Justin Baldoni has made allegations suggesting that the character Nicepool in the upcoming film Deadpool & Wolverine is inspired by him. This raises an intriguing question: Did Ryan Reynolds truly use his wife’s co-star as a model for this character? The controversy surrounding this claim has sparked significant discussion.

The escalating conflict between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has culminated in a dramatic $400 million lawsuit filed by Baldoni against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds. Within the extensive list of allegations in this lawsuit, Baldoni asserts that the character of Nicepool in Deadpool & Wolverine was intentionally crafted to mock him. However, the legitimacy of this claim remains under scrutiny, prompting questions about the character’s origins and the intentions behind its creation.

According to sources cited by THR, the character Nicepool was conceptualized well before Baldoni’s fallout with Lively. However, filming of scenes featuring Nicepool did not occur until the latter stages of principal photography. A knowledgeable insider revealed, ?It was all added post-strike,? indicating that the character’s development was influenced by the recent SAG-AFTRA strike. The completion of Deadpool & Wolverine coincided with intense discussions involving Baldoni, Reynolds, Lively, and producer Jamey Heath, raising further questions about the timing of these events.

In a recent commentary for Deadpool & Wolverine, director Shawn Levy revealed that the design work for Nicepool’s costume was finalized prior to any decisions concerning Deadpool?s new outfit. Furthermore, the shooting script lacked any direct references that would suggest Baldoni served as inspiration for the character. As described in the script, ?He?s immaculate. He wears a Deadpool suit with no mask,? emphasizing the character’s distinct appearance. The script goes on to describe Nicepool as someone who appears more muscular and youthful, likening him to a younger version of Ryan Reynolds, suggesting a character carefully crafted to stand out.

While it’s evident that Nicepool was conceived prior to the dispute between Baldoni and Lively regarding It Ends With Us, there is speculation that the character’s dialogue may carry undertones related to their conflict. As one insider noted, ?We will never know. We can only speculate,? indicating the ambiguity surrounding how personal dynamics might have influenced the writing. Certain lines delivered by Nicepool, in retrospect, appear to be pointed and could be interpreted as jabs at Baldoni, adding layers to the character’s persona and the narrative.

In his film introduction, Nicepool declares, ?In here, everybody calls me Nicepool. Oh my goodness, wait ?till you see Ladypool. She is gorgeous. She just had a baby too, and you can?t even tell.? This statement is met with Deadpool’s skeptical response, ?I don?t think you can say that,? to which Nicepool retorts, ?That?s okay, I identify as a feminist.? This exchange has drawn attention due to its potential references to Baldoni’s conduct on the set of It Ends With Us, where he faced allegations of inappropriate behavior, including sexual harassment and body shaming, contributing to the ongoing controversy.

Baldoni’s legal representative, Bryan Freedman, has formally issued a litigation hold letter to Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige and Disney CEO Bob Iger. This letter demands that the studio ?preserve evidence? associated with the character of Nicepool, which includes:

• All documents pertaining to the creation and development of the ?Nicepool? character in Deadpool & Wolverine, encompassing all communications related to the writing and filming of scenes featuring ?Nicepool.?
• All records reflecting any intentional linkage between the character of ?Nicepool? and Justin Baldoni.
• Any documents that indicate a conscious effort to mock, harass, intimidate, or belittle Baldoni through the portrayal of ?Nicepool.?

The letter further requests ?all documents and communications regarding complaints of sexual or other harassment made against Ryan Reynolds by any individual.? In a recent appearance on The Megyn Kelly Show, Freedman boldly stated his intention to pursue legal action against Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively ?into oblivion.? This declaration underscores the severity of Baldoni’s claims and the legal complexities surrounding this high-profile dispute.