Key Details About the Sequel to ‘It Ends With Us’ and Justin Baldoni’s Role

With the It Ends With Us film debacle still unresolved, a possible film sequel is on the horizon for Colleen Hoover fans.

Justin Baldoni holds the rights to the sequel of Colleen Hoover’s book, It Ends With Us, titled It Starts With Us, set to be released in 2022. However, despite having the rights, it appears that the actor may not be interested in directing a second movie in this story’s cinematic universe.

During an interview with Entertainment Tonight on August 6, 2024, Baldoni suggested that there might be better-suited individuals for the directing role. He mentioned that he believes Blake Lively is prepared and eager to take on the directing responsibilities for the sequel movie.

Speculation arose among fans following Baldoni’s statement, leading to questions about a potential rift between Baldoni and Lively while working together. Reports from Us Weekly have since confirmed that there was indeed a significant “creative struggle” between the two during the project. According to an exclusive source, Baldoni felt overshadowed by Lively, believing that his creative input was not valued as much as hers, ultimately impacting the creative process on the set. (Baldoni directed and portrayed Ryle Kincaid in the film, whereas Lively served as an executive producer and played Lily Bloom.)

TMZ reported in December 2024 that Lively sued Baldoni for sexual harassment, claiming his behavior during filming caused “severe emotional distress.” His lawyer, Bryan Freedman, said in a statement to Us Weekly that the allegations were “completely false, outrageous and intentionally salacious,” arguing Lively was attempting to “fix her negative reputation.” Us reached out to Lively’s rep for comment at the time.

It Ends With Us told the story of flower shop owner Lily who finds herself in an abusive relationship with Ryle, a neurosurgeon with a dark past. When the homeless man from Lily’s youth, named Atlas (Brandon Sklenar), resurfaces, it further throws a wrench in her relationship with Ryle.

The second book is a continuation of Lily’s story — but this time with Atlas.

Keep scrolling for everything to know about It Starts With Us:

How Does ‘It Ends With Us’ End?

The movie and book come to an end with Lily giving birth to her and Ryle’s daughter, Emerson, and asking him for a divorce. In a flash forward that leads into the sequel, Lily meets up with Atlas.

What Is ‘It Stars With Us’ About?

The second book takes place nearly one year after It Ends With Us‘ conclusion. Lily is now the mother of a 1-year-old daughter and is trying to figure out a copacetic coparenting relationship with Ryle. Eventually, she and Atlas reconnect romantically.

Who Owns the Rights to ‘It Starts With Us’?

Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios owns the rights to the second book.

“We have the option on it,” Baldoni told Variety in July 2024: “I haven’t even begun to think that far ahead. I’m trying to stay in the present as much as I can.”

Will ‘It Starts With Us’ Become a Movie?

Screenwriter Christy Hall played coy during an August 2024 interview with Business Insider.

“Everyone wants to be in business with Colleen so I would be interested to know who controls the rights to all of her materials at this point because I would be shocked if she’s not set all over town,” Hall said, noting that she’d “happily adapt” anything with Hoover.

Will Baldoni Direct ‘It Starts With Us’?

Baldoni made it clear that he has no plans to direct a possible sequel — or pull double duty again.

“We’re gonna take a vacation after this,” he told ET earlier this month.

What Are Baldoni’s Upcoming Projects?

Baldoni is set to executive produce Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, Black Is Beautiful: The Kwame Brathwaite Story and Code 3.