Five years is a lifetime in Hollywood. For most actors, a wrap party is the last time they’ll see their costars outside of a forced red-carpet reunion or a stray Instagram like. But the bond between Gina Rodriguez and Justin Baldoni isn't most Hollywood friendships.
If you watched Jane the Virgin, you probably felt that chemistry through the screen. It wasn’t just good lighting and a solid script. It was real. Honestly, people still obsess over whether Team Michael or Team Rafael was the "right" choice, but in the real world, the only team that seems to matter is the one Gina and Justin have built behind the scenes.
Lately, though, things have been weird. Between the massive success—and massive drama—of Justin's film It Ends With Us and the constant whispers of "toxic sets," fans have been looking at his old inner circle to see who’s still standing.
Spoiler: Gina is.
The Sibling Energy You Didn't See on Camera
On screen, they were the ultimate romantic "will-they-won't-they." Off screen? Gina calls him her brother. Literally. In a world where every costar friendship is marketed as "best friends for life," these two actually walk the walk.
Think about this: when Gina Rodriguez got married to Joe LoCicero back in 2019, she didn't just invite Justin to the wedding. Justin Baldoni officiated the ceremony. That is a huge deal. You don’t ask a "work friend" to stand at the altar and marry you. You ask family. Gina has gone on record multiple times, even as recently as late 2024 and heading into 2026, saying that Justin is "hands down" the person from the Jane the Virgin cast she talks to the most.
She calls him a "sweetie pie." She calls him a "sweet, sweet soul."
It’s almost jarring to hear such soft words when the internet spent months trying to dissect Justin's supposed "rift" with Blake Lively. While the rest of the industry seemed to be picking sides or staying quiet during that It Ends With Us press cycle, Gina was out here doing the opposite. She didn't just stay quiet; she doubled down on his character.
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Why Gina Rodriguez "Showed Up" When Things Got Messy
The timing of their recent public support isn't accidental. In late 2024, Justin was in the middle of a PR nightmare. There were allegations of a toxic work environment on the set of his directorial debut, reports of creative clashes with Blake Lively, and a whole lot of "unfollowing" happening on Instagram.
Basically, it looked like he was being iced out by his own cast.
Then comes Gina. In interviews with People and Us Weekly, she started gushing about him. She didn't explicitly mention the drama—she's too smart for that—but she made it very clear where she stood.
Justin eventually responded to her comments, admitting they came at a "very special time" for him. He said she "really showed up" for him. In the language of celebrity PR, that's code for "she defended me when everyone else was throwing me under the bus."
The $400 Million Elephant in the Room
Fast forward to 2026, and the stakes have only gotten higher. The legal battle between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively has turned into a full-blown saga, complete with countersuits and serious allegations.
It’s easy to see why fans are looking at Gina for a statement. But here’s the thing: she’s been relatively quiet about the legal specifics.
Can you blame her?
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Hollywood is a small town. Taking a side in a $400 million defamation and sexual harassment lawsuit is a career-risking move. Even so, her track record speaks for itself. She’s never deleted the photos. She’s never stopped calling him "family."
While costars like Brett Dier have also spoken out about the "intensity" of the situation, Gina’s support feels more personal. It’s less about "he’s a great director" and more about "this is my brother and I know who he is."
What Most People Get Wrong About Their Dynamic
There’s a common theory that they must have dated at some point. It happens with every attractive lead pair. But if you look at their history, it’s always been about mutual growth and mentorship.
Gina was the star of Jane the Virgin, but Justin was the one with the directing itch. He directed episodes of the show. He was already building Wayfarer Studios. Gina saw that transition firsthand.
She’s even said she wants him to act in something she directs next.
That’s a level of professional respect you don’t see often. They aren't just clinging to the past because of a hit show. They are actually looking for ways to collaborate as filmmakers.
The Future: A Jane the Virgin Reunion?
Everyone wants to know if they'll ever play Jane and Rafael again.
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Justin recently teased the idea on the five-year anniversary of the finale, posting behind-the-scenes shots and asking, "What if Sin Rostro isn't really dead?"
Gina’s response? "I miss this life."
They both seem open to it, which is rare for actors who have successfully moved on to bigger things. Gina is busy with Lucky 13 and her own production projects. Justin is tied up in the most complicated legal battle of his life.
But the door isn't closed.
What We Actually Know for Sure
- They talk constantly. This isn't a "once a year" check-in. They are in each other's lives.
- The support is mutual. Justin has been just as vocal about Gina’s talent as a director as she has been about his character.
- They are family. Officiating a wedding is the ultimate "sealed deal" on a friendship.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
If you’re following the Gina Rodriguez and Justin Baldoni saga, don't expect a joint press conference anytime soon. The best way to keep up with them is to watch their separate moves:
- Watch the credits: Both are leaning heavily into directing and producing. If they collaborate, it’ll likely be behind the camera.
- Look for the "Lucky 13" cameo: Gina has teased that she wants Justin on her game show. Given his legal schedule, it might take a while, but it’s the most likely reunion we’ll get.
- Check the "Man Enough" podcast: Justin often gets vulnerable about his friendships there. If he’s going to talk more about Gina’s support during the It Ends With Us fallout, it’ll happen in that long-form format.
The truth is, Hollywood friendships usually have an expiration date. These two seem to have missed the memo. Whether it's through lawsuits or reboots, Gina Rodriguez and Justin Baldoni are clearly in it for the long haul.
Next Steps:
To see their chemistry in action, you can still stream all five seasons of Jane the Virgin on Netflix. If you want to see Justin's growth as a director beyond the headlines, check out Clouds or Five Feet Apart on Disney+ and Paramount+, respectively. Keep an eye on Gina's upcoming directorial projects through her production company, I Can & I Will, as she's expected to announce her next feature film later this year.