Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us made headlines ahead of its release but it was not positive publicity. The drama that surrounded the film’s out-of-touch marketing, the alleged rift between the cast, and the absence of Justin Baldoni from the majority of the appearances affected the movie’s reputation.
However, another new sci-fi movie had successfully escaped a similar conundrum from repeating. According to rumors, Lively had taken over postproduction of the movie and pushed for her final cut to be released in theatre. On the contrary, Mickey 17 director Bong Joon-ho stuck to his vision, and despite several conflicting opinions, got to create his cut for the film.
Too many cooks spoil the broth: Creative clash
Colleen Hoover‘s 2016 best-seller novel was adapted by Christy Hall as the infamous movie It Ends With Us. The film featured Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, and Justin Baldoni who also served as the director, in lead roles.
The movie had everything good going for it, an established fan base and, a talented and popular star cast, but one scandal led to a huge controversy. People were already annoyed due to the happy-go-lucky marketing of a movie that dealt with the heavy subject of domestic abuse, but the absence of one man from public appearances was glaring.
Baldoni played Ryle, Lively’s onscreen husband, and was also the film’s director, but fans noticed he was rarely present for the pre-release marketing. Some people questioned the presence of Ryan Reynolds and even Hugh Jackman in the interviews, but not the film’s director-actor.
This is when a source reported another alleged scandal to The Hollywood Reporter, and this had to do with the film’s final cut. According to a TikTok user’s claim, two cuts were produced for the movie, and one was chosen. Unfortunately, instead of the director, the movie’s producer and lead actress got to showcase her vision.
The rumor further entailed that the Gossip Girl alumni reached out to Shane Reid to get her final cut which was eventually released on the big screen. This is also the alleged reason for the tension on the set and between the directorial chair and Lively.
A triumphant conclusion: Narrow escape from the chaos
Another film that could have faced a similar clash is Robert Pattinson‘s upcoming sci-fi, black comedy film, Mickey 17. The project was handed to Parasite director Bong Joon-ho, who emerged into the spotlight five years after his Oscar-winning film.
However, the movie had to face delays due to friction with Warner Bros, over the final cut. In an interview with Empire, the celebrated director spoke about his slight professional tiff with the studio over the film’s final cut.
Bong Joon-ho tells @empiremagazine he got final cut on ‘MICKEY 17.’
“During the editing process there are many opinions and discussions. But this film is my cut, I’m very happy about it. It was a long process, but it was always smooth and respectful.”
(https://t.co/ljoTxCoz9w) pic.twitter.com/zV6ueVKzl3
— Film Updates (@FilmUpdates) October 18, 2024
this film’s gonna be the definition of art
— 𝑨 (@detailsmove) October 18, 2024
Final cut? That’s a power move!
— Oliver Bennett (@Oliver_Bennet_) October 18, 2024
It’s fantastic to hear that Bong Joon-ho has retained final cut on ‘MICKEY 17.’ Having creative control is crucial for any director, and it sounds like the editing process was collaborative and respectful. Given his track record of delivering outstanding films, I’m excited to see…
— ღ𝒌𝒐𝒉𝒆𝒏𝒐𝒐𝒓 𝒌𝒉𝒂𝒏ღ (@kohenoor_khan1) October 18, 2024
Great, he deserves some oscars
— Mauro Brandão PT / MB-PT (@_MB_pt) October 18, 2024
Of course, during the editing process there are many opinions and many discussions that happen. But this film is my cut, and I’m very happy about it. It was a long process, but it was always smooth and respectful.
Although this case had a happy ending for the filmmaker he got to keep his vision for the movie. Joon-ho excitedly revealed to the host that the film would showcase the cut he chose, irrespective of other’s opinions.
With Okja and now Mickey 17, I was given the final cut as part of my deal.
This was not the first time the director had to wrestle for his final cut with the producers or decision-makers. Previously, he tussled with Harvey Weinstein to get his cut for Snowpiercer approved. The same repeated with his 2017 film, Okja which featured Choi Woo-shik and even Jake Gyllenhaal.
Mickey 17 is expected to be released on 31 January 2025.
It Ends With Us is currently available to watch on Prime Video.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
