Colleen Hoover, author of the 2016 novel that inspired the 2024 film starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, has said she would support another movie if the studio decides to move forward with one.
"I mean, I don't own the rights to the film sequel," Hoover, 46, told Variety. "So, if they decide to make another one, I'm all for it!"
Hoover's original novel was adapted into the romantic drama It Ends with Us, which explores domestic violence and follows Lily Bloom, played by Lively, as she navigates a complicated relationship with Ryle Kincaid, portrayed by Baldoni, and her connection with former love Atlas Corrigan, played by Brandon Sklenar.
Hoover published a follow-up novel, It Starts with Us, in 2022. The book focuses on Lily and Atlas as they begin a new chapter in their relationship following the events of the first story.
Baldoni directed the film adaptation of It Ends with Us, which was written for the screen by Christy Hall. Hoover served as one of the movie's producers.
The author has since been involved with several other adaptations of her novels, including Regretting You, Reminders of Him and the upcoming Verity. The latter is directed by Michael Showalter and stars Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson and Josh Hartnett.
Speaking about her involvement in choosing directors for her adaptations, Hoover explained that the process depends on the individual project. She said she and production partner Lauren Levine selected Vanessa Caswill to direct Reminders of Him.
Showalter jokingly noted that he was not involved in that decision, prompting Hoover to point out that he was busy working on Verity.
Hoover explained that It Ends with Us was handled differently because she sold the film rights to Baldoni, who went on to direct the adaptation. Columbia Pictures and Baldoni's Wayfarer Studios produced the movie, which was distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.
Hoover also addressed the legal dispute between Lively and Baldoni that followed the film's release. Lively filed a sexual harassment complaint against Baldoni in December 2024, while Baldoni denied the allegations and filed a countersuit against Lively, Ryan Reynolds and others. The countersuit was later dismissed, and the two sides announced a settlement on May 4.
"I feel for everyone, you know?" Hoover told Variety. "As the author, I was and am so proud of that movie. I think they did a great job."
Before the legal dispute, Baldoni had also suggested that someone else could direct a potential sequel, naming Lively as someone who could take on the role.
