A sequel to It Ends With Us is in the works, as Justin Baldoni owns the rights to Colleen Hoover’s novel It Starts With Us. This sequel continues the story of Lily and Atlas, following their journey from the first film. However, the ongoing tension between Baldoni and Blake Lively could potentially impact the sequel’s production or release.
Justin Baldoni’s film It Ends With Us has stirred controversy, yet received praise from his Jane the Virgin co-stars, Yael Grobglas and Brett Dier, despite ongoing rumors of a feud with Blake Lively. Yael, who played Baldoni’s wife on the show, shared a photo of herself and Brett at the theater, expressing deep admiration for the film and for Baldoni, writing, “Our genius friend @justinbaldoni made a phenomenal film.
I cried an embarrassing amount and tried to hide it but probably failed. #itendswithus I am so proud of you and I love you friend!!!!” She humorously added that the photo was taken after the film, not just at some random restaurant. Baldoni responded to the post, expressing his love and appreciation for them both.
Read more: Behind the Scenes Drama? Tensions Surface between the cast of ‘It Ends With Us’
Rumors of a feud between Lively and Baldoni have intensified, with reports suggesting they have different perspectives on the film’s focus. Baldoni emphasized the importance of the domestic violence narrative, while Lively reportedly viewed the movie as a potential “Oscar vehicle” and leaned into its romantic elements. This difference in vision has allegedly divided the cast and crew, with many, including the book’s author Colleen Hoover, reportedly siding with Lively.
Tensions between Lively and Baldoni are said to have started on set, with an incident where Baldoni, concerned about his back issues, asked his personal trainer about Lively’s weight to prepare for a lifting scene. This interaction reportedly led to accusations of “fat-shaming” and further strained their relationship.
Read more: Blake Lively criticized over reported tension with ‘It Ends With Us’ director Justin Baldoni
The animosity has continued into post-production, with Lively and her husband Ryan Reynolds reportedly hiring their own editor to re-cut the film after being dissatisfied with Baldoni’s version. Although Baldoni’s cut reportedly tested better with audiences, the studio ultimately went with Lively’s version after she allegedly implied that failing to do so could jeopardize the use of Taylor Swift’s song “My Tears Ricochet” in the movie.
Criticism has also been directed at Lively for her promotion of the film, where instead of addressing the serious issue of domestic violence, she focused on promoting her new hair care line, Blake Brown, and encouraged fans to “grab your friends, wear your florals, and head out to see it!” as though she were promoting a lighthearted romantic comedy.