Hoover’s beloved novel.
In the end, Canestraro’s account serves as a candid look at the realities of filmmaking—where even the biggest stars and most promising projects can face unseen hurdles. His words remind us that movies are not just about what we see on screen but also about the complex human interactions that happen behind the camera. Whether the tension affected the final product remains to be seen, but it certainly left an impression on those who were there.
As more details emerge about the production, fans and industry observers may gain a deeper understanding of what truly happened during the making of It Ends With Us. For now, Canestraro’s perspective offers a rare and honest glimpse into the challenges that can arise when creative visions, personal dynamics, and real-life pressures collide on a film set.
