The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s controversial novel “It Ends With Us” has sparked a debate among fans, with Blake Lively cast as the main character, Lily Bloom. While some are pleased about the film adaptation, others are concerned about Lively’s portrayal of Lily, described as 23 years old in the book.
Blake Lively In “It Ends With Us” Divides The Fans: Age Gap and Character Accuracy Spark Debate
Blake Lively portrays Lily Bloom as the protagonist of the film. Justin Baldoni takes on the role of Ryle Kincaid, the commitment-wary neurosurgeon. Brandon Sklenar, who recently received attention for his performance in the Yellowstone 1923 prequel, plays Atlas Corrigan, Lily’s high school love who reenters her life. Jenny Slate plays Allysa, Ryle’s sister, and Hasan Minhaj plays Allysa’s husband, Marshall. When the movie casting was confirmed, many fans were disappointed with the casting decision, and some even hoped it was fake news.
The movie adaptation of “It Ends With Us” has encountered challenges due to Hollywood strikes and criticisms of the book. Many fans are worried about Colleen Hoover’s portrayal of toxic and abusive relationships as romantic themes. Some fans believe Blake Lively is not the right fit for the character for various reasons, while others have defended Blake Lively against accusations of being too old for the role.
“Blake is gorgeous but she doesn’t have a “youthful” face exactly. Even when she was 23, she was able to play around her own age or older. It’s a bone structure thing. Not sure why they went with her instead of someone close to 23 or at least someone with a more baby-ish face.”
u/iidontwannaa
Blake Lively has appeared in films playing glamorous characters with a strong celebrity presence. However, author Colleen Hoover is enthusiastic about Lively’s casting and believes she will bring Lily to life on screen. The fans believe that the makers have failed to give Blake the exact innocent yet quirky look that the character demands.
Blake is a gorgeous woman but she looks BAD here. The styling and the hair are so unflattering. Not to mention the complete miscast of what’s supposed to be a 23-year old woman.
u/gemi29
Some have even criticized the actors’ choice of starring in a Colleen Hoover adaptation movie that glorifies domestic abuse weirdly.
“The casting is so bad for every character of that movie and for the life of me i can’t understand how justin baldoni, who has done so much important advocacy on healthy masculinity and encouraged really great conversations on a lot of important subjects via the man enough podcast, would want to work with colleen hoover and adapt a book that essentially glamorizes abuse.”
Why “It Ends With Us” Has Received Severe Backlash From The Fans
Lily Bloom, a 23-year-old college graduate, embarks on a new life and business in Boston. Ryle, a talented neurosurgeon with a complicated history, enters the picture and brings love to Lily’s life. Ryle’s commitment phobia and the unexpected reappearance of Lily’s first love, Atlas, stands as a challenge to their relationship. The readers were frustrated by the book’s lack of trigger warnings, and several others questioned the author’s approach to “love.”
Initially marketed as a love triangle, Colleen Hoover’s “It Ends With Us” took a dark turn. The “hero,” Ryle, is revealed to be abusive towards Lily. This plot twist sparked controversy among fans who criticized the portrayal of Ryle. Many readers felt the book downplayed his abusive behavior by framing him as someone with flaws rather than a villain and that charitable acts didn’t excuse his actions. Some readers interpreted this as an attempt to romanticize an abusive partner.
But the story of it ends with us is of her mother. I don't think women should support the society into hushing women when they speak about domestic abuse. The book also show that this is exactly why women don't speak up because they are shamed. Just like coho was
— anne ☕🎮 📚🎀🩰 | hozier gf (@annereadsbookss) May 16, 2024
“It Ends With Us” initially presents Ryle as a charming character, fostering a connection with Lily and readers. However, the narrative takes a darker turn as his manipulative and abusive behavior unfolds. Some readers felt these abusive tendencies were present from the outset, questioning the portrayal. Criticism has also been directed towards the book’s portrayal of the LGBTQ+ community, seen as disrespectful by some readers, adding to concerns about the book’s lack of overall diversity sensitivity.
‘my tears ricochet’ by Taylor Swift will be featured on the movie soundtrack for ‘It Ends With Us.’ pic.twitter.com/UYCkeH7E1R
— Pop Base (@PopBase) May 16, 2024
“It Ends With Us” book sparked debate about its portrayal of abuse. Concerns remain whether the film adaptation, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, will address these issues or simply mirror the book’s presentation. The success of the casting choice will likely depend on the audience’s reception when the film releases on August 9, 2024, at your nearest theatres.
