Why Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s Trial Was Suddenly Delayed

Quick update on the Lively vs. Baldoni saga: the trial just got pushed back, and not because anyone asked nicely.

At a discovery hearing this morning in New York City, Judge Lewis Liman moved the start of the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni civil trial from March 9, 2026 to May 18, 2026. So if you had March circled, grab an eraser. The reason is basic court logistics: the calendar is jammed, and criminal cases jump the line.

"Criminal trials take precedent."

The judge also nudged both sides to settle before this reaches a jury, supposedly to keep things efficient. That sounds nice in theory, but Lively has already said she is not interested in settling with the It Ends With Us director. Translation: do not hold your breath for a handshake deal.

• New date: Trial now set for May 18, 2026, bumped roughly 10 weeks from the original March 9, 2026 start.
• Why the delay: An overbooked court calendar, with criminal matters prioritized.
• Settlement push: The judge encouraged both parties to resolve it ahead of trial. Lively previously made it clear she is not looking to settle.
• What Lively wants: Around $500 million in damages, citing harm to her reputation, brand, and businesses, plus stress on her and Ryan Reynolds' family.
• What Baldoni wanted: His $400 million countersuit was dismissed earlier this year.
• The allegations: Lively accuses Baldoni of sexual harassment and creating a hostile work environment on It Ends With Us, and of coordinating a retaliatory smear campaign that damaged her reputation.
• Where this goes: With neither side signaling a settlement, the delay looks like the only movement for now. Expect more filings and scheduling tweaks as May 2026 gets closer.

Not exactly the dramatic twist anyone wanted, but it is one of those procedural jams you only notice when a case collides with a packed court system. More as it develops.