Judge officially ends Baldoni’s case after missed court deadline

Case Officially Closed

November 3, 2025: In a major development, a U.S. District Court judge has officially dismissed Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. The case was terminated after Baldoni and his production company failed to meet the court’s deadline to file an amended complaint.

This ruling brings an end to Baldoni’s high-stakes countersuit, which stemmed from allegations made by Lively during the filming of It Ends With Us, a movie directed by Baldoni and starring Lively.

Background of the Legal Feud

Baldoni initially filed the countersuit in January 2025, accusing Lively, Reynolds, and others of defamation and extortion. He claimed that public statements made by Lively had damaged his reputation and career.

However, in June 2025, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed most of Baldoni’s claims, determining that Lively’s comments were legally protected. The court gave Baldoni a chance to submit a revised complaint focusing on alleged contractual interference, but when he failed to do so before the deadline, the court issued a final order officially closing the case.

A Major Win for Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds

This decision marks a significant procedural victory for Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds. With the countersuit dismissed, the couple is now clear of the $400 million legal challenge. Meanwhile, Lively’s original lawsuit against Baldoni remains active and is expected to move forward to trial in early 2026.

For Lively and Reynolds, this outcome strengthens their legal standing and reinforces the protection of their prior statements in the ongoing case.

What Happens Next

Although the countersuit has been dismissed, Baldoni still has the option to appeal once the issue of legal fees is resolved. The focus now shifts back to Lively’s ongoing lawsuit, which continues to make headlines as one of Hollywood’s most high-profile legal battles.

The case also highlights the growing tension in the entertainment industry around defamation and harassment claims, and how courts are navigating the balance between free speech and professional reputation.

HOLR breaks down the story here: Justin Baldoni’s $400 million countersuit against Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds has been officially dismissed after he missed a critical court deadline. The ruling is a major legal win for Lively and Reynolds, while Baldoni faces a significant setback as the Hollywood legal saga continues.