Justin Baldoni Hints Blake Lively Could Direct ‘It Ends With Us’ Sequel

Justin Baldoni’s directorial project ‘It Ends With Us’ premiered on 9th August, and fans have been raving about the chemistry between Blake Lively and Baldoni on screen. However, Baldoni hinted that he might not direct the sequel. The film, based on Colleen Hoover’s dual book series released in 2019 and 2022, has garnered significant attention.

In an interview with before the movie’s release, Baldoni suggested that Blake Lively might be ready to take on the director’s role for the next instalment. He remarked, “I think that there are better people for that one. I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct; that’s what I think.” Besides playing the lead, Lively also served as one of the film’s producers, with her husband, Ryan Reynolds, also joining the production team.

Also Read: Justin Baldoni Opens Up About Emotional Challenges of Starring in ‘It Ends With Us’

At the film’s premiere, Baldoni, who also directed ‘Five Feet Apart’, spoke about the movie being a tribute to women who have endured and survived abusive relationships. He expressed deep gratitude to Blake Lively and Colleen Hoover, saying, “This isn’t my night—this is a night for all the women who we made this movie for. This is a night for Blake, and this is a night for Colleen. I’m just so grateful that we’re here, five years in the making.”

However, reports suggest there were creative differences between Baldoni and Lively regarding the final edit of the film. According to InSneider, Lively pushed for her version of the cut, even after audiences favoured the director’s version. A source close to the production revealed that there was tension, stating, “It’s wild that the cast would shun Justin and not do press with him. It makes no sense because he’s the only one acting professionally.”

‘It Ends With Us’ is a romantic drama focusing on the characters Lily Bloom, Ryle, and Atlas. The film’s synopsis reveals, “Lily Bloom moves to Boston to chase her lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance meeting with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid soon sparks an intense connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, she begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of her parents’ relationship.”

–Farheen Ali