Colleen Hoover Declines ‘It Starts With Us’ Film Adaptation, Citing Creative Intent
The phenomenal success of the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, Romper el Círculo (It Ends With Us), captivated audiences with its portrayal of complex relationships and the sensitive topic of domestic violence. However, fans hoping for a continuation on the big screen may be disappointed. Author Colleen Hoover has stated she never intended for the sequel, It Starts With Us, to be adapted for film, revealing a different vision for the continuation of Lily Bloom’s story. This decision comes amidst ongoing legal battles between key figures involved in the first film’s production, adding another layer of complexity to the future of the franchise.
It Ends With Us, released in 2024, quickly became a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations about abusive relationships and challenging conventional romance tropes. The film’s success, however, was shadowed by emerging tensions between those involved in its creation. These issues, which ultimately led to legal action, have undoubtedly influenced the conversation surrounding a potential sequel. The film garnered a 6.3 rating on IMDb as of March 2026, according to IMDb.
The Dispute Between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni
The production of It Ends With Us brought together a talented team, but the collaboration was not without its challenges. Justin Baldoni not only starred as Ryle Kincaid but also directed the film, a dual role that placed him at the center of creative and logistical decisions. Blake Lively, who portrayed Lily Bloom, led the cast with her performance. However, following the film’s release, their professional relationship fractured, leading to serious allegations.
According to reports, Lively accused Baldoni of sexual harassment and defamation, prompting Baldoni to file a countersuit alleging Lively attempted to damage his public image. The legal proceedings are ongoing, with both actors expected to appear in court this year, effectively ending any possibility of a professional reconciliation. The case has drawn significant media attention, further complicating the prospects for a sequel.
Hoover’s Vision for ‘It Starts With Us’
In a recent interview with Variety, Colleen Hoover addressed the question of a film adaptation for It Starts With Us directly. She explained that the sequel novel was conceived as a “thank you” to her readers, a continuation of Lily’s story written primarily out of gratitude for the overwhelming support she received after the success of It Ends With Us. Hoover expressed doubts about whether the narrative of It Starts With Us possesses the same cinematic weight as its predecessor.
“I wrote that book as a ‘thank you’ to the readers. I don’t know if there’s enough story to make a movie. It Ends With Us was so impactful and wrapped up so well in the first movie. Of course, if everyone got together and wanted to do it, I’m not going to discourage anyone. But when I wrote that, it was never my intention to observe it in theaters. I just wanted to see Atlas and Lily happy.”
Hoover’s comments suggest that while she wouldn’t actively oppose a film adaptation if the right circumstances arose, she doesn’t view it as a necessary or essential step in the story’s journey. Her primary focus was on providing closure and happiness for her characters, a goal she feels was achieved within the pages of the novel.
What ‘It Starts With Us’ Entails
For those unfamiliar, It Starts With Us picks up where It Ends With Us left off, delving deeper into Lily’s life as she navigates co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ryle, while simultaneously exploring a rekindled connection with her childhood friend, Atlas Corrigan. The novel shifts the focus from the intense conflict that defined the first book to a more nuanced exploration of healing, forgiveness, and the complexities of building a new life. Atlas takes on a more prominent role, allowing readers to witness the development of his relationship with Lily and the challenges they face as they attempt to create a stable and loving future. The story also addresses the delicate balance of maintaining a diplomatic relationship with Ryle for the sake of their daughter.
While a cinematic continuation appears unlikely at this time, the adaptation of It Ends With Us remains a standalone work within the landscape of Hollywood romance dramas. Colleen Hoover’s decision reflects a clear artistic vision and a prioritization of her characters’ emotional journeys over commercial expectations. The author’s recent revelation regarding a cancer diagnosis, attributed to stress, as reported by Tomatazos, may also be influencing her perspective on future projects and her desire to protect her creative energy.
The legal battle between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is scheduled for further proceedings later this year, and updates on the case will likely emerge as the trial progresses. Fans of the It Ends With Us universe can continue to engage with the story through the novels and reflect on the powerful themes explored within them.
What are your thoughts on Colleen Hoover’s decision? Do you believe a sequel film is necessary, or does the story find its natural conclusion with the first adaptation? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow fans of the series.