The release of the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel “It Ends With Us” brought both drama on screen and off camera. The film, which hit theaters in August 2024, starred Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, a woman who becomes a victim of domestic violence in her relationship with Ryle Kincaid, played by Justin Baldoni. As Lily considers leaving Ryle, a love interest from her past reemerges.
However, despite playing the two leading roles, Lively and Baldoni did not promote the movie together, sparking rumors of tension on set. In December 2024, Lively filed a lawsuit against Baldoni for sexual harassment and causing her severe emotional distress. The lawsuit detailed Lively’s concerns about the film’s production, including requests to stop showing nude videos or images, discussions about sexual conquests, and other inappropriate behavior.
Baldoni’s lawyer, Bryan Freedman, refuted Lively’s accusations, calling them false and intentionally salacious. He suggested that Lively filed the lawsuit to improve her negative reputation. In response, Lively denied spreading negative information about Baldoni and stated that she took legal action to expose retaliatory tactics used against individuals who speak out about misconduct.
Amidst the controversy, the cast of “It Ends With Us” shared their thoughts on the film. Brandon Sklenar, who played Atlas, Lily’s childhood love interest, spoke out in support of Lively and the film’s message of hope and perseverance. He emphasized the responsibility the cast felt in making the movie and denounced the negativity surrounding it.
Jenny Slate, who portrayed Allysa, Lily’s best friend, praised Lively for her trustworthiness and shared the bond they formed during filming. She expressed gratitude for working with Lively and called her a genuine winner. Hasan Minhaj, who played Ryle’s brother-in-law, remained neutral about the rumors, stating that everyone was professional and cool to him on set.
Despite the off-screen drama, “It Ends With Us” achieved unexpected success, with Minhaj describing the film’s reception as surreal. The cast’s dedication to the film’s message of empowerment and support for survivors of domestic abuse remained unwavering, highlighting the importance of spreading awareness through their work. I vividly recall the moment when Justin reached out to me and asked me to be a part of the movie project. His passion was palpable and infectious, and I couldn’t help but be drawn into his vision.
From the very first conversation we had about the film, it was clear that Justin had a deep-seated belief in the story he wanted to tell. He spoke with such conviction and enthusiasm that I couldn’t help but feel excited about the project. His dedication to bringing this story to life was truly inspiring.
As we delved deeper into the details of the movie, I was struck by Justin’s attention to every aspect of the production. He had a clear vision for the film, from the characters to the setting to the overall message he wanted to convey. It was evident that he had poured his heart and soul into crafting this story, and he was determined to see it through to completion.
Working with Justin on the movie was a truly collaborative and rewarding experience. He welcomed my input and ideas, and together we were able to shape the film into something truly special. His passion and drive were infectious, and they motivated everyone involved in the project to give their very best.
I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of Justin’s movie. His passion and dedication were truly inspiring, and they served as a reminder of the power of storytelling to connect people and evoke emotions. I have no doubt that Justin’s film will make a lasting impact on all who see it, and I am proud to have played a role in bringing his vision to life.
