Blake Lively’s decision to shake up the soundtrack for It Ends with Us has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, leaving one of the industry’s top composers fearing for his professional reputation.
Insiders reveal that Brian Tyler, a celebrated musician known for scoring some of the biggest blockbusters in history, was abruptly cut from the project without even having his work considered.
A Sudden and Unexpected Replacement
Originally brought on by director Justin Baldoni, Tyler had already composed most, if not all, of theSet featured image film’s score based on Baldoni’s creative vision.
However, once Lively gained more control over the project, she made a swift decision to replace him with Rob Simonsen and Duncan Blickenstaff—both of whom had collaborated with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, on Deadpool.
According to sources, Tyler never even got the chance to have his music heard before Lively made the switch.
This move left Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath scrambling to salvage the situation, but ultimately, they had no choice but to inform Tyler that he was being removed from the film.
Career Concerns and Confidentiality
With an illustrious career spanning decades, Tyler had never been fired before, and he was deeply concerned about how this replacement would reflect on his reputation.
Industry insiders claim he wanted to keep the situation as quiet as possible, fearing that being publicly removed from a major film could impact future opportunities.
Despite his exit, Tyler was paid in full for his work.
However, his contribution is now listed as “uncredited” on IMDb, with his original score labeled “unused.”
Rumors also circulated that Taylor Swift may have influenced the decision, but sources close to the situation insist that Tyler never worked with or even met the pop icon.
The Tight Deadline and Simonsen’s Scramble
For Simonsen, stepping in to compose the film’s score was a whirlwind experience.
In a podcast interview, he described the situation as “nutty,” revealing that Lively reached out to him with an urgent request to create a full score in just one week.
At the time, he was finishing work on Deadpool & Wolverine and had to juggle both projects simultaneously, working on It Ends with Us late into the night.
When asked if there had been a composer before him, Simonsen hesitated, acknowledging that it seemed like a last-minute replacement.
He admitted he wasn’t sure how the situation would play out but ultimately said things worked out once he and Lively aligned on a musical direction.
Legal Battles and Behind-the-Scenes Tensions
Lively’s controversial decision didn’t just ruffle feathers in the music department—it became part of a much larger power struggle behind the scenes.
Her working relationship with Baldoni took a dramatic turn, culminating in lawsuits, allegations, and a bitter feud that continues to unfold in the public eye.
In December, Lively filed a civil rights complaint and later a federal lawsuit against Baldoni, accusing him of sexual harassment and an orchestrated smear campaign.
A New York Times exposé followed, detailing many of her claims.
In response, Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, countered with a massive $400 million lawsuit, accusing Lively and Reynolds of using their influence to seize control of the film.
Allegations, Text Messages, and Power Plays
Baldoni’s lawsuit claims that Lively not only removed the film’s original composer but also shut him out of the entire post-production process.
According to legal filings, Sony backed Lively’s decisions, even enforcing her demand that Baldoni and his editors not be allowed to see the final cut.
Adding to the drama, text messages included in the lawsuit show Lively allegedly comparing herself to Game of Thrones character Khaleesi, referring to Reynolds and Swift as her “dragons.”
Baldoni also claims Swift’s unexpected appearance at a private meeting was meant to intimidate him.
The Fallout and Future Implications
As the legal battle continues, both sides are standing firm in their positions, with all parties denying allegations against them.
Lively has since filed an amended complaint, claiming that two additional actresses on set had uncomfortable encounters with Baldoni, though his legal team has dismissed these claims as “unsubstantiated hearsay.”
Meanwhile, promotional efforts for It Ends with Us have faced scrutiny.
Lively was criticized for marketing the film alongside her alcohol brand, Betty Booze, and for allegedly downplaying the film’s themes of domestic abuse in interviews.
With lawsuits, counterclaims, and Hollywood power struggles playing out in real time, this saga is far from over.
The question now remains: what’s next for the film, its key players, and the reputations hanging in the balance?
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