‘It Ends With Us’ author Colleen Hoover comments on Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni legal drama
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'It Ends With Us' author Colleen Hoover has finally broken her silence on Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni’s legal drama, months after the actors reached a settlement.
The 2024 movie, starring Lively and Baldoni, was based on Hoover’s 2016 novel of the same name.
Colleen Hoover praises 'It Ends With Us' movie despite legal drama
During a recent interview with Variety, the author shared her views on the controversy while discussing the upcoming movie 'Verity', which is based on her 2018 book of the same name.
Hoover said on Wednesday, September 23, “I feel for everyone, you know? As the author, I was, and am, so proud of that movie. I think they did a great job.”
Colleen Hoover praises cast and performances
Continuing, the 46-year-old praised the stars of 'It Ends With Us', which also featured Brandon Sklenar in a leading role.
She noted, “I think [Blake [Lively]] was great in it, Justin [Baldoni] was great in it, Brandon [Sklenar] was great in it, and I saw the completed film before any of that happened, or I knew it was happening, so I was proud of the film! And I still am.”
Hoover emphasized that her focus was on the film’s success rather than the controversy.
She added, “It was a huge hit. So, that’s what I focus on and I’m grateful that we’re here doing another one. It’s been a great experience and I think the aftermath is going to be a great experience.”
Colleen Hoover's excited for new film 'Verity'
'Verity', slated for release on October 2, stars Anne Hathaway, Dakota Johnson, and Josh Hartnett. Michael Showalter is the director.
Speaking about the new movie, Hoover further stated, “I’m just really, really excited for this release in a way that I don’t think I have been. I had a lot of nerves with the other ones, for a lot of different reasons, but this one is pure excitement.”
Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni call 'It Ends With Us' a source of pride
This came after Lively and Baldoni reached a settlement in May following months of disputes. The settlement was reportedly reached just two weeks before the scheduled trial.
Later, in a joint statement released through their attorneys, the two said, “The end product – the movie 'It Ends With Us' – is a source of pride to all of us who worked to bring it to life. Raising awareness, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of domestic violence survivors – and all survivors – is a goal that we stand behind."
“We acknowledge the process presented challenges and recognize concerns raised by Ms Lively deserved to be heard. We remain firmly committed to workplaces free of improprieties and unproductive environments,” the statement added.
