Author Colleen Hoover addressed the possibility of a movie adaptation for her bestselling sequel It Starts With Us while speaking with Variety, noting that she does not control the film rights. Her comments follow months of heavy public attention surrounding the first film, It Ends With Us, and reported creative tension between lead stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.
Colleen Hoover Addresses It Starts With Us Movie Rights
While promoting the upcoming film adaptation of her thriller Verity, Hoover clarified her lack of control over future cinematic installments in the romance franchise. “I mean, I don’t own the rights to the film sequel,” Hoover told Variety. “So, if they decide to make another one, I’m all for it! I personally don’t see that happening.” The author also voiced bewilderment at the behind-the-scenes friction. “I’m also curious what it’s like to have so much drama attached to one of your works? You entrusted your work to someone, and it’s turned into, I don’t even know what at this point.” Despite the public fallout, Hoover emphasized her enduring pride in the original adaptation, which earned over $350 million worldwide according to reporting by ComingSoon.
Behind the Scenes: The It Ends With Us Dispute
Public scrutiny intensified during the promotional tour in August 2024, when reports surfaced regarding a deep rift between Baldoni—who directed the film and played Ryle Kincaid—and Lively, who starred as Lily Bloom. According to ComingSoon, the co-stars notably avoided appearing together at the New York premiere, and multiple cast members subsequently unfollowed Baldoni on social media. Sources pointed to disagreements over creative direction, specifically touching on editing choices and marketing strategies. While the narrative tackles domestic violence, certain promotional pushes leaned heavily into a lighter romance angle. Prior to the release, Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios—which optioned the rights in 2019—publicly suggested that Lively might be better suited to direct a potential sequel.
Pro Tip: When following book-to-screen adaptations, checking who holds the underlying rights often clarifies why certain creative or casting decisions shift between installments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colleen Hoover own the film rights to It Starts With Us?
No. Hoover stated in an interview with Variety that she does not own the rights to the film sequel.
What caused the reported tension between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni?
According to ComingSoon, reports highlighted disagreements over creative direction, editing, and marketing approaches for the film adaptation.
How much did It Ends With Us make at the box office?
The movie proved to be a major commercial success, grossing over $350 million worldwide.
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