The long-anticipated movie is finally coming together after years of development. Sony has joined the project as a distributor and co-financier, while Blake Lively has been cast as Lily. However, tensions arise early on in the creative process.
Blake Lively suggests changes to a rooftop scene in the script, leading to a meeting at her New York City home on April 12, 2023. To the surprise of director Baldoni, Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds and friend Taylor Swift are also present, endorsing Lively’s proposed alterations. Feeling pressured by the presence of the two megastars, Baldoni reluctantly agrees to the changes.
In a text message conversation following the meeting, Lively refers to Reynolds and Swift as her “dragons,” drawing a comparison to the character Daenerys Targaryen from Game of Thrones. She asserts her influence and power in the industry, likening herself to the formidable Khaleesi with her protective dragons.
The disagreement over the script leads Baldoni to send Lively a heartfelt six-minute-plus voice message at 2 a.m. to apologize for any offense caused. In the message, he acknowledges the late hour and humorously mentions Lively’s potential parental responsibilities at that time.
This behind-the-scenes drama sheds light on the complexities of collaboration and decision-making in the film industry, showcasing the influence and dynamics at play even in seemingly minor script changes.