Feud Halts It Ends With Us Sequel

The success of the film "It Ends With Us," which has grossed over $180 million worldwide against a $25 million budget, has been overshadowed by tensions between its star Blake Lively and director Justin Baldoni. Despite the film's profitability, the potential for a sequel, "It Starts With Us," is complicated by Lively's public fallout with Baldoni, who holds the rights to the sequel. Insiders suggest that Lively's support for author Colleen Hoover, who has sided with her, may further strain relations. Recent interviews featuring Lively have drawn criticism, with clips circulating that depict her as dismissive and ungracious. In one notable instance, Lively's interaction with journalist Jake Hamilton during a promotional event for "Café Society" in 2016 has resurfaced, highlighting her insensitivity. Hamilton's inquiry about the film's sensitive themes was met with Lively's flippant remarks, which have been described as bullying rather than engaging. The backlash intensified when Lively's response to a congratulatory comment about her pregnancy was perceived as hurtful, as the journalist was not expecting a child and has since revealed her struggles with conception. This incident, along with her apparent disregard for the interviewer's presence, has led to a reevaluation of Lively's public persona, contrasting sharply with her glamorous image. As Lively navigates the fallout from these controversies, industry observers speculate on the future of her collaborations and the potential impact on her career, particularly in light of the film's success and the looming sequel.