Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” Movie Adaptation Causes Commotion

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Renee Darling, Staff Writer

“It Ends With Us,” one of Colleen Hoover’s most popular novels, is being turned into a movie and casting was released in January. Despite the book’s growing popularity, people are concerned about the disturbing themes of sexual assault and domestic violence being glamorized more than Hoover already has through her storytelling.

From the moment Lily Bloom, being played by Blake Lively, and Ryle Kincaid, being played by Justin Baldoni, meet each other, there is an intense romantic connection between them. So, when Ryle first hits Lily, she ultimately pushes it off and stays in their relationship because the strong bond between them is pushed relentlessly, even when she meets her former lover, Atlas. Ryle continues to abuse her from there.

“I understand this novel is based off the author’s personal experience, but that doesn’t mean it’s any good nor am I obligated to like it,” a review on GoodReads stated. “There’s absolutely no justification for abuse and why Lily continues to stay is beyond my comprehension.”

Many readers were also upset about Lily’s decision to allow Ryle to co-parent their daughter instead of taking legal action knowing he’s abusive – revealed at the beginning of the book’s sequel “It Starts With Us” – and the childhood trauma included to justify Ryle’s behavior. But Hoover recognized these complaints in an interview with Glamour.

“I don’t expect everyone to like my books, so if someone doesn’t, it isn’t my job to deal with them,” she said. “That is their right, and I respect that. I put 100% of the focus into the people who do enjoy my books, and I do my very best to make those people happy.”

Following the casting of the movie, fans of Blake Lively were concerned about her acting in a movie whose premise has caused so much controversy as well as playing a woman who gets stuck in abusive relationship. Baldoni, who is also directing and executive producing the movie, cast himself as Ryle. However, Baldoni has expressed in multiple podcasts, TED Talks, and his new book his opposition to what society deems as “masculinity.” Even so, Hoover expressed her excitement about the casting on her Instagram.

“Our Lily is going to be played by Blake Lively. Blake Lively, y’all. She’s my dream Lily,” she said. She then continued to say, “When I first met Justin Baldoni, who is directing the film for ‘It Ends With Us’, I immediately wanted him to be Ryle.”

Regarding Lively’s role, fans are disagreeing.

“i hate to be *that* person but blake lively as lily bloom from it ends with us is just not it… this is why readers hate book to screen adaptations,” read a tweet.

“tbh love blake lively but casting her as lily for it ends with us is quite possibly the worst casting that’s ever been cast,” read another.

A release date hasn’t been announced but the movie will most likely begin filming soon and come out in the next few years.