The success of It Ends With Us has been nothing short of spectacular. Since its release on August 9, the Sony Pictures film, which had a $25 million budget, has raked in over $180 million globally. With such numbers, a sequel based on Colleen Hoover’s best-selling follow-up novel It Starts With Us seems like a no-brainer. Yet, a growing feud between star-producer Blake Lively and director-star Justin Baldoni has raised doubts about the future of the franchise.
The Success of ‘It Ends With Us’: A Brief Overview
It Ends With Us has captured audiences with its gripping narrative and powerful performances. Lively stars as Lily, a flower shop owner, while Baldoni plays Ryle, a neurosurgeon with a dark side. The film’s strong box office performance suggests that fans are eager for more.
- Budget vs. Box Office: The film’s $25 million budget contrasts sharply with its impressive $180 million earnings.
- Colleen Hoover’s Role: Hoover’s 2022 sequel, It Starts With Us, has fuelled anticipation for a follow-up.
The Feud That Could Derail the Sequel
Despite the film’s success, the future of the sequel is now in question due to ongoing tensions between Lively and Baldoni. Here’s a closer look at the issues:
- Rising Tensions: The feud reportedly dates back at least a year. Sources suggest that Lively was hesitant about returning to set after a pause due to the writers and actors strike in 2023.
- Production Disputes: During post-production, there were competing versions of the film, with Lively’s cut ultimately being released in theatres. This indicates deeper disagreements between the two stars.
- Social Media Backlash: Post-release, Lively faced criticism on social media for her cross-promotion of a hair-care line, given the film’s sensitive subject matter of domestic violence.
The Rights to ‘It Starts With Us’: Who Holds the Cards?
As it stands, the rights to It Starts With Us are in the hands of Wayfarer Studios, which Baldoni co-founded. This could complicate matters:
- Wayfarer’s Role: Wayfarer Studios owns the rights to the sequel, meaning that any continuation involving the sequel could require Lively and Baldoni to work together, unless roles are recast or new directions are taken.
- Sony’s Position: Sony Pictures, the distributor of It Ends With Us, also has distribution rights for the sequel. The studio’s support for Lively was evident when its chair-CEO, Tony Vinciquerra, publicly praised her, but Baldoni was notably left out of this praise.
Will the Sequel Happen?
Despite the friction, the film’s strong performance at the box office suggests a demand for a sequel. However, whether this will involve Lively and Baldoni remains uncertain:
- Sony’s Support for Lively: The studio has expressed a clear preference for working with Lively, even hinting at future collaborations.
- Baldoni’s Stance: Although Baldoni has indicated that there are no formal plans for a sequel, he did suggest during the press tour that Lively might be ready to direct it.
Impact on the Franchise
The potential fallout from the Lively-Baldoni feud could have significant implications:
- Audience Reaction: Despite the drama, the film’s audience seems unaffected, as indicated by a respectable 52% drop in box office numbers in its second weekend, with strong repeat business.
- Future Projects: If the feud continues, it could lead to a recasting of roles or a complete overhaul of the sequel’s direction.
Conclusion: What’s Next for the ‘It Ends With Us’ Franchise?
As fans eagerly await news of a sequel, the ongoing feud between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni remains a crucial factor. With Wayfarer Studios holding the rights to It Starts With Us and Sony Pictures keen on continuing its successful partnership with Lively, the future of the franchise hangs in the balance.
While the film’s success at the box office indicates a strong demand for more, the resolution of the Lively-Baldoni dispute will likely determine the trajectory of the sequel. For now, fans will have to watch and wait to see how the drama unfolds and whether the beloved story will continue on screen.
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