In an unexpected turn of events, Hollywood power couple Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively found themselves in a friendly but fierce box office battle. Released just weeks apart, Reynolds’ highly anticipated Marvel blockbuster Deadpool & Wolverine and Lively’s adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends with Us went head-to-head, captivating audiences and sparking conversations across the industry.

The showdown between these two films was nothing short of exhilarating. Despite the star power of Reynolds and the return of Hugh Jackman as Wolverine, it was Lively’s It Ends with Us that managed to edge out Deadpool & Wolverine for the coveted number one spot at the box office on Wednesday, August 14th. This victory was particularly impressive given the hype surrounding Reynolds’ final outing as the wisecracking, fourth-wall-breaking antihero Wade Wilson.

According to Deadline, It Ends with Us clinched the top spot after a tight race, demonstrating the broad appeal of Hoover’s emotionally charged story and Lively’s magnetic performance. Although Deadpool & Wolverine eventually regained the lead by Friday, August 16th, Lively’s film had already made its mark by temporarily dethroning the Marvel juggernaut.

Reynolds, known for his quick wit and supportive nature, responded to the news with grace and humor. In an interview with Sunday Today, he shared his pride in his wife’s success, saying, “I think that’s the sign of a good relationship… It’s the only time in my life I’ve ever dreamt of coming in second.” This statement reflects not only Reynolds’ playful spirit but also the deep mutual respect and support that characterizes his relationship with Lively.

The couple’s dynamic is a testament to their strong partnership, both personally and professionally. Reynolds emphasized that their relationship has always been built on cheering each other on, saying, “It’s always been the one kind of constant with Blake and I, is that we really root for each other.” Lively echoed this sentiment in an interview with E! News, explaining, “We help each other. He works on everything I do, I work on everything he does. His wins, his celebrations are mine, and mine are his.”

However, the triumph of It Ends with Us has not been without its challenges. The film has been the subject of controversy, particularly surrounding rumors of a rift between Lively and her co-star and the film’s director, Justin Baldoni. Allegations of tension during the promotional tour have fueled media speculation, although neither Lively nor Baldoni has publicly addressed the supposed discord.

The controversy gained further traction with the resurfacing of a 2016 interview clip featuring Lively, in which she appeared to have an awkward exchange with Norwegian journalist Kjersti Flaa during the promotion of Woody Allen’s Café Society. In the video, Flaa congratulates Lively on her pregnancy, but the actress’s seemingly frosty response led to an uncomfortable moment that Flaa later described as making her “want to quit” her job. This incident has since been analyzed by various media outlets, with some suggesting it offers insight into Lively’s state of mind during the current promotional challenges for It Ends with Us.

Despite the surrounding drama, Lively’s performance in It Ends with Us has been widely praised, with many critics highlighting her ability to bring depth and nuance to the complex character at the center of Hoover’s story. The film itself has resonated strongly with audiences, many of whom were already fans of the novel. Its success at the box office is a clear indication of its impact, further solidifying Lively’s status as a leading actress in Hollywood.

On the other side of the coin, Reynolds’ Deadpool & Wolverine continues to perform strongly, buoyed by the enduring popularity of the Deadpool character and the excitement of seeing Jackman’s Wolverine back on screen. The film, which marks Reynolds’ final turn as Deadpool, has been a critical and commercial success, adding another blockbuster hit to his impressive filmography.

As both films continue to draw audiences, the friendly competition between Reynolds and Lively is a reminder of the unique challenges and rewards of being in a high-profile Hollywood marriage. Their ability to celebrate each other’s successes, even in the midst of competition, speaks volumes about their relationship.

Looking ahead, it will be interesting to see how both It Ends with Us and Deadpool & Wolverine fare in the long run. Will Lively’s film continue to outpace Reynolds’ Marvel blockbuster, or will Deadpool & Wolverine regain the upper hand as more fans flock to see it? Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: Hollywood’s favorite power couple is proving that there’s plenty of room at the top for both of them.

As the box office battle unfolds, fans are eagerly watching not just the films but also the light-hearted exchanges between Reynolds and Lively. Their ability to navigate the pressures of the industry while maintaining a strong, supportive partnership is as captivating as any blockbuster storyline.