Justin Baldoni Wins Crucial Legal Round: Wayfarer Studios Retains Control Over "It Starts with Us"

In a move that has sent ripples through Hollywood’s production circles, Justin Baldoni and his production powerhouse, Wayfarer Studios, secured a significant legal victory on March 27, 2026. A Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled in favor of Baldoni regarding the highly contested "Right of First Refusal" for the sequel to the 2024 blockbuster It Ends with Us.

Our previous report:

• Hollywood Stars Named in Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Court Case.

The Core of the Dispute: Following the rumored behind-the-scenes friction during the production of the first film, legal teams representing co-star and producer Blake Lively and certain financiers attempted to argue that the creative rift constituted a "material breach" of contract, which would have stripped Wayfarer Studios of its rights to produce the sequel, It Starts with Us.

The Verdict (March 2026): The judge dismissed the claims of contractual breach, citing a lack of substantial evidence.

• The Ruling: The court upheld that Wayfarer Studios remains the primary entity with the right to develop, produce, and distribute any cinematic adaptations of Colleen Hoover’s sequel.

• Creative Control: While the ruling doesn't force specific actors to return, it ensures that Baldoni remains in the "director's chair" or the "producer's seat" for any future installments, effectively blocking attempts to sideline his vision for the franchise.

What This Means for the Franchise

With It Ends with Us having grossed over $350 million globally, the stakes for the sequel are astronomical.

• The "Lively" Factor: Industry insiders suggest that while Baldoni has won the legal right to produce, the "casting chess game" continues. Whether Blake Lively returns as Lily Bloom remains the million-dollar question in 2026.

• Production Timeline: Sources close to Wayfarer Studios suggest that pre-production for It Starts with Us could now begin as early as Late 2026, with a potential release window of 2028.

Expert Commentary

"This isn't just a win for Baldoni; it's a win for production contracts," says entertainment litigator Sarah Jenkins. "It proves that personal friction on set—no matter how publicized—cannot easily overturn ironclad intellectual property rights."

Source / Resource: Based on L.A. Superior Court Filings (Case No. 25STCV1088) and Variety’s Hollywood Legal Tracker (March 2026).