The $161 Million Lawsuit And 4 New Films: 7 Explosive Updates On Blake Lively's Life In 2025

Blake Lively is currently dominating headlines not just for her highly anticipated return to the big screen, but for a dramatic and complex legal battle that has rocked Hollywood in late 2025. This period marks one of the most tumultuous and career-defining chapters for the actress, with new film projects being announced amid a messy, high-stakes court case.

As of December 2025, Lively is navigating a demanding slate of upcoming movies while simultaneously dealing with a major legal feud with her former co-star and director. Her professional life is a blend of exciting creative ventures and intense public scrutiny, making her one of the most talked-about figures in the entertainment world right now.

Blake Lively: Full Biography and Profile

Blake Lively, born Blake Ellender Brown, is an American actress, producer, and entrepreneur known globally for her role as Serena van der Woodsen in the hit series Gossip Girl.

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• Full Birth Name: Blake Ellender Brown
• Date of Birth: August 25, 1987
• Place of Birth: Tarzana, California, U.S.
• Parents: Ernie Lively (actor) and Elaine Lively
• Spouse: Ryan Reynolds (married 2012)
• Children: The couple has four children: daughters James, Inez, Betty, and a fourth child, Olin, whose gender and name were initially kept private.
• Career Highlights: The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Gossip Girl, The Town, Green Lantern, The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor, and the recent adaptation of It Ends With Us.
• Entrepreneurial Ventures: Founder of the defunct lifestyle brand Preserve and the current beverage company Betty Buzz [cite: 17 (from step 2), 1, 2, 4 (from step 3)].

The Legal Showdown: Baldoni Lawsuit Postponed to 2026

The most explosive and current news surrounding Blake Lively is her ongoing legal battle with filmmaker and actor Justin Baldoni, her director and co-star in the highly anticipated film It Ends With Us [cite: 13 (from step 1), 16 (from step 1)]. This complex dispute, which began in late 2024, has escalated into a major Hollywood scandal.

Allegations and Damages Sought

Lively filed a legal complaint against Baldoni and his production company, Wayfarer Studios, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation during the production of the film. The lawsuit claims that Lively suffered severe emotional distress, mental pain and anguish, and lost wages as a result of the alleged hostile work environment.

In a significant development, court documents reveal that Blake Lively is reportedly seeking $161 million in damages from Baldoni, a figure that has sent shockwaves through the industry. Baldoni, in turn, has countersued and also sought to have Lively's lawsuit dismissed entirely.

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Trial Date Update

In a major update in July 2025, the trial date for the legal battle was officially postponed. Originally set for a 2025 date, the court showdown between the two former collaborators has been moved to May 18, 2026 [cite: 5 (from step 1), 17 (from step 1)]. This postponement extends the legal drama, keeping the case in the public eye for the foreseeable future and casting a shadow over the release of It Ends With Us.

Blake Lively's New Film Slate: Action, Comedy, and Sequels

Despite the legal turmoil, Blake Lively's career as an actress and producer is full steam ahead, with a packed schedule of new and upcoming projects that demonstrate her versatility, from action-comedy to psychological thrillers. These roles confirm her status as a major Hollywood player beyond her iconic Gossip Girl origins.

1. The Survival List: Action Rom-Com Debut

Lively is set to both star in and produce a new romantic action-comedy titled The Survival List [cite: 2 (from step 1), 11 (from step 1)]. This marks a significant move, as it will be her first major project announced following the legal drama with Baldoni [cite: 12 (from step 1)]. She is reportedly teaming up with veteran producer Marc Platt, known for hits like *Wicked* and *La La Land*, for the film, signaling a high-profile return to a lighter genre [cite: 7 (from step 1)].

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2. Another Simple Favor: The Highly Anticipated Sequel

Fans of the 2018 dark comedy-thriller A Simple Favor have reason to celebrate. Blake Lively is reprising her role as the mysterious and stylish Emily Nelson in the sequel, *Another Simple Favor* [cite: 19 (from step 1)]. She will once again star opposite Anna Kendrick, continuing the story of their complex and twisted relationship, a project slated for a 2025 release [cite: 4 (from step 1), 6 (from step 1)].

3. Other Confirmed Projects

Lively's filmography is expanding with several other confirmed roles in various stages of development, further diversifying her portfolio:

• Seconds (TBA): A psychological thriller based on the graphic novel by Bryan Lee O'Malley.
• We Used To Live Here (TBA): A thriller where she is also attached as a producer.
• The Making Of (TBA): A comedy-drama that adds depth to her upcoming slate [cite: 4 (from step 1)].

Fashion, Family, and The Betty Buzz Empire

Away from the courtroom and film sets, Blake Lively continues to make waves as a style icon and successful entrepreneur, often sharing relatable, humorous moments with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.

The Self-Styled Fashion Icon

Lively is famously known for styling herself for major red carpet events and public appearances, a rare feat in Hollywood [cite: 1 (from step 1)]. In late 2025, she showcased several high-fashion looks, including a glamorous ensemble from Sergio Hudson's Fall 2025 collection and a striking Tamara Ralph Couture gown for a Blake Brown event [cite: 1 (from step 1), 8 (from step 1)]. Her fashion choices, often featuring bold colors and plunging necklines, consistently garner significant media attention [cite: 10 (from step 1)].

The Betty Buzz and Betty Booze Brands

Lively has successfully carved out a niche in the beverage industry with her company, Betty Buzz [cite: 1, 4 (from step 3)]. Unlike her short-lived lifestyle brand Preserve, Betty Buzz focuses on non-alcoholic, low-calorie sparkling mixers made with clean ingredients [cite: 2, 6, 7 (from step 3)]. The brand has recently expanded with the launch of "Betty Booze," a line of canned cocktails, including vodka-based iced teas, further solidifying her entrepreneurial success. She has revealed that her family, including her four children—James, Inez, Betty, and Olin—are a key inspiration for her business ventures [cite: 8 (from step 3)].