It was one of the most talked-about relationships in Hollywood—a marriage that seemed full of promise but ended in flames. Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson were once seen as one of the most glamorous couples in Tinseltown, but things took a dramatic turn when Ryan’s relationship with Scarlett unraveled, allegedly because of his rumored affair with none other than Blake Lively.

Years later, many believe that Ryan regrets everything about his decision to leave Scarlett for Blake—and the backlash he’s received from fans only fuels the fire. So, how did the charming, funny, and much-loved Ryan Reynolds end up in a messy, public love triangle, ultimately ruining what was once considered a fairytale marriage?

The Beginning of the End: Scarlett Johansson and Ryan Reynolds’ Ill-Fated Marriage

Ryan Reynolds and Scarlett Johansson’s whirlwind romance started quickly. After splitting with singer Alanis Morissette, Ryan didn’t waste time jumping into a serious relationship with Scarlett, starting to date in 2007. Just months later, in May 2008, they were engaged. Their wedding followed quickly, taking place in September 2008, at a private Canadian retreat. The couple’s future seemed bright, but as time passed, cracks began to appear in their marriage.

The two-year marriage, which ended in 2011, was marked by growing tensions and work-related stress. According to insiders, the couple struggled to maintain their connection, largely due to their conflicting schedules. Ryan, busy with his career, and Scarlett, in the midst of rising stardom, found themselves spending more time apart than together. This distance eventually took its toll on the relationship, and Scarlett—at just 23—admitted that she didn’t fully understand the complexities of marriage at such a young age.

In a candid interview years later, Scarlett confessed that she didn’t fully understand the dynamics of marriage when she was so young. Ryan, on the other hand, was reportedly becoming increasingly controlling and overbearing, desiring to have everything his way. Scarlett, ever the independent woman, grew frustrated with the double standards in their relationship, and by 2010, the marriage was on the rocks.

Blake Lively: The Alleged “Other Woman”

While rumors swirled about Ryan’s growing closeness with Blake Lively, their connection became more public during the promotion of the 2011 movie Green Lantern. By that point, Ryan and Scarlett had been married for just two years. Ryan and Blake’s undeniable chemistry during the press tour for the movie didn’t go unnoticed by fans or the press. While Blake was dating actor Penn Badgley at the time, and Ryan was still married to Scarlett, their growing closeness on and off set was impossible to ignore.

Photos of Ryan and Blake together at the Green Lantern premiere made the connection even more obvious, and rumors began to fly that there was more to their friendship than just co-stars. According to several sources, Ryan and Blake would leave their trailers together and were spotted on numerous occasions hanging out outside the set. One waitress even reported seeing the pair out in New York, looking very much like a couple.

In December 2010, just a few months after the Green Lantern premiere, Ryan and Scarlett announced their separation. Official statements cited a mutual decision to part ways, but insiders believe that Ryan’s connection to Blake was the real catalyst. The timing of the breakup and Ryan’s immediate involvement with Blake raised eyebrows, leading many to believe that Blake had played a significant role in ending the marriage.

Ryan’s Denial and Scarlett’s Frustration

Despite rumors of infidelity, Ryan publicly denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he and Blake were just “friends” during the making of Green Lantern. But reports from the film’s crew painted a different picture, with many saying that Ryan and Blake’s relationship had crossed the line well before Scarlett and Ryan’s split. Their secretive behavior on set—leaving the set together, staying in nearby hotels—made it difficult for anyone to believe their claims of innocence.

Scarlett herself subtly hinted at the emotional toll of being in a relationship with someone who couldn’t handle the pressure of two successful careers. In a 2016 interview with Cosmopolitan, she said, “The logistics of being with another actor are challenging… especially when one person is more successful than the other.” It was clear that Scarlett, at the height of her career, was becoming frustrated with Ryan’s inability to handle her success, and their competing careers put a strain on their already fragile relationship.

Ryan and Blake: A Marriage Built on Scandal?

In 2012, just one year after his divorce from Scarlett, Ryan married Blake Lively—the woman who many believe had been the cause of his split. Despite the controversy surrounding their relationship, Ryan and Blake seemed happy together. They went on to have four children and became one of Hollywood’s power couples. But in the back of many fans’ minds, there’s the lingering question: Did Ryan make the right choice?

Many fans are now wondering if Ryan Reynolds regrets walking away from Scarlett Johansson, who was once considered a perfect match for him. Scarlett, with her independence and incredible career, seemed to be everything Ryan had once desired in a partner. Yet, he chose Blake, who many believe was more of a comfortable choice for his ego, someone who wouldn’t outshine him in the way Scarlett did.

Regret, Ego, and the Fallout

Fast forward to the present, and it’s clear that not all is as perfect as it seems for Ryan and Blake. The public’s view of Blake Lively has shifted over the years, with some deeming her as one of Hollywood’s most despised actresses. And this has begun to affect Ryan as well, with fans increasingly turning against him for his choices. His reputation has been tarnished by the scandal surrounding his split from Scarlett and the way he so publicly moved on with Blake.

Despite his efforts to keep his personal life under wraps, fans are beginning to question whether Ryan really wanted to be with Blake in the first place—or if he made his choice out of ego, wanting someone who wouldn’t overshadow his own fame. The allegations of him cheating on Scarlett are hard to ignore, and some believe that Ryan’s relationship with Blake was built on guilt and the need to prove he had made the right choice.

Was Blake Lively Really Worth It?

As Ryan and Blake continue to share their lives on social media, it’s hard not to wonder if there’s an element of performative happiness in their marriage. Fans are starting to question if Ryan really made the right choice when he left Scarlett Johansson behind for Blake. With Blake’s own controversies continuing to mount, and the constant scrutiny Ryan faces over his past, it’s fair to say that their picture-perfect marriage might not be as flawless as it seems.