In mid-June, star producer Blake Lively traveled to Dallas to attend author Colleen Hoover’s Book Bonanza event and conduct a Q&A ahead of its August release It all ends with us. Lively surprised the more than 2,000 attendees when he announced they could screen a rough cut of the film adaptation the following night.
The film was the first of Hoover’s popular novels to be adapted for the screen, and its screening proved to be a stroke of marketing genius for Sony, which purchased the film’s distribution rights from Wayfarer Studios, whose co-founder Justin Justin Baldoni serves as director and producer.
“Colleen Hoover’s ‘Bonanza’ and her fans ignited this cultural movement,” said Josh Greenstein, senior marketer and president of Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Motion Picture Group.
However, Baldoni was absent from the Dallas gathering. The version shown that night was Lively’s favorite rough cut of the film.
When the movie was released on August 9, an ugly war broke out on TikTok and other social media platforms, pitting Baldoni and Lively against each other. Despite reports that some cast and crew members, including Lively, were uncomfortable with Baldoni’s behavior on set, many pointed the finger at Lively.
The rift became undeniable when Baldoni didn’t show up for photos with Lively, Hoover and the rest of the cast at the New York premiere (many people also unfollowed him on Instagram) . He later skipped the UK premiere, remaining in New York for several appearances. cbs morning show and today exhibit. In recent days, he hired public relations crisis communications executive Melissa Nathan.
Lively, meanwhile, has also faced backlash on social media, with some users claiming she didn’t take the subject of domestic violence in the film seriously enough, despite her frequently addressing it in press conferences.
Sony is fully in sync with Lively.
“Blake, Colleen and many women have put in a huge effort on this extraordinary film, working selflessly from the beginning to ensure that such an important subject was handled with care. Audiences loved the film. Blake was instrumental in promoting awareness about domestic violence.” The enthusiasm and commitment to the dialogue are to be commended. hollywood reporter. “We loved working with Blake and we want to do 12 more movies with her.”
It all ends with us Lively stars as Lily Bloom, who overcame the childhood trauma of witnessing her father abuse her mother to start a new life in Boston and realize her lifelong dream of opening her own business. A chance encounter with charming neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid (Baldoni) sparks a strong connection, but as the two fall deeply in love, Lily begins to see sides of Ryle that remind her of Parental relationship. When Lily’s first love, Atlas Corrigan (Brandon Skrennar), suddenly reenters her life, her relationship with Lyle is upended, and Lily realizes she must learn to rely on her own strength Making an impossible choice for your future.
Sony’s marketing campaign – true to Hoover’s book – conveys this It all ends with us This is not a victim story, but a redemption story. It spans falling in love, becoming an entrepreneur, friendship and family, as well as pain and trauma. “Lily is a survivor and a victim, but that doesn’t define her because she takes charge of her own identity and her story. These themes are important to the campaign,” said a source connected to the film’s release.
Lively echoed those sentiments when asked at the New York premiere on Aug. 6 what she would say to survivors who watch the film and recognize their own trauma. “I think you’re so important — not to belittle it — but you’re not just a survivor or a victim. While that’s a big thing, you’re a human being made up of so many people, and what you do to you is What you do doesn’t define you. you Define you. Hoover always said the same thing about her books.
Baldoni has previously been outspoken about why he believes the story needs to be adapted for the big screen THR”, “This can actually make a real difference and save lives. He also acknowledged that the topic of domestic violence needed to be treated with caution in the adaptation.
The female-led film exceeded all expectations when it debuted last weekend, grossing $50 million at the North American box office, almost matching the third weekend of “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.” Deadpool and Wolverinestarring Lively’s husband Ryan Reynolds.
Monday and Tuesday, It all ends with us it goes beyond dead Pool It topped the domestic box office in five days with $64 million, a pretty impressive number for a movie that cost $25 million to make. Overseas, it has grossed over $30 million, meaning it has likely passed the $100 million mark.
sources revealed THR Baldoni and Lively had disagreements during post-production, and two different cuts of the film emerged. Lively commissioned editor Shane Reid to edit the film. Deadpool and Wolverineaccording to multiple sources.
When the film was released on Friday, Baldoni was asked if he would consider directing a book adaptation of the Hoover sequel start with us. He thought Lively might be best suited for the job.
Carly Thomas contributed to this story.
