Blake Lively’s performance in It Ends with Us has sparked an unexpected debate this week, thanks to a rather telling contract clause that’s now seeing daylight. As her ongoing legal battle with director Justin Baldoni continues, a proposed version of her film contract, unsealed in the Southern District of New York, is sending fans and fashion sleuths into overdrive.
The Gossip Girl alum was reportedly set to earn over $1.7 million upfront, with 10% of the film’s gross proceeds and $250,000 bonuses tied to box office milestones. Additional performance-based incentives included up to $200,000 for an Academy Award win, $100,000 for a Golden Globe, and $75,000 for a SAG Award.
But here’s where things take a head-turning twist. In a recent breakdown by journalist Kjersti Flaa, paragraph 13 of the contract allegedly contains a curious mention: Lively had final approval over Peter Owen, a renowned wig maker. Flaa teases the possibility that Lively may have worn a wig throughout the film, despite no explicit mention of one being required. In her own words (via YouTube):
Another fun fact. The contract strongly implies that she may be wear ing a wig… it outlines that Blake Lively’s approval right list is — amongst one thing — the wig maker Peter Owen. So she pre-approved the wig maker for the movie.
Flaa also highlights the irony that Lively was promoting her haircare products while potentially hiding her real hair under a wig onscreen.
If all of Lily Bloom’s hair in the movie was a wig — which I think it was — that makes it even funnier that she was promoting her hair products during this promotional tour. I mean, it doesn’t get better than this.
Though Flaa insists she’s “not a legal expert”, she promises more tea to come as she continues digging through the legalese. So, did Blake Lively fool us all with a flawless wig while flaunting shampoo secrets?
Inside Blake Lively’s ‘It Ends with Us’ Looks: Red Hair & Wore Pieces From Her Own Closet
If Blake Lively’s scarlet strands looked a little too perfect, well… maybe they were. On May 15, 2023, fans spotted her filming in New York City, stepping into character as Lily Bloom, with fiery red locks, loose waves, and a melancholic elegance (via US Magazine).
She styled her golden auburn hair with a low-cut halter dress and loafers in one scene, and rocked a pink trucker jacket with a baggy tee in another. Oh, and she carried a Valentino tote, in case you thought she’d let go of luxury. But wait, many of the outfits came straight from Lively’s own closet.
Let’s not forget: Lively also donned red hair for her role in The Rhythm Section (2020), where she definitely wore a wig. That history adds more fuel to Kjersti Flaa’s theory that Lily Bloom’s mane wasn’t as natural as it seemed.
And if you’re just catching up: It Ends With Us follows Lily, a florist with a traumatic past, who gets involved with neurosurgeon Ryle (played by Justin Baldoni).
What Did Costume Designer Say About Blake Lively’s Criticized Looks in It Ends with Us?
Online fashion court was not kind when candid behind-the-scenes shots of Blake Lively in costume surfaced. Fans who devoured Colleen Hoover’s book were baffled that Lily wouldn’t dress that way! But costume designer Eric Daman, who worked with Lively for six years on Gossip Girl, didn’t lose a wink of sleep. Daman shared (via THR):
There’s just so much buzz around the looks themselves. Whether it’s positive, and haters are gonna hate… once people actually see the context of the clothing… I think people are gonna be thrilled.
For Daman and Lively, Lily’s wardrobe was meant to feel personal. They incorporated vintage pieces, mixing masculine and feminine energy to reflect Lily’s complex emotional layers:
She is a very strong-willed, self-empowered woman and I think it was very important not to lean into clothing where it felt more delicate.
Daman credited Lively’s “incredible eye and amazing taste” for shaping Lily’s identity through fashion. So, is Lily Bloom in floral dresses and trucker jackets really that far-fetched? Daman was of the view that critics might eat their words after seeing the full film:
You can please a lot of the people a lot of the time, but you can’t please everyone all the time.
But does a possible wig make her performance any less powerful? Or is it simply a clever Hollywood sleight of hand? Do you think Lily Bloom’s look needed a wig to work? Does knowing it might be fake hair change how you see her character? Drop your sass, theories, and wig jokes in the comments below. We know you have thoughts.
It Ends With Us is streaming on Netflix.
