‘It Ends With Us’ Director and Star Justin Baldoni Says ‘Better People’ Are Suited to Helm the Sequel: ‘Blake Lively’s Ready to Direct. That’s What I Think’

As a dedicated fan of heart-wrenching romances and a follower of Hollywood gossip, I find myself intrigued by the latest twist in the saga of “It Ends With Us.” Justin Baldoni, the director and star of this blockbuster hit, has hinted at passing the baton for the sequel to none other than Blake Lively.


The movie “It Ends With Us” is expected to earn a lot at the box office and there’s speculation about a possible sequel since the book has a follow-up titled “It Starts With Us.”

At the premiere of “It Ends With Us,” director and lead actor Justin Baldoni talked with Entertainment Tonight. When asked if he’d consider repeating his roles for a possible sequel, he surprisingly expressed no interest in doing so.

“Baldoni believes someone else might be more suitable for the role,” he stated. “He thinks Blake Lively is prepared to take on directorial duties, which is his opinion.”

In the novel “It Ends With Us,” vibrant stars represent Lily Bloom, a Boston-based flower shop owner, and Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon whom she develops feelings for. The former Gossip Girl cast member not only plays the lead role but also produces the film. Baldoni portrays Ryle, while Brandon Sklenar takes on the character of Lily’s past love, Atlas Corrigan. The story primarily focuses on how Lily manages a love triangle and finds the strength to confront Ryle’s abusive behavior. A sequel novel, “It Starts With Us,” brings back all three characters, although it appears Baldoni won’t be directing the movie adaptation this time around.

There have been whispers before the premiere of “It Ends With Us” suggesting a disagreement between Baldoni and Lively about the final edit of the film during post-production. Neither actor has publicly commented on these speculations. Interestingly, it was Baldoni who acquired Hoover’s novel and secured the movie rights, expressing his enthusiasm to EbMaster: “It was sensual, it was romantic, and enveloped in mystery. By the end, I was shedding real tears.”

As a devoted admirer of this captivating novel, I had been cautious about who could bring its essence to life on the silver screen. Countless offers were turned down until Justin’s heartfelt email arrived. In that message, I felt an undeniable connection – a sense that he truly grasped the book’s soul and recognized its significance in resonating with audiences everywhere.

“It Ends With Us” is now playing in theaters nationwide from Sony.

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2024-08-09 23:16