Everything We’ve Learned So Far About the Movie Adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us. Blake Lively is making her return to the big screen!
The actress, best known for her role in Gossip Girl, is set to star in the upcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s It Ends with Us. She’ll be joined by actor Justin Baldoni, who will play a key role in the story.
Based on Hoover’s popular 2016 novel, the film centers on Lily, a young woman who moves to a new city after college. There, she meets and falls for Ryle, a man who seems perfect for her. But her happiness is quickly shaken when an ex-lover re-enters her life, forcing her to confront the past and the choices she must make.
Lively opened up about the role in an interview with PEOPLE in April 2024, sharing, “Lily’s story resonated deeply with so many people, which is reflected in the book’s incredible success. It’s such an honor to play a character who has had such a profound impact. I’ve fallen in love with Lily, and I hope that connection is felt by both longtime fans and those who are discovering her story through the film.”
From the plot to the cast, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming It Ends with Us adaptation.
What is the Story of It Ends with Us?
As reported by Deadline, It Ends with Us centers on Lily, a recent college graduate who relocates to a new city and soon meets Ryle, a man she falls for.
Though Ryle is firmly opposed to relationships, Lily becomes the exception to his “no dating” rule, as explained in the book. However, just as their relationship grows, Lily’s first love reappears, creating a new set of challenges in the life she’s starting to build.
It Ends with Us has been published in 43 languages and was the top-selling print book of 2022. It spent over 90 weeks on The New York Times Best Seller List, according to Deadline.
Inside the Casts of It Ends with Us
On January 26, Colleen Hoover revealed the cast on Instagram, getting emotional as she shared how the story was inspired by her mother, who helped the family through difficult times. She excitedly announced that Blake Lively would play Lily, calling her “my dream Lily.”
Hoover also confirmed that Justin Baldoni would play Ryle, sharing her confidence in his ability to bring the character to life. “We have our Lily and our Ryle,” she said.
On April 20, The Hollywood Reporter confirmed Brandon Sklenar as Atlas, Lily’s ex. Soon after, Deadline announced Jenny Slate as Allysa, Ryle’s sister.
Although Lively (36) and Baldoni (39) are older than the book’s characters, Hoover explained that aging them up was necessary. “I didn’t realize neurosurgeons train for so long,” she admitted. “There’s no 20-something neurosurgeon.”
In January 2024, Deadline reported that Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter would play the younger versions of Lily and Atlas.
Director of It Ends with Us?
In addition to starring in It Ends with Us, Justin Baldoni will direct the film, with Blake Lively taking on the role of executive producer. Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios acquired the film rights in 2019 and have been working with Colleen Hoover on the project since.
Colleen Hoover: The Author of It Ends with Us
Colleen Hoover, a New York Times bestselling author, has written over 20 novels. Her books have sold more than 20 million copies, and her works have garnered over 2 billion views on BookTok. It Ends with Us won the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance, adding to Hoover’s previous wins for Confess and Without Merit.
In 2017, Confess was adapted into a seven-episode series available on Prime Video and Apple TV.
When Did Filming for It Ends with Us Begin?
Production on It Ends with Us started in May 2023, with Lively and Baldoni filming in Jersey City. However, filming was paused a month later due to the writers’ strike and resumed in early 2024.
What’s the Release Date for It Ends with Us?
Movie’s Release Pushed to August 2024
