Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni to Star in Colleen Hoover's 'We're Over' Adaptation

The film is based on the best-selling novel by Colleen Hoover.

Author Colleen Hoover recently made a splash on BookTok, making her one of the best-selling authors of 2022. Back in 2019, her book "It Ends with Us" was selected for a film, and she recently revealed the film's first cast list via TikTok. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni will lead the film's lead roles, Lily and Lyle. Baldoni is also set to direct.

However, before Hoover shared the casting news, she provided some background on the book's story. Showing viewers her now-vacant childhood home, she told how her mother got them out of a "horrible situation" and created a space "full of love and joy". Hoover said the story of "The End of Us" was largely based on her mother, and making it into a movie was a bittersweet experience. The mood quickly shifted as the cast was revealed. Hoover calls Lively her "dream lily." Meanwhile, upon first meeting Baldoni, Hoover thought he would be a good fit for Ryle. She said both actors "have what it takes to bring these characters to life," and ended the video by expressing her overall excitement for the adaptation.

In the book, Lily is a young woman who moves from small town Maine to Boston to start her own business. Despite her struggles along the way, she was a hard worker and determined to live the life she wanted. So when meeting Lyle, a neurosurgeon, things seem too good to be true, especially with his intense distaste for relationships. When Lily begins a relationship with Ryle, she is reminded of her past affair with Atlas Corrigan - whose sudden appearance threatens Lily's relationship with Ryle.

It Ends with Us will be Lively's first feature film since 2020 after the rhythm section. She has had an extensive career in various genres, starring in films such as The Shallows, The Age of Adaline, and A Simple Favor. She is also known for starring in the original Gossip Girl series. Baldoni's most recent performance was on The CW's Jane the Virgin, which ended in 2019. Since then, he has directed feature films such as "Five Feet Away" and "The Cloud," and served as an executive producer on numerous projects, including "Moon and Back," "Love You Anyway," and more.

According to Deadline, the movie is currently in development with Wayfarer Studios and Sony Pictures. Christy Hall is adapting the screenplay and producing. Alex Saks for Saks Picture Company, Jamey Heath for Wayfarer. Hoover and Lively serve as executive producers, while Baldoni, Steve Sarowitz and Andrew Calof executive produce Wayfarer.

It Ends with Us currently has no release window. Check out Hoover's announcement video below: