‘It Ends With Us’ Screenwriter Discusses Potential Sequel for Blake Lively’s Movie

Despite what the title suggests, “It Ends With Us” is just the beginning of Colleen Hoover’s viral BookTok series.

The adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 best-selling novel, starring Blake Lively, has sparked considerable online buzz. Comments from director-star Justin Baldoni have already raised the possibility of a sequel.

“I think there are better people for that one. I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct. That’s what I think,” Baldoni said at the film’s New York premiere when asked about a potential sequel.

There has been speculation that Baldoni and Lively might have clashed over the final cut of the movie, leaving it uncertain whether they would reunite for a sequel.

For those curious about what happens next, here’s an overview of the second book and screenwriter Christy Hall’s thoughts on a sequel.

While “It Ends With Us” has received mixed reviews from critics, audiences have lauded the big-screen adaptation. It currently holds a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

A sequel’s prospects will likely hinge on the movie’s box office performance. According to Variety, the film is anticipated to have an opening weekend of over $40 million, potentially recouping more than its $25 million budget.

Christy Hall, who adapted the novel for the screen, mentioned to Business Insider that the movie rights might already be secured by another party. “Colleen has an empire that everyone in Hollywood wants to have a piece of,” she said. “Everyone wants to be in business with Colleen, so I would be interested to know who controls the rights to all of her materials at this point because I would be shocked if she’s not set all over town.”

However, Hall expressed her willingness to work on a sequel. “If the job were to fall to me again, I wouldn’t turn it down because it’s just been the joy of a lifetime to work with her material and with her as a person. I’d happily adapt anything with you always,” she added.

The sequel, titled “It Starts With Us,” was published in 2022 and picks up immediately after the final scene of “It Ends With Us.” Hoover notes in a message to fans that this second novel offers a “much lighter experience” than the first, a direct response to the overwhelming requests for more stories about Lily and Atlas.

While the sequel provides a somewhat lighter tone, it doesn’t shy away from heavy themes like abuse. In “It Starts With Us,” Atlas Corrigan discovers he has a younger brother named Josh who has run away from an abusive household. The book also delves into how Lily sets boundaries to protect her physical and mental well-being.

Fans will have to wait and see if “It Starts With Us” makes it to theaters, but another Colleen Hoover adaptation is already in the works. Her 2018 novel “Verity” is currently in development at Amazon MGM Studios, according to Variety.

Source: Business Insider, Variety