Colleen Hoover reveals how the Blake Lively vs. Justin Baldoni lawsuit impacts her view of the 'It Ends With Us' film adaptation.
- April 1, 2026
AceShowbiz - Colleen Hoover, author of It Ends With Us, is viewing the film adaptation differently amid the legal dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. The 2024 film, based on Hoover’s bestselling novel, stars both Lively and Baldoni.
Hoover appeared on the Open Book podcast with Jenna Bush Hager to promote her new movie Reminders of Him. During the episode, she was asked about the ongoing lawsuit filed by Lively against her director-co-star Baldoni.
In December 2024, a few months after the release of It Ends With Us, Lively sued Baldoni alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and the creation of a hostile work environment. Baldoni has denied all allegations and countersued the New York Times for defamation after it published Lively’s complaint. Their legal battle is currently unfolding in court, with a trial scheduled for May 18.
When asked if it was difficult to have a film so close to her heart tied to such controversy, Hoover acknowledged the challenge but said it has become easier to differentiate the film’s success from the surrounding drama. She explained, "Opening weekend, we just were all so shocked at how much readers showed up for it and how well it did and how much it resonated."
Hoover expressed pride in the movie, praising the cast and crew for their work. She emphasized that despite the unfortunate circumstances, she remains grateful the story was brought to life on screen.
In a November interview with Elle magazine, Hoover reflected on how the lawsuit has overshadowed the film’s release, admitting it made her feel embarrassed about the project. She shared that when people ask about her writing, she prefers to keep the focus away from It Ends With Us due to the ongoing controversy.
The film adaptation of It Ends With Us had a strong reception from fans and debuted successfully before the legal issues surfaced. Meanwhile, the court proceedings between Lively and Baldoni are set to continue, with significant attention on the outcome expected in the coming months.
Colleen Hoover remains committed to her work and is promoting her latest film while navigating the complexities surrounding the It Ends With Us adaptation and its real-life fallout.
