Blake Lively is currently navigating a career phase that looks more like a high-stakes legal thriller than a Hollywood press tour. Honestly, if you’ve been following her journey since the It Ends With Us premiere, you know it’s been a wild ride. We aren't just talking about floral dresses and "Method Dressing" anymore.
Right now, the conversation has shifted from the box office to the courtroom.
The Latest Drama: Why Justin Baldoni is Talking About "Buckingham Palace"
The biggest headline right now stems from unsealed legal documents. Justin Baldoni, her It Ends With Us co-star and director, sat for a deposition recently that has everyone buzzing. According to court filings from January 2026, Baldoni claims that Blake Lively refers to her New York City home office as "Buckingham Palace." Why? Apparently, because "so many celebrities" walk through those doors.
It sounds like a classic Blake quip—kinda self-aware, kinda cheeky—but in the context of a lawsuit, it’s being used to paint a picture of her workspace. This penthouse office wasn't just for answering emails; it was the hub where the two met to discuss the film. The legal battle, which involves allegations of a hostile work environment and retaliation, has been officially pushed back. Originally set for March, a judge has now postponed the trial until May 18, 2026.
What Really Happened With It Ends With Us?
Most people think this is just some "mean girl" gossip from a press tour. It’s actually much heavier.
Lively sued Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and a "retaliation campaign." Baldoni fired back with a countersuit for defamation and extortion, though a judge recently dismissed his claims against Blake and her husband, Ryan Reynolds.
The documents are messy. We’re talking about claims of "fat-shaming" after a lifting scene and even weird, TMI conversations about personal medical history during meetings at the "Palace." It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes reality that makes you look at the movie's $350 million success a little differently.
Moving On: The Survival List and Another Simple Favor
Despite the legal clouds, the work doesn't stop.
Blake is officially getting back to what she does best: the high-concept rom-com. She’s set to star in and produce a new movie called The Survival List. Basically, she plays a "highbrow" reality TV producer who gets shipwrecked on a deserted island with a survival expert who turns out to be a total fraud.
It sounds like a return to form. It’s got that The Shallows survival energy mixed with the wit of Gossip Girl.
- Another Simple Favor: We also have the sequel to her hit dark comedy with Anna Kendrick. Most of the filming wrapped a while ago, but the promo for it in 2025 gave us some of the first real quotes from Blake regarding her legal situation.
- Directorial Debut: Don’t forget she’s still slated to direct Seconds, based on the graphic novel by Bryan Lee O’Malley.
The Business of Betty and Blake Brown
If you think she’s just an actress, you haven’t been paying attention to her bank account.
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Blake is doubling down on her beverage empire. In late 2025 and early 2026, Betty Buzz and Betty Booze expanded significantly. She recently launched a "Sip into the Season" collaboration with the iconic NYC spot Serendipity3. They even did a "Gossip Girl" themed ad for her new vodka iced teas—Meyer Lemonade and Passion Fruit—starring Zuzanna Szadkowski (who played Dorota).
She’s also been out promoting her haircare line, Blake Brown. At a recent event with Stoney Clover Lane in New York, she was spotted in a metallic crimson Tamara Ralph Couture dress. She looked great. It was a stark contrast to the gritty headlines about her depositions.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Observers
If you're trying to keep up with the Blake Lively latest, here is how you should actually track the next few months:
- Mark May 18, 2026, on your calendar. That is when the trial against Justin Baldoni is scheduled to begin. Expect a lot of "he-said, she-said" testimony to go public.
- Watch Prime Video on January 16. There’s a fresh wave of her content hitting streaming, making it the perfect time for a rewatch of her recent hits.
- Keep an eye on casting news for The Survival List. Once they announce who is playing "Chopper Lane," the fake survival expert, we’ll have a better idea of the movie's tone.
- Ignore the "mean girl" TikToks. The legal filings show this is a complex workplace dispute, not just a petty social media feud.
Blake Lively remains one of the few stars who can manage a massive business, a complicated legal war, and a four-child household (shoutout to Olin, the youngest) all while staying perfectly coiffed in couture. Whether you're Team Blake or just here for the drama, 2026 is shaping up to be her most revealing year yet.