The Shocking Role: Everything Kevin McKidd Plays In Colleen Hoover's 'It Ends With Us' Movie

The casting of Kevin McKidd in the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s novel, It Ends With Us, has sparked intense curiosity among fans and film enthusiasts alike. As of this December 2025 update, the veteran actor, best known for his long-running role on Grey’s Anatomy, is confirmed to portray one of the book’s most pivotal and darkest figures: Andrew Bloom. This role is a significant departure from his beloved character, Dr. Owen Hunt, and places him at the emotional core of Lily Bloom’s traumatic past.

The film, which is set for release on August 9, 2024, is one of the most talked-about book-to-screen projects in recent memory. McKidd joins a star-studded cast including Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid, and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan. His portrayal of Lily's father is central to understanding the cycle of violence and trauma that the protagonist, Lily Bloom, fights to escape throughout the story.

Kevin McKidd: Biography and Career Profile

Kevin McKidd is a distinguished Scottish actor, director, and occasional singer, who has built an impressive career across film and television. Born on August 9, 1973, in Elgin, Moray, Scotland, McKidd initially studied engineering at the University of Edinburgh before pursuing drama at the Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh.

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• Full Name: Kevin McKidd
• Date of Birth: August 9, 1973
• Place of Birth: Elgin, Moray, Scotland
• Nationality: Scottish-American
• Primary Roles: Actor, Director
• Spouse: Arielle Goldrath (m. 2017; div. 2023), Jane Parker (m. 1999; div. 2017)
• Children: 4 (two from each marriage)

Notable Filmography Highlights

McKidd’s career is marked by several iconic roles, cementing his status as a versatile performer:

• Dr. Owen Hunt: His most famous role, a trauma surgeon and Chief of Surgery on the ABC medical drama Grey's Anatomy, a role he has held since 2008.
• Lucius Vorenus: The Roman soldier in the critically acclaimed HBO/BBC historical drama series Rome (2005–2007).
• Tommy: The character in the cult classic film Trainspotting (1996).
• Poseidon: The Greek god in the fantasy film Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010).
• Voice Acting: He has also lent his voice to video games, notably as John "Soap" MacTavish in the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare series.

Unpacking Kevin McKidd's Dark Role as Andrew Bloom

McKidd's casting as Andrew Bloom is one of the most compelling aspects of the It Ends With Us adaptation. The character is not a charismatic lead but a figure from the past who casts a long, dark shadow over the present life of Lily Bloom. Andrew Bloom is Lily’s late father and the former mayor of their hometown, Plethora, Maine.

In the narrative, Andrew Bloom is the embodiment of the cycle of domestic abuse that the novel explores. He was physically and emotionally abusive towards Lily's mother. This traumatic childhood experience is the foundation of Lily's deepest fears and her central conflict when she later finds herself in a relationship with similar patterns of violence.

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The Pivotal Funeral Scene

The film adaptation, like the book, begins with the aftermath of Andrew Bloom’s death. Kevin McKidd’s scenes as Andrew Bloom are expected to be primarily flashbacks and the impactful opening sequence. A key moment involves Lily delivering a eulogy at her father’s funeral. Instead of a traditional tribute, Lily uses the opportunity to acknowledge the truth of his character, listing the things she doesn't love about him—a poignant and powerful moment of breaking the silence surrounding his abuse.

McKidd’s experience in intense, dramatic roles, especially as a trauma surgeon dealing with high-stakes emotional situations in Grey's Anatomy, makes him an excellent choice to handle the complexity and gravity of Andrew Bloom. His performance will need to convey both the public veneer of a respected town figure and the private cruelty of an abuser. This duality is essential for the film's message about how abuse often hides in plain sight.

The Significance of Andrew Bloom in the 'It Ends With Us' Narrative

The character of Andrew Bloom is more than just a figure from Lily's past; he is the thematic anchor for the entire story. The novel’s title, It Ends With Us, refers to Lily's determination to ensure the cycle of domestic violence—which started with her father's actions—ends with her generation.

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Andrew Bloom’s actions are directly tied to the development of other key characters:

• Lily Bloom: Her childhood trauma watching her mother suffer at the hands of her father shapes her entire adult perspective on relationships and abuse.
• Atlas Corrigan: Andrew Bloom’s violence extended beyond his family. He badly beat a teenage Atlas Corrigan when Atlas was trying to protect Lily and her mother, creating a shared, painful history between Lily and her first love.
• Ryle Kincaid: Lily’s struggle to leave Ryle, a neurosurgeon she falls for, is complicated by the memory of her mother's inability to leave Andrew. She is terrified of becoming her mother, yet trapped by the same emotional bonds.

By casting an actor of Kevin McKidd's caliber and recognition, the filmmakers are emphasizing the weight and importance of this character and the serious subject matter. His presence ensures that the film will not shy away from the difficult, emotional truths at the heart of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel. The contrast between McKidd’s established heroic persona (Dr. Owen Hunt) and the villainous nature of Andrew Bloom is a brilliant casting move that will likely resonate deeply with audiences.

As the August 2024 release date approaches, fans are eager to see how McKidd and the rest of the talented cast will bring this powerful and emotionally charged story of love, trauma, and resilience to the big screen. The movie promises to be a faithful, yet fresh, adaptation that tackles the difficult themes of the book with the necessary sensitivity and depth.