The Marvel Cinematic Universe is no stranger to controversy, but this time the storm isn’t about superhero canon or box office battles. Instead, it’s about Nicepool and allegations that the character was designed to mock actor-director Justin Baldoni.
As the film continues to rake in revenue and fan acclaim, behind the scenes, a legal showdown is brewing. Whether it’s due to Ryan Reynolds’ spouse Blake Lively and her antics or his jokes, the MCU might be in trouble.
Justin Baldoni’s Lawyers Call Out Marvel For Not Negotiating
Justin Baldoni, known for ‘It Ends with Us’, has reignited headlines by pushing forward with legal claims that the character of Nicepool, introduced in ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’, was a personal attack crafted by Ryan Reynolds and potentially supported by Marvel Studios. According to court documents recently unearthed by TMZ and Forbes, Baldoni’s legal team claim it was a “mocking caricature” aimed directly at Baldoni during his legal battle with Blake Lively.
Related: Ryan Reynolds Accused Of Mocking Justin Baldoni With “Nicepool” In ‘Deadpool And Wolverine’
Baldoni’s lawsuit originally centered on claims of defamation linked to statements and actions following the fallout of ‘It Ends with Us’. However, the introduction of Nicepool into the legal battle added another twist. Baldoni’s legal team is adamant that the character was crafted with “intentional malice.” Nicepool is accused of specific behaviors, visual mannerisms, and dialogue that mimic Baldoni’s public image and personal life.
Marvel Studios, on the other hand, has pushed back hard. In a letter sent on April 25 to Judge Lewis Liman, the company requested that the court dismiss Baldoni’s motion. They argued that the character is irrelevant to the defamation claims. They believed that releasing internal documents would not only be unnecessary but could also cause potential harm by leaking confidential creative material.
However, Baldoni isn’t backing down. On April 28, his legal representatives responded assertively. They argued that the success and home media release of ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ means there’s little risk in disclosing the character’s development documents. More importantly, they emphasized that understanding the intent behind Nicepool is crucial to establishing a pattern of malice.
The most explosive part? Baldoni’s lawyers claim that Marvel has refused to engage meaningfully in negotiations about this issue. If those documents prove Baldoni’s suspicions correct, Marvel and Disney could find themselves not only entangled in legal drama but also facing a significant public backlash.
Ryan Reynolds On Deadpool’s Future
As if the current lawsuit weren’t enough to keep Ryan Reynolds and Marvel in the headlines, the actor is already teasing the next phase for his beloved antihero. In a recent interview, Reynolds opened up about the emotional backbone of the Deadpool franchise. He also talked about his unconventional vision for the character’s future. The actor described the themes of the first three films as “shame, family, and redemption.”
In case you missed it: Deadpool And Wolverine Rumored To Appear In Marvel’s ‘Avengers: Doomsday’
He claimed that the upcoming project he’s working on is an ensemble piece possibly tying Deadpool into broader MCU groups like the Avengers or X-Men. However, as Reynolds also pointed out, “If Deadpool becomes an Avenger or an X-Man, we’re at the end. That’s his wish fulfillment, and you can’t give him that.” Still, Reynolds hinted that the next chapter will push boundaries even further.
