Disappointing Update on ‘It Ends With Us’ Sequel Amid Blake Lively Drama

“It Ends With Us” has become a significant box office success, earning $242 million globally as reported by Variety. The movie, which hit theaters earlier this month, is an adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling 2016 novel of the same name.

Given its impressive ticket sales, which are projected to reach between $285 and $300 million, a sequel would typically be expected. However, rumors of on-set drama between Blake Lively, who plays the lead character Lily, and Justin Baldoni, who not only directs the movie but also stars as the male lead, Ryle, cast a shadow over such prospects.

An insider revealed to Variety that due to the tension between Lively and Baldoni, a sequel seems unlikely. “This is uncharted territory, and nobody has any idea of what a sequel could look like,” said the source. “There’s probably no world where these two will work together again.”

Compounding the issue is the fact that there is already a sequel to the novel, titled “It Starts With Us,” which concludes the series. This would normally make the production of a sequel movie straightforward.

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have remained silent regarding their alleged conflict. However, various online videos analyzing their body language, their absence from joint press interviews, allegations of fat-shaming, and creative differences have all contributed to the speculation surrounding the film’s rollout.

Brandon Sklenar, who portrays Atlas in the movie, addressed the situation on Instagram, posting a lengthy message. “I wanted to take a minute and address all this stuff swirling online,” Sklenar wrote. “Colleen [Hoover] and the women of this cast stand for hope, perseverance, and for women choosing a better life for themselves. Vilifying the women who put so much of their heart and soul into making this film because they believe so strongly in its message seems counterproductive and detracts from what this film is about.”

Sklenar continued, “What may or may not have happened behind the scenes does not and hopefully should not detract from what our intentions were in making this film. It’s been disheartening to see the amount of negativity being projected online.”

Fans have criticized Blake Lively’s perceived lack of seriousness during press interviews, especially given that the film focuses on the sensitive subject of domestic violence.

“Trust me when I tell you, there isn’t a single person involved in the making of this film that was not aware of the responsibility we had in making this,” Sklenar elaborated. “A responsibility to all the women who have experienced generational trauma — domestic abuse — or struggle with looking in the mirror and loving who they see. This movie is a harsh reality check for the men who need to get their act together and take responsibility for themselves and their actions.”

He then called on fans to rethink their online behavior and focus on the film’s core message. “Ultimately it’s meant to spread love and awareness,” he wrote. “It is not meant to once again, make the women the ‘bad guy,’ let’s move beyond that together.”

He concluded his message with a plea: “All I ask is that before you spread hate on the internet, ask yourself who it’s helping. Ask yourself if your opinions are based in any fact. Or if you simply want to be part of something. Let’s be part of something better together. A part of a new story being written for women and all people everywhere.”

Currently, “It Ends With Us” continues to play in theaters.

Source: Variety