Will we ever know how it ends?
A surprising box office hit
After three weeks in theaters, “It Ends With Us”, the cinematic adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, has taken the box office by storm, grossing an impressive $242 million worldwide. Projections suggest that ticket sales could soar to between $285 million and $300 million. In a summer dominated by films targeting kids and teenage boys, “It Ends With Us” stands out as a rare gem appealing primarily to female audiences.
A profitable venture
The film, which cost $25 million to produce, is expected to generate at least $25 million to $30 million in profits for both Sony, the distributor, and director-star Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios, which co-financed the project with TSG Entertainment. Some insiders believe the profit margins could be even higher. These figures do not account for cinema proceeds or box office bonuses for stars Blake Lively and Baldoni.
Sequel potential
A sequel to the novel, “It Starts With Us”, already exists, eliminating the need to stretch the source material to exploit a hit, unlike some other adaptations. This follow-up story suggests that audiences haven’t seen the last of Lily, Ryle, and Atlas—the characters portrayed by Lively, Baldoni, and Brandon Sklenar, respectively. Typically, Hollywood capitalizes on positive box office results by quickly announcing sequels. However, a public feud between Lively and Baldoni has cast doubt on any immediate sequel plans.
Behind-the-scenes drama
The lead-up to “It Ends With Us” was marred by off-screen drama, with rumors of hostility between Baldoni and the rest of the cast. Baldoni was notably absent from photos with the cast at the New York premiere and did not introduce the film alongside Lively and Hoover. Internet sleuths discovered that none of his fellow actors, except Hasan Minhaj, follow Baldoni on Instagram. Speculation suggests that Lively and Baldoni clashed over the final cut of the movie, with Lively’s preferred version reportedly making it to the big screen.
The Reynolds factor
Adding to the drama, Lively admitted during a red carpet interview that her husband, Ryan Reynolds, wrote a key scene in the final cut of the film. This revelation reportedly came as a surprise to Baldoni, who believed the scene had been ad-libbed by Lively. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) did not comment on whether Reynolds’ involvement constitutes a guild violation that could lead to a credits issue. Reynolds’ participation also raises questions about the WGA strike, as he is a WGA member and would have been barred from contributing to the screenplay during the strike period.
The future of the franchise
Despite the public feud, both Lively and Baldoni may need to set aside their differences to realize their vision for “It Starts With Us”. Baldoni has suggested that he might not direct the sequel, hinting that Lively could take the helm. The character Ryle plays a smaller role in the second book, making it easier for Baldoni to step aside as an actor. However, his role as a producer means he and Lively would still need to collaborate.
Rights and options
Wayfarer Studios holds the cinematic rights to both novels, giving Baldoni significant control over the franchise’s future. This control eliminates the need to renew an agreement, which typically expires 18 months after signing. The deal was finalized before Hoover became a literary sensation on platforms like TikTok, which helped propel her to stardom.
Industry speculation
Before the film’s release, Baldoni stated that he and Wayfarer hadn’t considered adapting the sequel novel. However, industry insiders find it hard to believe that the creative minds at Wayfarer haven’t thought about it, given the success of the first film. Sony has the automatic option to distribute a sequel but cannot force a follow-up without Wayfarer’s involvement. The second novel takes place a few months after the first, so producers likely wouldn’t want too much time to pass to avoid the actors aging out of their roles.
A summer highlight
“It Ends With Us” is already the highest-grossing film in the careers of both Baldoni and Lively. However, instead of celebrating their box office success, they are dealing with damage control. Lively has faced criticism for her bubbly promotion of a film that tackles dark themes like domestic violence, while Baldoni has hired a crisis management firm. Despite the off-screen drama, audiences have flocked to theaters, making “It Ends With Us” one of the top 10 highest-grossing films of the year so far.
David A. Gross, who runs a movie consulting firm, notes, “It’s among the highlights of the summer. Audiences are waiting for the next chapter.”
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit It Ends With Us.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive and engaging overview of the film “It Ends With Us”, its box office success, behind-the-scenes drama, and the potential for a sequel. By incorporating personal reflections and in-depth analysis, the article offers a unique perspective for cinema and TV series enthusiasts.