“It felt completely out of control for her” (Exclusive)

The actress was “pretty surprised by the backlash and drama” surrounding the film

Blake Lively was surprised by the negative attention she faced upon the release of her hit film It ends with us.

The actress was “quite surprised by the backlash and drama” that surrounded the romantic drama’s release last month, a source tells PEOPLE.

“She initially felt very vulnerable and upset,” the source adds. “While promoting the film, not a day went by when she wasn’t in the news in an unfavorable light. She’s just not used to this kind of drama.”

The source says the situation “felt out of control to her.” Still, Lively, 37, who appears next A simple favor 2 with Anna Kendrick “enjoys her work and will continue to pursue projects that bring her joy.”

Related: Blake Lively’s brother-in-law Bart Johnson defends her amidst It ends with us Drama: “The truth has not yet come to light”

Lively is also a producer on the Colleen Hoover adaptation It ends with uswhich has since become the most successful box office hit of the actress’ career to date.

Reports of tension between Lively and the film’s director and male lead, Justin Baldoni, caused a firestorm of media attention after the two co-stars failed to pose for photos together on the red carpet at the premiere. They also did not do any joint press work in the run-up to the publication.

Additionally, some people online criticized the film’s marketing campaign, claiming it was misleading for a project that deals with issues such as domestic violence and trauma. And short excerpts from Lively’s interviews, current and years old, went viral on social media with criticism.

Lively has openly expressed her passion for creating the film and hopes it sheds light on important issues and empowers other women.

“It ends with us is a story of the female experience. All the highest highs and lowest lows. And we are so proud of it,” she wrote on Instagram after opening weekend. “We celebrated this film and spread such an important message to the masses.” Thank you all for the hug It ends with us with the same love, pain and joy we had when we shared it with all of you.”

Related: Justin Baldoni spoke about “Friction” on It ends with us Set with Blake Lively: “That’s what beautiful art creates”

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Lively’s co-star Brandon Sklenar has spoken out about “negativity” towards the women of the cast, writing on Instagram in part: “You are denigrating the women who put so much heart and soul into making this film because they believe in it so deeply .” The message seems counterproductive and distracts from what this film is about. It is actually the opposite of the meaning.

It ends with us has grossed over $300 million at the global box office, although hopes of a sequel seem slim. Hoover wrote a follow-up book entitled It starts with uswhich the 40-year-old Baldoni is allowed to film, and he has suggested Lively direct the sequel if it happens.

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Read the original article on People.