Taylor Swift’s involvement in the production of It Ends With Us appears to have been more significant than previously known, according to resurfaced interviews with the film’s director, Justin Baldoni, and actress Isabela Ferrer. The revelations come amidst ongoing legal drama between Baldoni and Blake Lively, the film’s lead actress, and have sparked renewed interest in Swift’s connection to the project.
Swift’s Influence on Casting
In a resurfaced interview with Access Hollywood, Baldoni, who directed and co-starred in the film, revealed that Swift played a role in casting Isabela Ferrer, who portrayed a younger version of Blake Lively’s character, Lily. Baldoni explained that Ferrer was chosen because of her resemblance to Lively and her talent as an actress.“I had actually brought in and showed her casting tape to Blake and Taylor, and they were both, like, ‘Yes! Her,’” Baldoni shared. “And that’s a true story.”Ferrer herself confirmed Swift’s involvement during an interview with Extra at the film’s premiere. “I don’t even know if I’m supposed to be saying it, but I’m saying it!” Ferrer admitted. “Yeah, she was a helpful part of the process of the audition, which I found out later after I got it, and that rocked my world. I have no words.”
Taylor Swift was allegedly involved in part of the casting process for “It Ends With Us.”Getty Images
Swift’s Support for Lively
Beyond her influence on casting, Swift also contributed to the film’s soundtrack. Lively revealed in an August 2024 interview with CBS Mornings that she sought Swift’s permission to use her song “My Tears, Ricochet” in the movie’s trailer and soundtrack. “I think that, for better or worse, she experienced the whole thing with me,” Lively said, referring to Swift’s involvement throughout the production process. She added that the film’s modest budget made it seem unlikely they could secure one of Swift’s songs, but the singer’s support made it possible.
Justin Baldoni claimed in a resurfaced interview that Swift and Blake Lively both approved of Isabela Ferrer’s casting.GC Images
Legal Drama and Swift’s Involvement
While Swift’s contributions to the film were initially celebrated, her name has since been drawn into the ongoing legal feud between Baldoni and Lively.
Ferrer, who played Young Lily in the film, once also said she was told Swift had an “influence” in her casting.
In January 2025, Baldoni filed a $400 million extortion and defamation lawsuit against Lively after she accused him of sexual harassment and other misconduct.In his lawsuit, Baldoni alleged that Swift was present during a meeting at Lively’s New York City penthouse to discuss script rewrites. He claimed that Lively referred to Swift and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, as her “dragons” in a text message sent after the meeting. “If you ever get around to watching Game of Thrones, you’ll appreciate that I’m Khaleesi, and like her, I happen to have a few dragons,” Lively allegedly wrote. “For better or worse, but usually for better. Because my dragons also protect those I fight for. So really, we all benefit from those gorgeous monsters of mine. You will too, I can promise you.”Baldoni’s lawyers argued that this message implied Swift and Reynolds were being used to pressure him during production. “The message could not have been clearer,” they stated. “Baldoni was not just dealing with Lively. He was also facing Lively’s ‘dragons,’ two of the most influential and wealthy celebrities in the world, who were not afraid to make things very difficult for him.”
Swift’s Reaction to the Drama
Sources close to Swift have claimed that the singer feels “used” by Lively and is upset about being referred to as one of her “dragons.” A well-connected insider told TMZ that Swift “had no idea” the meeting with Baldoni was taking place when she was invited to Lively’s penthouse. The ongoing legal issues have reportedly strained Swift and Lively’s friendship. According to Page Six, Swift is “hurt by this whole situation” and feels like a “pawn” in the feud. While neither Swift nor Lively has publicly commented on the state of their relationship, sources have offered conflicting accounts. Some claim the two remain close friends, while others suggest they are “taking a break” from their friendship. Adding to the speculation, Lively was notably absent from the Super Bowl 2025, where Swift gathered with her closest friends to cheer on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. However, Lively still follows Swift on Instagram, leaving fans uncertain about the true nature of their relationship.
What’s Next?
The legal battle between Baldoni and Lively is set to go to trial on March 9, 2026, and Baldoni’s legal team has indicated they are considering deposing Swift as part of their case. While no official decision has been made, the possibility of Swift being drawn further into the legal proceedings has only heightened public interest in the case.
