It Starts With Us Movie: 5 Crucial Updates On The It Ends With Us Sequel (Cast, Plot, & 2026 Release Window)

The question dominating the minds of BookTok fans and moviegoers alike is simple: Will we get an It Ends With Us sequel movie? As of this current date, December 18, 2025, an official announcement for the film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s follow-up novel, It Starts With Us, has not been made by Sony Pictures or Wayfarer Studios. However, the success of the first film, which brought the tumultuous story of Lily Bloom and Ryle Kincaid to the big screen, makes a sequel highly probable. The second book, published in October 2022, provides a clear, highly anticipated roadmap for a cinematic continuation, focusing on the future of Lily and her first love, Atlas Corrigan.

The original movie’s explosive box office performance and the immense global following of author Colleen Hoover mean that a sequel is less a matter of "if" and more a question of "when." Fans are desperate to see the reconciliation and new beginnings detailed in It Starts With Us, which offers a much-needed sense of closure and hope after the emotional turmoil of the first story. Here is everything we know about the potential sequel, including the plot, the status of the main cast, and the likely production timeline.

It Starts With Us: The Sequel’s Book Plot and Key Characters

The sequel, It Starts With Us, is a direct continuation of Lily Bloom’s journey, picking up where It Ends With Us concluded. Unlike the first novel, which was primarily told from Lily’s perspective, the sequel is narrated through the alternating points of view of both Lily and Atlas Corrigan.

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The story shifts focus from the abusive relationship with Ryle Kincaid to the rekindled romance between Lily and Atlas, her childhood love. It is a narrative of healing, new boundaries, and the struggle to build a healthy relationship while co-parenting with an emotionally volatile ex-husband. The plot is driven by several key elements:

• Lily and Atlas’s Rekindled Love: The core of the sequel is the long-awaited love story between Lily and Atlas. The novel explores their history, their deep connection, and the challenges they face in trying to move forward.
• Ryle Kincaid's Interference: Ryle remains a significant presence, particularly due to his shared custody of his and Lily’s daughter, Emerson. The book chronicles Ryle’s difficulty in accepting Lily’s new relationship and the emotional manipulation he uses to try and interfere.
• Atlas’s Backstory: A major addition to the narrative is a deeper dive into Atlas’s past. The alternating perspective allows readers to finally learn more about his difficult childhood, including the abuse and rejection he faced from his own mother, and how Lily’s kindness changed his life.
• Co-Parenting Challenges: The sequel explores the complexities of co-parenting with an abuser and the necessity of establishing clear, firm boundaries to protect both Lily and her daughter.

This narrative structure—a love story with high emotional stakes and the continued presence of Ryle—is perfectly suited for a dramatic film adaptation. The shift in tone from a story about domestic violence to one about survival, healing, and finding a supportive partner is what fans are most eager to see.

Will Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Brandon Sklenar Return?

For any sequel to work, the original cast must return, especially given the intense fan connection to the actors who brought these beloved characters to life. While no contracts are confirmed, the likelihood of the main cast reprising their roles is high, though it comes with specific conditions.

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Blake Lively as Lily Bloom

Blake Lively’s portrayal of Lily Bloom was a major draw for the first film. Her return is considered a non-negotiable condition for the sequel’s success. While there was some widely reported "drama" surrounding the production and promotion of the first movie, Lively’s commitment to the project, which addresses the sensitive topic of domestic abuse, suggests a strong possibility of her continuing the role to complete Lily's story arc.

Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan

The actor who plays Atlas Corrigan, Brandon Sklenar, has been the most vocal about his willingness to return. He has expressed his thoughts on continuing the saga and building his on-screen bond with Blake Lively. Since It Starts With Us heavily features Atlas’s perspective and backstory, Sklenar’s role would be significantly expanded, making his return crucial for the film’s emotional depth.

Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid

Justin Baldoni, who not only starred as Ryle Kincaid but also directed and produced the first film through his company, Wayfarer Studios, is central to the entire franchise. Wayfarer Studios has a vested interest in continuing the series, as they are the ones who originally optioned the book rights. Baldoni's return as Ryle is necessary, as the character continues to play the antagonist, creating conflict for Lily and Atlas as they navigate co-parenting their daughter, Emerson.

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The possibility of a sequel hinges on the production company, Wayfarer Studios, giving the green light and securing the return of these three core actors, especially Blake Lively, following the first film’s success.

Sequel Movie Status and Potential Release Date Window

Despite the immense global demand, the most up-to-date information confirms that an official greenlight for the It Starts With Us movie is still pending as of late 2025. The decision is likely tied to the final box office performance of It Ends With Us and the logistical challenges of reuniting a high-profile cast like Lively, Baldoni, and Sklenar.

The Likelihood of a 2026 Production and 2027 Release

While no official date exists, we can speculate on a potential timeline based on other Colleen Hoover adaptations:

• The Reminders of Him Factor: Another major Colleen Hoover adaptation, Reminders of Him, has already been set for a February 2026 release by Universal Pictures. This shows that studios are actively developing Hoover’s work.
• Production Timeline: If It Starts With Us were to be officially announced in late 2025 or early 2026, a realistic production window would begin in mid-to-late 2026.
• Potential 2027 Release: Given the time required for filming, post-production, and marketing, a sequel would most likely target a summer or fall 2027 release date. This would give the production team ample time to secure the cast, finalize the screenplay (likely by Christy Hall again), and maintain the high production quality established by Justin Baldoni.

Fans should keep a close watch on Wayfarer Studios and Colleen Hoover’s social media channels for the first signs of a production announcement. The sequel is a highly anticipated project that promises to bring a satisfying, healing conclusion to Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan’s story, cementing the It Ends With Us saga as one of the most significant romantic dramas of the decade.