It Ends with Us is one of the most well-known novels published in the last decade. Even if you haven’t read this Colleen Hoover book, you probably at least know something about it, because it’s constantly starting book discussions and is frequently on BookTok. Due to the upcoming release of It Ends with Us, starring Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively, anticipation for it has increased.
Currently, this Colleen Hoover book is one of the book-to-screen adaptations with the most buzz. Everyone wants any little detail possible about it, so let’s share what we know about the It Ends with Us movie.
What Is The It Ends With Us Release Date?
It Ends WIth Us was originally set to release earlier on the 2024 movie release schedule, however the date was pushed back (more than once). It Ends with Us settled on an August 9, 2024 release date.
Filming officially began in New Jersey on May 2023, but paused due to the SAG and WGA strikes. According to People, filming resumed in January 2024. As of early May 2024, the film was still in production. Baldoni mentioned working on editing the movie on his Instagram.
It Ends With Us Cast Includes Justin Baldoni And Blake Lively
In January 2023, Deadline reported that Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively would star in Ends with Us. Colleen Hoover also went on her Instagram to confirm that Lively plays Lily, the main character of the book and film. Justin Baldoni plays Ryle, one of the main male leads and one of Lily’s love interests.
Blake Lively (Lily)
Lively may best be known for her role as Serena van der Woodsen on The CW's Gossip Girl. She has also appeared in The Town, Savages, The Age of Adaline, A Simple Favor, and The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants movies. She will also appear in the Simple Favor sequel.
Justin Baldoni (Ryle)
Baldoni is best known for his role as Rafael Solano on Jane the Virgin. He has also had roles in the TV shows Everwood, Heroes, Single Ladies, Happy Endings, and Madam Secretary.
Brandon Sklenar (Atlas)
Brandon Sklenar stars opposite Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni as the third part of the It Ends with Us love triangle. He plays Atlas Corrigan. Sklenar’s past work includes 1923, The Offer, Westworld, Temple, Mapplethorpe, Vice, and New Girl.
Jenny Slate (Allysa)
Jenny Slate plays Lily’s best friend and Ryle’s sister, Allysa. Slate is best known for her work on Obvious Child, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On, I Want You Back, Bob’s Burgers, Big Mouth, and Parks and Recreation.
Hasan Minhaj (Marshall)
Hasan Minhaj plays Marshall in It Ends with Us.
Minhaj is best known for his Netflix special Homecoming King and show Patriot Act. He’s also made regular appearances on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. His other projects include No Hard Feelings, Haunted Mansion, and The Morning Show.
Other Cast Members
The It Ends with Us cast also includes:
- Amy Morton
- Isabela Ferrer
- Alex Neustaedter
The Backlash Following The Casting Announcement
Lively joining the cast of It Ends with Us caused some controversy for a few reasons. One is that fans of the book thought she was miscast as Lily because she was 35 at the time of casting, as opposed to the book version of the character being 23 years old. The biggest reason for backlash, though, involved the book’s subject matter, as it's about domestic abuse. Some who criticize the book feel it glorifies domestic abuse and romanticizes abuse and abusers, and the actress' fans did not want her associated with what they think the story represents.
The It Ends With Us Trailer Gained Over 128 Million Views In 24 Hours
In May 2024, Sony released the first trailer for It Ends with Us. It shows the basic premise, which reveals a lot about the film. However, this is may be a good thing for those who are wary of the subject matter or want more information before they decide if they see the film or not.
Also, according to Deadline, the trailer instantly became a hit. It gained over 128 million views in 24 hours. By May 22, it reached over 222 million views.
It Ends With Us Is A Story About Domestic Violence
The book follows Lily as she meets Ryle, a handsome surgeon. The first half of the story explores their meeting and falling in love, while the second half deals with their relationship. The book also dives into Lily's memories of her abusive father and the abuse her mother endured for years.
She is coping with her feelings about everything, including her complicated emotions about her now-deceased father. Her first love, Atlas, also returns to her life and becomes a welcomed addition during a difficult time.
I don’t want to go too into spoiler territory for those who have not read the book. However, make sure to observe trigger warnings before reading It Ends with Us, because domestic abuse is a huge part of the story. The novel is inspired by Colleen Hoover’s own experience with domestic violence, including her mother’s story and dealing with years of abuse from the author's father. Therefore, she draws on some painful memories to tell this story.
Hoover told the Palm Beach Post that “It Ends with Us was hard to write, but out of all my novels it’s definitely my favorite.” The tale starts as a romance but gets darker and deeper as it continues.
It Ends With Us Is Still A Massive Book Hit
It Ends with Us was first published in August 2016. Nearly ten years later, it's still in the top 20 best-selling books on Amazon. According to Deadline, it’s sold over 20 million copies and has been on the New York Times Best Sellers list for over 90 weeks.
The book has helped Hoover become one of the most popular novelists, and in January 2023, she had several books on the Amazon Top 20 Bestselling Book Charts. And in May 2024, It Ends with Us was still on the Amazon Top 20 Bestselling Book Charts.
There Is A Sequel To The Book
In 2022, It Starts with Us, the sequel to It Ends with Us was published. It explores the next chapters for Lily and those close to her.
The sequel will likely not influence the movie, however, it is still unknown if some elements of the follow-up may make it into the film. Additionally, if It Ends with Us makes enough money, a movie adaptation of the sequel is possible.
Justin Baldoni Also Directs The Movie
Justin Baldoni produced and directed the film. This isn’t his directorial debut as he also directed Five Feet Apart and Clouds. His production company, Wayfarer Studios, produced It Ends with Us with Sony Pictures helping with development. The producers also include Lively, Hoover — who also acts as a consultant — Steve Sarowitz, and Andrew Calof. Christy Hall will also produce and write the screenplay.
It Ends with Us hits theaters on August 9.
