Actors Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds have formally announced their intention to file a motion to dismiss the $400 million lawsuit filed against them by Justin Baldoni. This legal maneuver follows a directive from Judge Lewis Liman, who instructed all parties to declare their intentions regarding a potential dismissal. The judge will soon establish a deadline for Lively and Reynolds' legal team to submit their formal motion.

This development unfolds as the legal battle between Lively and Baldoni continues, with a court date scheduled to address a potential gag order. Lively's lawyers have criticized Baldoni's attorney, Bryan Freedman, for public statements they believe could prejudice a potential jury. They argue that Freedman's remarks are designed to damage the credibility of involved parties and could unfairly influence the outcome of the case.

Furthermore, a dispute has arisen over Lively's upcoming deposition. Baldoni's legal team wishes to proceed with her deposition as quickly as possible, but Lively has reportedly objected to Freedman leading the questioning. Baldoni's lawyers contend that Lively has no right to choose which attorney deposes her.

The legal conflict between Lively and Baldoni stems from their work on the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel, "It Ends With Us." Lively initiated legal action against Baldoni in December, alleging sexual harassment on set. Her complaint, initially filed with the California Civil Rights department and later in federal court, detailed claims of sexual harassment, retaliation, emotional distress, and negligence against Baldoni and producer Jamey Heath. Allegedly, an "all-hands" meeting addressed several concerns prior to resuming filming, including restrictions on displaying nude content, discussions about personal sexual experiences, and comments about Lively's physical appearance and family.

In response, Baldoni filed his own lawsuit in January, asserting that Lively's accusations are false and aimed at salvaging her reputation following negative publicity surrounding the film's press tour. Baldoni's legal team argues that Lively lacks evidence of a smear campaign and instead initiated the harassment claims to rehabilitate her public image. Both Lively and Baldoni deny the allegations against them.