Colleen Hoover Speaks on ‘It Ends With Us’ Film Controversy

Author Colleen Hoover has opened up about the negative impact of the legal dispute involving the film adaptation of her bestselling novel, “It Ends With Us.” In a candid interview, she revealed feeling a sense of embarrassment and sadness over the situation, which has overshadowed the book’s personal inspiration and success.

The Fallout from the Film’s Legal Drama

Following the August 2024 premiere of “It Ends With Us,” a lawsuit between stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni created a “hostile work environment” that Hoover finds deeply troubling. The author explained she is trying to stay removed from the negativity, stating she has her own story but refuses to “put someone else down to lift myself up.” The legal back-and-forth has significantly impacted the actors’ careers, leading Hoover to feel the ugliness has overshadowed the work itself.

Hoover’s distress is amplified because the novel was inspired by her mother’s personal experiences. She now feels “almost embarrassed to say I wrote it” and avoids recommending the book. Despite still being proud of the work, she is “less publicly so” due to the ongoing court drama.

Upcoming Projects for 2026

Despite the controversy, Hoover continues to be prolific. Her upcoming thriller, “Woman Down,” is scheduled for release in January 2026. The novel follows a “frustrated author” searching for a muse in a remote location. Additionally, the film adaptation of her 2022 book, “Reminders of Him,” starring Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers, is slated for a March 13, 2026, theatrical release.

Another adaptation, “Regretting You,” premiered in October with a cast including Mckenna Grace and Dave Franco. While critics gave it mixed reviews, it earned an 85% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes’ Popcornmeter. Hoover emphasizes that writing books remains her priority, stating, “Writing books pays the bills. That’s always going to be my priority and what I most enjoy.”

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