Excitement is brewing in the BookTok community as Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, “It Ends With Us,” is set to hit the big screen, with Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in the lead roles. Hoover, the author, announced an Instagram video in January 2023, expressing her enthusiasm for the casting choices.
In the video, Hoover shared the news from her childhood home and revealed that the novel, which delves into themes of domestic abuse and violence, was loosely inspired by her own childhood experiences. She expressed gratitude to her mother for making a difficult decision that led to a better life, setting the stage for a movie that resonates with many who have faced similar challenges.
Released in 2016, “It Ends With Us” became a social media sensation, and its popularity soared, making it the top-selling print book of 2022. The novel maintained a stronghold on the New York Times bestseller list for over 90 weeks.
The story revolves around Lily, a young woman embarking on a new chapter in her life after college. Lily’s romantic journey unfolds as she meets Ryle, a doctor with a steadfast “no girlfriends” rule. Their burgeoning relationship is tested when Lily’s first love, Atlas, reenters her life, creating a complex web of emotions and challenges.
The film adaptation was spearheaded by Justin Baldoni, who not only serves as the director but also stars in the movie. Wayfarer Studios and Baldoni optioned the novel in 2019, with Hoover consulting on the project and Chirsty Hall penning the script.
Baldoni, known for his work on “Jane the Virgin,” teased fans with a TikTok video in January 2022, showcasing himself reading the first draft of the script. He later reassured fans that he understood the importance of staying true to the source material, acknowledging the flood of casting suggestions and requests from fans.
In July 2022, Baldoni and Hoover engaged with fans by selecting 10 lucky individuals to read the film script and provide feedback. This interactive approach allowed fans to be part of the creative process and generated excitement for the upcoming adaptation.
As the production progresses, Hoover has promised to share behind-the-scenes footage with fans, offering glimpses into the making of “It Ends With Us.” The collaboration between a beloved author, a talented cast, and a dedicated director has BookTok buzzing with anticipation for the film’s release.