Colleen Hoover’s 2016 bestselling novel It Ends With Us is officially being adapted for the big screen – with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni taking center stage.

Released in 2016, It Ends With Us became a social media cultural phenomenon and was the top-selling print book of 2022. The novel remained on The New York Times bestseller list for over 90 weeks. The story follows a girl named Lily who falls for a doctor named Ryle — who swears by the “no girlfriends” rule — after college. Just as things turn serious (and dangerous), Lily’s first love, Atlas, reappears in her life and challenges her new relationship.

The novel was optioned in 2019 by Baldoni — who will direct and star as Ryle — and Wayfarer Studios, with Hoover working as a consultant and Chirsty Hall penning the script. Hoover announced via Instagram in January 2023 that Lively had been cast as the film’s leading lady, calling the actress her “dream Lily.”

Keeping scrolling for everything to know about the It Ends With Us movie adaptation:

 

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What Is ‘It Ends With Us’ About?

The story centers around Lily Bloom, just out of college and mourning her dead father. After meeting Ryle — a doctor — on a roof one night, the twosome spark a romance. However, just as things turn serious, Lily’s first love, Atlas, returns to her life, and puts her relationship into question.

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Who Is Starring in ‘It Ends With Us’?

Hoover revealed in January 2023 that Lively and Baldoni would be leading the film as Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid, respectively. “I think Justin and Blake have what it takes to bring these characters to life and I cannot wait for you guys to see that happen,” she said in an Instagram video filmed outside her childhood home.

Hoover went on to thank her mother, who helped serve as an inspiration for her novel.

“[She] got us out of a scary situation when I was little and brought us here to this house which doesn’t look like much but was full of love and joy,” the author added. “So thank you, Mom, for making that very difficult decision. … The fact that we are now discussing a movie that was made from a book that was loosely inspired by my mother, it’s bittersweet. So many people have had to go through [what she did], but to know my mom’s decision has helped so many people get out of that. I love you, Mom.”

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Who Is Directing ‘It Ends With Us’?

In addition to starring as Ryle, Baldoni will serve as director of the film. “Sorry to be a tease …😉 @colleenhoover … you ready to make #ItEndsWithUs?” the Jane the Virgin alum captioned a January 2022 TikTok that featured him reading the first draft of the script.

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Is There a Trailer for ‘It Ends With Us’?

A trailer has yet to be released, however, Lively gave fans a glimpse into her new red-haired look as Lily via Instagram in January 2023.

Credit: Courtesy of Justin Baldoni/Instagram

Will the Adaptation of ‘It Ends With Us’ be Faithful to the Book?

Baldoni assured fans that he was well aware of the importance of keeping the adaptation in line with the book. “Don’t worry I see EVERYTHING you all tag me in 💐🍪📝,” he captioned a March 2022 TikTok of him typing furiously while “trying to keep up with all the It Ends With Us casting, scene and song requests.”

Hoover shared in January 2023 that she would give fans as much insight as she could throughout the movie’s production. “I’m going to do my best to try and sneak y’all as much footage as I can without getting kicked off set,” she quipped via Instagram.

That July, Baldoni revealed that he and Hoover gathered a group of fans for a first look at the script. The pair used the opportunity to work with the group and ask what they could do to ensure the movie stayed true to the novel.

“A huge thank you to the thousands of LA area fans of It Ends With Us for submitting and for the ten we chose to join us for the special reading of the script,” Baldoni captioned a TikTok video at the time. “Your feedback and support was incredible! We are one step closer to making this movie thanks to you! We are beyond excited! More to come!”

Who Is Playing Atlas in ‘It Ends With Us’?

“Ladies and gentleman … meet your #Atlas,” Baldoni tweeted in April 2023, revealing that 1923 star Brandon Sklenar would be joining the production as Lily’s first love.

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Who Is Playing Allysa in ‘It Ends With Us’?

Jenny Slate will portray Allysa, who is Lily’s best friend and Ryle’s sister, in the film adaptation.

“We have our Allysa! @jennyslate is one of the most talented humans, I can’t even believe she’ll be in this movie,” author Hoover gushed via Instagram in May 2023. “I’m so hungry right now because I’ve been really freaking busy today so I can’t tell if I need to eat or if this nausea is from too much excitement. Gonna go eat a taco but I bet I’ll feel the same way after that.”

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Has ‘It Ends With Us’ Started Filming?

Lively and Baldoni began production in early May 2023, with the A Simple Favor actress showing off her character’s signature auburn locks in behind-the-scenes set pics in Jersey City and Hoboken, New Jersey.

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Who Is Playing Marshall in ‘It Ends With Us?’

Hasan Minhaj is set to portray Marshall — Allysa’s husband and Ryle’s brother-in-law — in the film, Deadline confirmed in May 2023.

Credit: Nancy Rivera / SplashNews.com

Is Production Impacted by the WGA Strike?

Deadline reported in June 2023 that the It Ends With Us crew had stopped filming for the duration of the writers’ strike.

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When Does ‘It Ends With Us’ Premiere?

The release date had been pushed back to June 21, 2024.

Credit: Courtesy of Instagram/Isabella Ferrer/Getty

Who Is Playing Young Lily and Young Atlast?

Deadline revealed in January 2024 that Isabela Ferrer and Alex Neustaedter would be playing young Lily and Atlas, respectively.

“Really still can’t comprehend that I’ve been working on this, and I am so excited to finally share it,” Ferrer shared via Instagram at the time “I am so unbelievably grateful for this project, for everything it has given me already, and to be working with such a phenomenal cast and crew.”