What Happened to It Ends With Us (film)?
The 2024 romantic drama film "It Ends With Us," based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel, achieved significant box office success despite mixed critical reviews. Its production was marked by highly publicized disputes and litigation between co-stars and producers Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which were later dismissed. The film was released on VOD and Netflix in late 2024 and is scheduled to leave Netflix in June 2026.
Quick Answer
The film "It Ends With Us," released in August 2024, became a box office success, grossing $351 million worldwide against a $25 million budget, despite receiving mixed critical reception. The production was notably embroiled in controversy due to a public dispute and subsequent lawsuit between lead actors and producers Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni concerning a hostile work environment and alleged smear campaigns, which was dismissed in June 2025. The movie became available on Netflix in December 2024 and is slated to depart the streaming service on June 9, 2026.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Film Rights Acquired
Justin Baldoni optioned the film rights to Colleen Hoover's novel 'It Ends With Us' through his Wayfarer Studios company.
Blake Lively Cast as Lily Bloom
Blake Lively was officially cast in the lead role of Lily Bloom. Justin Baldoni also joined the cast as Ryle Kincaid and was set to direct.
Principal Photography Begins
Filming commenced in Hoboken, New Jersey, with initial set photos sparking some fan criticism regarding costume choices.
Production Halted by WGA Strike
Filming was temporarily paused due to the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, with just over half of the film completed.
SAG-AFTRA Strike Extends Halt
Production remained on hold as the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike began, further delaying filming.
Filming Resumes
Principal photography resumed in Jersey City, New Jersey, after the strikes concluded.
First Trailer Released
The official trailer for 'It Ends With Us' was released, featuring Taylor Swift's song 'My Tears Ricochet.'
World Premiere
The film premiered at AMC Lincoln Square in New York City, with speculation about tensions between Lively and Baldoni intensifying due to separate appearances.
Theatrical Release
''It Ends With Us'' was released in theaters across the United States by Sony Pictures Releasing.
VOD Release
The film became available for digital streaming via premium video on demand (VOD).
Theatrical Run Ends
The film concluded its theatrical run, having grossed $351 million worldwide against a $25 million budget.
Legal Disputes Emerge
Blake Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging a hostile workplace, followed by a federal lawsuit against Justin Baldoni and his associates. Baldoni denied the claims and filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times.
Netflix Streaming Release
''It Ends With Us'' became available to stream on Netflix.
Baldoni's Lawsuit Dismissed
Justin Baldoni's federal lawsuit against Blake Lively was dismissed by Judge Lewis J. Liman, a decision seen as a victory for Lively's team.
Scheduled Netflix Departure
The film is scheduled to leave the Netflix streaming platform in the United States.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The journey of "It Ends With Us" from a bestselling novel by Colleen Hoover to a major motion picture was a complex one, marked by both commercial triumph and significant behind-the-scenes turmoil. Justin Baldoni optioned the novel for a film adaptation in July 2019 through his Wayfarer Studios. Blake Lively was cast as Lily Bloom in January 2023, with Baldoni also taking on the role of Ryle Kincaid and directing the film. Principal photography commenced in Hoboken, New Jersey, in May 2023. However, production faced temporary halts due to the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, resuming in January 2024.
Upon its release, the film garnered substantial commercial success, grossing $351 million worldwide against a $25 million budget, making it a highly profitable venture. It was calculated to have a net profit of $207 million, placing it among 2024's most valuable blockbusters. Despite this financial success, critical reception was mixed, with 55% of 198 critics' reviews on Rotten Tomatoes being positive, averaging 5.6/10, while audience scores were significantly higher at 90%.
A major turning point and source of public attention was the highly publicized dispute between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Reports emerged during the film's press tour of alleged conflicts, a hostile work environment, and smear campaigns. Lively reportedly commissioned her own edit of the film during post-production. In December 2024, Lively filed a complaint with the California Civil Rights Department, alleging inappropriate comments from Baldoni, followed by a federal lawsuit accusing him and his associates of retaliation for reporting sexual harassment and workplace safety concerns. Baldoni denied these allegations and filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The New York Times in December 2024, and a lawsuit against Lively in January 2025. However, in a significant development, Baldoni's federal lawsuit against Lively was dismissed by Judge Lewis J. Liman in June 2025, a decision Lively's team hailed as a "total victory and a complete vindication".
The film premiered on August 6, 2024, and was widely released in the United States on August 9, 2024. It became available on VOD on September 24, 2024, and on Blu-ray and DVD on November 5, 2024. The film was released for streaming on Netflix starting December 9, 2024. As of August 22, 2026, "It Ends With Us" is scheduled to leave Netflix on June 9, 2026. Discussions about a potential sequel, based on Colleen Hoover's follow-up novel "It Starts with Us," have occurred, with Baldoni suggesting Lively might direct it.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if It Ends With Us (film) made different choices?