Amid 'It Ends With Us' Legal Battle, Justin Baldoni's Next Project is Sports Drama 'The Senior'

Justin Baldoni, known for his work both in front of and behind the camera, is ready to release his first film of 2025, The Senior.

While the actor and producer may be embroiled in a highly publicized legal battle following the release of his summer blockbuster, It Ends With Us, Baldoni is moving forward with his production company, Wayfarer Studios, bringing audiences an inspiring sports drama based on a true story. 

The show must go on right? 

Set for release on March 7, 2025, The Senior stars Michael Chiklis as Mike Flynt, a former college football player who, 35 years after being kicked off his team, gets a second shot at his dream. The film explores themes of perseverance and the power of second chances, making it a heartwarming and timely story.

Baldoni, who won’t appear in the film, serves as a producer alongside Wayfarer Studios and Allen Media Group’s Freestyle Releasing.

The movie has already gained buzz, with Wayfarer’s President of Production, Andrew Calof, expressing excitement about partnering with Freestyle to share Flynt’s remarkable story. “With Michael Chiklis leading an incredible cast, Rod Lurie’s direction, and the work of our amazing team, we’re excited to bring this powerful message to audiences across the country,” said Calof in a statement released in November 2024.

In terms of casting, The Senior features a strong ensemble including Mary Stuart Masterson, Brandon Flynn, James Badge Dale, and Rob Corddry. Fans can expect an inspiring story of overcoming adversity, a theme that resonates particularly as Baldoni continues to navigate his own personal and professional struggles.

This release comes on the heels of It Ends With Us, Baldoni’s controversial romantic drama, which was released in 2024 and received significant attention not only for its box office success but also for the drama surrounding its star, Blake Lively.

Following a tense premiere in Los Angeles, rumors of a rift between Baldoni and Lively began to swirl. The situation escalated in December 2024 when Lively filed a lawsuit accusing Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios of sexual harassment, creating a hostile work environment, and orchestrating a smear campaign against her.

Baldoni has vehemently denied the allegations, counter-suing Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and her publicist Leslie Sloan for civil extortion, defamation, and invasion of privacy.

The legal drama continues to unfold, with a trial scheduled for March 9, 2026.

Despite the ongoing tension, Baldoni is continuing to push forward with his career, with The Senior marking a significant shift in tone from his previous work. As audiences prepare for the film's release, all eyes are on Baldoni, eager to see how his personal controversies might impact his professional future.

Will The Senior mark a new chapter for the filmmaker, or will the fallout from It Ends With Us overshadow his next move?