'It Ends With Us' sequel 'It Starts With Us' faces uncertainty amid Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni rift

The highly anticipated sequel to "It Ends With Us," based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling novel 'It Starts With Us', is reportedly facing significant delays due to ongoing tension between its co-stars and producers, Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. While the first installment achieved tremendous success, grossing over $200 million globally, behind-the-scenes drama now threatens the future of the sequel.

Sources reveal that creative differences between Lively and Baldoni have been brewing for some time, leading to a strained relationship that might impact the production of the second film. Both Lively and Baldoni are not only the leading stars but also hold key production roles. While Justin's character, Ryle, takes on a smaller role in the sequel, his production company, Wayfarer Studios, owns the rights to both of Hoover's novels. This ownership places Justin in a powerful position, potentially complicating the creative process for the sequel.

Rumors of discord first emerged when Lively and Baldoni noticeably avoided promoting the first film together, even refraining from posing together at the premiere. Allegedly, Lively had a different vision for the final cut of the film, commissioning an edit that clashed with Baldoni’s. Reports also suggest that Lively felt uncomfortable during certain scenes, accusing Baldoni of unprofessional behavior during an intimate moment on set. Furthermore, it has been reported that Lively’s husband, Ryan Reynolds, contributed to rewriting a key scene, which may have undermined Baldoni's creative authority.

Justin Baldoni, who directed the first film, has expressed a willingness to step back from directing the sequel, even suggesting that Lively take the helm. However, this proposal brings its own set of challenges, as Lively would still need to navigate negotiations with Baldoni in his role as the lead producer.

With tensions running high and uncertainty surrounding the collaboration of the two stars, the future of the "It Ends With Us" sequel remains unclear.