The Hollywood world is buzzing with: the latest drama surrounding the potential sequel to the hit movie It Ends With Us. The film, which has been a major box office success, may not see a continuation due to a reported feud between two of its biggest stars—Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. This unexpected conflict has thrown the future of the franchise into question, leaving fans and industry insiders alike wondering if a sequel will ever happen.
The Success of It Ends With Us
It Ends With Us is based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover. The story captured the hearts of readers and quickly became a popular choice for a movie adaptation. With a budget of $25 million, the film exceeded expectations, grossing over $180 million worldwide. The movie’s success was not just financial; it also received praise for its portrayal of complex emotional themes and strong performances by the lead actors.
Blake Lively, known for her roles in Gossip Girl and The Age of Adaline, played the lead character, Lily Bloom. Justin Baldoni, who is also the film’s director, starred as Ryle Kincaid, Lily’s love interest. The chemistry between Lively and Baldoni was one of the highlights of the film, and many fans were eager to see more of their story.
The Feud Between Lively and Baldoni
Despite the film’s success, trouble has been brewing behind the scenes. Reports suggest that Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni have been at odds for over a year. This rift has created tension on set and raised doubts about the possibility of a sequel. Sources close to the production have indicated that the feud became particularly problematic after production was paused during the writers’ and actors’ strikes in 2023.
One of the major points of contention reportedly occurred during post-production. After the principal photography wrapped, the film underwent a week of reshoots. During this time, competing cuts of the movie emerged. Blake Lively preferred one version, which, according to sources, is the cut that ultimately made it to theaters. This decision may have further strained her relationship with Baldoni, who had a different vision for the film.
The Impact on the Sequel
Under ordinary circumstances, a sequel to It Ends With Us would be a no-brainer. The movie’s success at the box office and the popularity of Colleen Hoover’s books make it a prime candidate for continuation. The sequel, It Starts With Us, is already a well-known title among fans of the series. The book follows the story of Lily and Ryle, continuing the emotional journey that began in the first installment.
However, the feud between Lively and Baldoni has cast a shadow over the sequel’s future. Both Lively’s character, Lily, and Baldoni’s character, Ryle, play central roles in It Starts With Us. This means that any attempt to produce the sequel would likely require both actors to return to their roles. Given the current tension between them, it’s unclear if they would be willing to work together again.
Further complicating matters is the fact that Justin Baldoni was not only the lead actor but also the director of the first film. He was deeply involved in the project from the beginning, having developed It Ends With Us from the ground up. He acquired the rights to the novel five years ago through Wayfarer Studios, a company he co-founded. This gives him significant control over the project, including the rights to the sequel.
Wayfarer Studios and Sony’s Role
Wayfarer Studios holds the rights to It Starts With Us, which means that any sequel would likely be developed under its banner. This puts Justin Baldoni in a key position, even if he were to step back from directing or acting in the sequel. However, the involvement of Wayfarer Studios also means that Blake Lively would have to work with Baldoni in some capacity, even if his role in the project is reduced.
Sony Pictures, which distributed It Ends With Us, would also have the right to distribute the sequel. Insiders have indicated that Sony is interested in continuing the franchise, but the studio is also aware of the challenges posed by the feud between Lively and Baldoni. The studio would need to navigate these tensions carefully to ensure that the sequel could be produced without further complications.
The Feud’s Origins and Consequences
The rift between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni reportedly dates back at least a year. While the exact cause of the feud remains unclear, it’s evident that it has affected their working relationship. The tension reached a peak after production resumed following the strikes in 2023. By this time, the two stars were barely on speaking terms, making it difficult to collaborate effectively.
The feud has led to uncertainty about the future of the franchise. If the conflict cannot be resolved, it’s possible that the sequel could be shelved indefinitely. This would be a disappointing outcome for fans who were looking forward to seeing the continuation of Lily and Ryle’s story. It would also be a significant loss for Sony Pictures and Wayfarer Studios, both of which stand to benefit financially from a successful sequel.
Possible Resolutions
Despite the current tension, there are still potential paths forward for the franchise. One option could be to recast one or both of the lead roles. This would allow the sequel to move forward without requiring Lively and Baldoni to work together. However, recasting major characters is always a risky move, as fans are often attached to the original actors. It could also lead to backlash from audiences who loved the first film.
Another possibility is for Baldoni to step back from his role as director and actor, allowing a new creative team to take over. This could help to ease tensions and create a more collaborative environment for the sequel. However, given Baldoni’s deep involvement in the project, this option may be
challenging to implement. Baldoni’s passion for the story and his connection to the project through Wayfarer Studios make it difficult to imagine the sequel moving forward without his involvement in some capacity.
Alternatively, both Lively and Baldoni could choose to put their differences aside for the sake of the project. This would require significant mediation and a commitment from both parties to work together professionally. If they can find common ground, it would be the most straightforward way to ensure that the sequel is made with the original cast and creative vision intact.
The Stakes for the Franchise
The stakes for the It Ends With Us franchise are high. The first film’s success has set the stage for a potentially lucrative series. Fans of Colleen Hoover’s novels are eager to see the continuation of Lily and Ryle’s story on screen. If the sequel is made, it could solidify the franchise’s place in the hearts of viewers and bring in substantial revenue for the studios involved.
However, if the feud between Lively and Baldoni cannot be resolved, the franchise could end before it truly begins. This would be a significant blow to everyone involved, from the studios to the fans. It would also raise questions about the challenges of working relationships in Hollywood, particularly when creative differences and personal conflicts come into play.
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The Future of It Ends With Us
As of now, there are no formal plans for a sequel. Justin Baldoni has stated that while there is no official confirmation of a follow-up film, he believes that Blake Lively might be ready to direct it. This comment has sparked speculation that Lively could take on a larger role behind the camera if the sequel moves forward. However, given the current tension between the two, this scenario seems uncertain.
For fans of It Ends With Us, the situation is frustrating. The success of the first film has generated high expectations for a sequel, but the ongoing feud threatens to derail those hopes. As the situation develops, many are hoping that a resolution can be found that allows the franchise to continue without sacrificing the quality and integrity of the story.
Conclusion
The It Ends With Us franchise is at a crossroads. The reported feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni has cast a shadow over the possibility of a sequel. Despite the success of the first film, the tension between the two stars has made the future of the franchise uncertain. Whether the sequel will be made depends largely on whether Lively and Baldoni can find a way to work together or if the studios can navigate around the conflict.
For now, fans will have to wait and see how the situation unfolds. The potential for a sequel is there, but so are the challenges. If a resolution can be reached, It Starts With Us could become another hit for Sony Pictures and Wayfarer Studios. But if the feud continues, it could mean the end of the franchise before it even truly begins.
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