Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively’s It Ends With Us has been a massive hit at the box office, but behind-the-scenes drama has left fans wondering about the future of the franchise.
Based on Colleen Hoover’s popular novel, It Ends With Us tells the story of Lily Bloom (played by Lively) as she enters a tumultuous and abusive relationship with neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (played by Baldoni).
Things get even more complicated when Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Sklenar), reappears in her life, forcing her to make an impossible choice.
Since its premiere on August 9, the film has pulled in over $200 million worldwide and is expected to earn at least $25 million in profits for Sony and Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios, which co-financed the project with TSG Entertainment.
With the sequel novel, It Starts With Us, already available and the rights secured by Baldoni’s company, a follow-up film should be a no-brainer. But rumors of tension between Lively and Baldoni have put that possibility in doubt.
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What’s the Drama?
According to sources, there were two camps during the making of the film—Team Blake and Team Justin. The “creative struggle” reportedly led to a negative atmosphere on set, and Lively and Baldoni have allegedly stopped speaking to each other.
Insiders say Baldoni felt “hurt and sidelined” as Lively allegedly made decisions about the script and wardrobe without consulting him or his team.
There are even accusations that Baldoni questioned Lively’s weight before lifting her on set and kissed her too long in another scene. Given all this, many believe a sequel is unlikely, and it seems there’s “probably no world” where Lively and Baldoni will work together again.
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Baldoni himself admitted to Variety that he hadn’t even thought about a sequel before the release of It Ends With Us. And in a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, he hesitated when asked if he’d be up to direct a second film, saying, “I think there are better people for that one,” and suggesting that Lively might be ready to direct.
If Baldoni steps back from directing and playing Ryle, or if Lively exits the project, who could step in to play these pivotal roles? Here are some possibilities.
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Possible Replacements for Lily Bloom
- Abigail Cowen
Long before Lively was cast as Lily, Cowen was the fan-favorite choice on social media. Known for her roles in The Fosters, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, and Netflix’s Fate: The Winx Saga, Cowen might be younger than Lively, but her popularity with book fans makes her a strong contender. After all, if actors can play younger than their age, why not older too?
- Holland Roden
Roden, known for her emotional performances as Lydia on MTV’s Teen Wolf, fits more closely with Lively’s age range. She’s got the emotional depth needed to bring Lily to life, and fans who loved her alongside Dylan O’Brien (who we could totally see as Atlas) might find her perfect for the role.
- Riley Keough
After her standout performance in Daisy Jones & The Six, Keough proved she can handle just about any role. She’s got the range to capture Lily’s complex emotions, and with her experience in a wide array of TV shows and films, she could easily step into Lively’s shoes.
- Madelaine Petsch
Riverdale star Petsch quickly became a fan favorite as the fiery Cheryl Blossom. Though she’s younger than Lively, her ability to play strong yet vulnerable characters could make her an intriguing choice for Lily’s next chapter.
- Amanda Seyfried
Seyfried isn’t a natural redhead, but that’s nothing a wig or hair dye can’t fix. With a filmography that spans from Mean Girls to The Dropout, Seyfried could bring a fresh take to Lily—if her busy schedule allows it.
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Who Could Replace Ryle Kincaid?
- Theo James
James was a popular fan pick for Ryle before Baldoni took on the role himself. With his experience playing darker characters, he could bring the necessary complexity to Ryle’s troubled personality.
- Joseph Morgan
Best known as the villainous Klaus Mikaelson on The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, Morgan could bring an intense, brooding energy to Ryle, making him a compelling choice for the role.
- Henry Cavill
While Cavill is best known for playing heroes like Superman, his tall, dark, and handsome demeanor could be a perfect fit for Ryle’s character. Plus, Cavill’s experience with iconic roles might give him the edge to bring a fresh perspective to the part.
- Taylor Kinney
Kinney, a veteran of the One Chicago series, might be more familiar with TV roles, but this could be his chance to expand into film. With his background in heavier material, he could bring depth and nuance to Ryle.
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson
Coming off his role as the villainous Tom Ryder in The Fall Guy, Taylor-Johnson could continue his streak of playing darker characters by stepping into Ryle’s shoes. With a resume that includes Kick Ass, Bullet Train, and Nocturnal Animals, he’s got the chops to take on the role.
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With the drama surrounding It Ends With Us continuing to unfold, the question of who could replace Lively and Baldoni is an intriguing one. Whether or not the sequel happens, fans are already speculating on who might step in to take the reins if needed.