5 Shocking Updates On The 'It Ends With Us' Sequel Movie: Is 'It Starts With Us' Ever Happening?

The global phenomenon that is Colleen Hoover’s *It Ends with Us* has captivated millions, and the recent film adaptation has only intensified the demand for the sequel. Fans are desperate to know what happens next in the complicated lives of Lily Bloom, Atlas Corrigan, and Ryle Kincaid, a story that continues in the follow-up novel, *It Starts with Us*. As of today, December 18, 2025, the book sequel is a massive success, but the movie adaptation is shrouded in uncertainty, legal complexities, and alleged behind-the-scenes drama.

The first film, which premiered in August 2024, set the stage for a dramatic continuation, but the path to a cinematic adaptation of *It Starts with Us* is proving to be far more complicated than anyone anticipated. From unclear film rights to rumored feuds among the main cast members, here are the most recent and crucial updates on the status of the highly-anticipated *It Ends with Us* sequel movie.

The Book Sequel: 'It Starts with Us'—Lily and Atlas's Story

Before diving into the movie drama, it is essential to understand the source material. The official sequel novel, *It Starts with Us*, was published by Colleen Hoover on October 18, 2022, providing the closure and second-chance romance fans were hoping for.

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Key Details of the Sequel Novel

• Title: *It Starts with Us*
• Author: Colleen Hoover
• Publication Date: October 18, 2022
• Main Focus: The novel centers almost entirely on Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan’s rekindled relationship, picking up shortly after the end of *It Ends with Us*. It explores the challenges of starting a healthy relationship while co-parenting with an ex-partner who is still a source of conflict.
• Narrative Style: Unlike the first book, *It Starts with Us* alternates between Lily’s and Atlas’s first-person perspectives, giving readers a deep dive into Atlas’s past, his trauma, and his current fears.
• Core Themes: The book delves into themes of healing, personal empowerment, breaking the cycle of abuse, resilience, and the complicated nature of finding love after trauma.

What Happens to Ryle Kincaid in the Sequel?

One of the most significant aspects of the novel is the portrayal of Ryle Kincaid. The sequel makes a clear narrative choice: Ryle does not receive a redemption arc.

• His character remains volatile and manipulative, particularly when he perceives Atlas as a threat to his relationship with his daughter, Emerson.
• The book starkly contrasts the healthy, supportive love offered by Atlas with the toxic and abusive patterns Ryle continues to exhibit, reinforcing the importance of Lily's decision to leave.
• The story highlights the difficulties of co-parenting with an abuser and the necessity of maintaining firm boundaries for the safety of both Lily and her daughter.

The Uncertain Status of the 'It Starts with Us' Movie Adaptation

Despite the immense financial success and cultural impact of the first film, the cinematic future of the sequel is currently in jeopardy. As of the latest reports, an official movie adaptation of *It Starts with Us* has not been greenlit or officially announced.

The rights to the first novel are held by Justin Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios, who also produced the first film. However, the path forward for the sequel is mired in multiple complications.

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1. The Alleged Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni Drama

The most persistent and significant hurdle is the rumored behind-the-scenes conflict between lead actors Blake Lively (Lily Bloom) and Justin Baldoni (Ryle Kincaid). Insider sources have suggested that the status of a potential sequel is "in doubt" due to an alleged feud between the two stars.

While the exact nature of the drama remains unconfirmed, it has led to speculation that a sequel film is "unlikely," even with the first movie’s financial success. The return of both lead actors is crucial for the sequel, as the story requires their co-parenting dynamic to be central to the plot.

2. Unsecured Film Rights for the Second Novel

Although Wayfarer Studios was deeply involved in the first film, reports indicate that the rights to *It Starts with Us* have not yet been fully secured for a film adaptation.

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• This means that even if the cast drama were resolved, the production company would still need to formalize the deal for the second novel’s rights before any official announcement could be made.
• This legal and contractual limbo adds another layer of complication to the sequel’s timeline.

3. Will the Original Cast Return for the Sequel?

A major question for fans is whether Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and Brandon Sklenar would reprise their roles for *It Starts with Us*. The sequel story relies heavily on the chemistry and conflict between these three main characters.

Brandon Sklenar (Atlas Corrigan) is Ready

The actor who plays fan-favorite Atlas Corrigan, Brandon Sklenar, has publicly expressed his willingness to return for the sequel. He has stated that he would reprise his role, though he admitted that the decision is currently out of his hands.

• Sklenar’s enthusiasm is a positive sign, as Atlas’s perspective is integral to the narrative of *It Starts with Us*.
• His character arc from a homeless teenager to a successful chef who offers Lily a second chance at healthy love is the emotional core of the follow-up story.

The Lively and Baldoni Question Mark

The potential return of Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni is less certain due to the ongoing rumors of their alleged friction. Some reports suggest that a sequel would only happen if Lively agrees to return, which may hinge on resolving the reported drama.

The uncertainty surrounding their involvement is the single biggest factor preventing the *It Starts with Us* movie from moving forward.

4. The Crucial Themes the Sequel Must Address

If the movie sequel is eventually greenlit, it must tackle the complex and serious themes that made the book so impactful. The film cannot simply be a straightforward romance; it must maintain the integrity of the novel’s message.

• Love After Trauma: The core of *It Starts with Us* is the exploration of how to build a new, healthy relationship (with Atlas) while still recovering from past domestic abuse (with Ryle).
• Co-Parenting Challenges: The sequel must realistically portray the struggle of co-parenting a child, Emerson, with an abusive ex-partner and the constant fear of boundary violations.
• Breaking the Cycle: The story serves as a powerful message about resilience and the courage it takes to ensure the cycle of abuse ends with Lily and does not continue with her daughter.

5. The Final Verdict: Is 'It Starts with Us' Coming to Theaters?

As of late 2025, the official answer is No, not yet.

Despite the critical need for a sequel to complete Lily’s story and provide the emotional payoff fans deserve, the film is stuck in development hell. The combination of an unconfirmed status, the lack of secured rights for the second novel, and the high-profile drama between the two main stars makes the sequel an extremely risky proposition for a studio.

Fans of Colleen Hoover and the *It Ends with Us* series should remain hopeful but realistic. For now, the only way to experience the full story of Lily and Atlas’s journey to a second chance is through the pages of the bestselling novel, *It Starts with Us*. The narrative of healing and finding empowerment is complete in the book, even if its cinematic future remains frustratingly uncertain.