It Starts With Us: 5 Crucial Updates On The Movie Adaptation, Plot, And Colleen Hoover’s Record-Breaking Sequel

The global phenomenon of Colleen Hoover's "It Ends With Us" has set the stage for one of the most anticipated sequels in recent publishing history: "It Starts With Us." As of today, December 10, 2025, the conversation around the book has intensified following the massive box office success of the first film adaptation, leading to feverish speculation about the future of Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan’s story on the big screen.

This novel, which gives a voice to fan-favorite Atlas and chronicles the complex aftermath of Lily's divorce from Ryle Kincaid, serves as a powerful narrative on second chances, healing, and the difficult journey of co-parenting. While the book's success is undeniable, the path to a cinematic sequel remains complicated, with the most recent updates suggesting a significant hurdle remains before a formal announcement can be made.

The Author: Colleen Hoover's Biography and Bestseller Status

Margaret Colleen Hoover, known simply as Colleen Hoover, has transformed the romance and young adult fiction landscape, becoming a dominant force on the New York Times and international bestseller lists. Her work is celebrated for tackling complex, sensitive themes with a blend of emotional depth and compelling storytelling.

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• Full Name: Margaret Colleen Hoover (née Fennell)
• Born: December 11, 1979 (Sulphur Springs, Texas)
• Primary Genres: Romance, Young Adult (YA), New Adult, and Psychological Thrillers (like Verity).
• Career Start: Her debut novel, Slammed, was self-published in January 2012.
• Record-Breaking Success: In 2022, she sold more books than any other author in the U.S., surpassing major names like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King, largely fueled by the BookTok community.
• Inspiration for It Ends With Us: The original novel was inspired by the domestic violence her own mother experienced.
• Series Connection: It Starts With Us is the second book in the It Ends With Us series, published in October 2022.

The Story of Lily and Atlas: Themes of Healing and Second Chances

It Starts With Us picks up exactly where It Ends With Us concluded, providing the closure and resolution that readers desperately sought after the emotional turmoil of the first book. The novel is structured with alternating chapters, giving the reader a deep dive into both Lily Bloom's and Atlas Corrigan's perspectives.

The Core Conflict: Navigating Ryle and Co-Parenting

The central plot revolves around Lily's life after her divorce from Ryle Kincaid and her commitment to co-parenting their daughter, Emmy. When Lily runs into her first love, Atlas Corrigan, the possibility of a rekindled romance emerges. However, Ryle's volatile nature and his deep-seated jealousy complicate every step of their new relationship.

The book skillfully explores the challenges of moving on from an abusive relationship while protecting a child. Lily must constantly manage Ryle's reactions and the potential for a relapse into his abusive patterns, all while trying to build a healthy, new life for herself and Emmy.

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Atlas's Side of the Story

A major draw of the sequel is finally getting Atlas's perspective. The novel delves into his past, revealing the trauma he experienced as a teenager, including the abuse and rejection from his mother and her abusive partner, Tim. This backstory provides crucial context for his selfless actions in the first book and his protective, patient nature in the sequel.

Atlas's chapters highlight the themes of personal growth and resilience. He has built a successful life as a chef and is finally ready to pursue Lily without the complications of their youth, but he remains deeply aware of Ryle’s threat. His journal entries and reflections offer a powerful counter-narrative to the darkness of domestic violence, focusing on the power of true love and forgiveness.

Record-Breaking Impact and Sales

The anticipation for the novel was immense. It Starts With Us set a sales record for publisher Simon & Schuster, with pre-orders and first-day sales (print, e-books, and audiobooks) hitting a staggering 800,000 copies in the U.S. alone. The initial print run was an enormous 2.5 million copies, solidifying its status as an instant global bestseller.

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The Unconfirmed Status of the 'It Starts With Us' Movie Adaptation

Following the tremendous box office success of the 2024 film adaptation of It Ends With Us, which starred Blake Lively as Lily Bloom, Justin Baldoni as Ryle Kincaid, and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas Corrigan, fans immediately began demanding a sequel. However, as of the most recent updates in late 2024 and early 2025, the film adaptation of It Starts With Us remains officially unconfirmed.

The Rights Hurdle

The primary complication appears to be the securing of the film rights for the sequel. While Justin Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, produced the first film, reports indicate that the rights to It Starts With Us have not yet been secured, meaning a formal adaptation hasn't even been greenlit.

Despite this, both the director and the cast have expressed strong interest in continuing the story:

• Justin Baldoni's Hope: Baldoni, who directed the first film, has openly discussed his desire to see the sequel made. He has also expressed his hope that Blake Lively would return to reprise her role as Lily Bloom.
• Brandon Sklenar's Enthusiasm: Brandon Sklenar, who played the role of Atlas Corrigan, has also shared his enthusiasm for an adaptation, noting the deep fan connection to his character's story.
• The Fan Factor: The global success of the first film, which grossed over $300 million worldwide, is a powerful incentive for Sony and the production companies involved to move forward.

Until a formal announcement is made, the sequel remains in a state of limbo. The unprecedented popularity of the source material, however, suggests that it is more a matter of "when" rather than "if" the story of Lily and Atlas will return to the big screen.

Why 'It Starts With Us' Resonates with Readers

The novel’s enduring appeal lies in its sensitive handling of difficult themes, offering a message of hope and empowerment. It’s not just a romance novel; it’s a story about breaking cycles of abuse and finding the courage to choose a healthier future. The book’s focus on trauma, PTSD, and the complexities of domestic violence—balanced with the pure, unconditional love between Lily and Atlas—gives it an emotional weight that transcends the typical romance genre. The dual-perspective format allows readers to fully understand Atlas’s motivations and his unwavering support for Lily, solidifying his status as one of the most beloved male characters in contemporary fiction.

As the book continues to sell strongly and the film adaptation of It Ends With Us maintains its cultural relevance, the pressure on studios to secure the rights and announce the production of It Starts With Us will only grow. Fans are patiently—and loudly—waiting for the next chapter in Lily and Atlas's journey.