“It Ends With Us” Box Office Hit Amidst Behind-the-Scenes Drama

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Despite its box office success and recent ascent to the top of the charts, the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel It Ends With Us is making headlines for more than just its impressive numbers. The film’s production and release have been overshadowed by rumors of a feud between director-producer-star Justin Baldoni and leading lady Blake Lively.

The drama reportedly began when Baldoni and Lively, who were supposed to attend the New York premiere together on August 6, appeared in separate theaters with their respective guests. The two also did separate press tours, fueling speculation about tension and creative differences on set.

The film, which centers on Lively’s character Lily—a woman navigating the complexities of an abusive relationship while revisiting a past love—has faced scrutiny over its production. Rumors suggest that Baldoni made Lively “uncomfortable” about her postpartum body, with reports claiming he inquired about her weight for a scene involving lifting. Lively reportedly felt this amounted to fat-shaming. Additionally, some sources allege that Baldoni lingered too long during a kissing scene, further straining relations.

Baldoni, who is also a producer on the film, has defended Lively’s involvement, stating she was deeply involved in every aspect of the project. He acknowledged her significant role in shaping the film and praised her as a “powerhouse” collaborator. In interviews, Baldoni has also hinted that Lively might be ready to take on a directorial role herself.

The film’s adaptation process saw Baldoni employ four different editors to create multiple versions of the abuse scenes, culminating in a final cut he described as a “greatest hits” compilation. This creative choice was made to convey Lily’s experience from her perspective, but it reportedly diverged from Lively’s and Hoover’s visions.

Lively, who also served as a producer, has expressed pride in the film, despite the behind-the-scenes drama. At the New York premiere, she revealed that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, contributed to the film by writing a pivotal scene. “The iconic rooftop scene, my husband actually wrote it,” Lively told E! News. “He works on everything I do. I work on everything he does. So his wins, his celebrations are mine, and mine are his.”

Colleen Hoover, whose book inspired the film, shared her emotional connection to the project. “This book is the one that’s personal to me, so to get to see it on screen [is meaningful],” Hoover said at the premiere. “I watched it for the first time with my mother, who inspired the story.”

While It Ends With Us continues to draw audiences and generate buzz, the ongoing drama behind the scenes adds another layer to its story, keeping fans and industry insiders on edge.