It Starts With Us Movie Sequel: 5 Shocking New Updates On Blake Lively, Atlas, And The Official Release Date
The global phenomenon that is Colleen Hoover’s It Ends With Us has left millions of readers and moviegoers desperate for the next chapter. As of today, December 18, 2025, the conversation has shifted entirely from the published book sequel, It Starts With Us, to the highly anticipated—and currently uncertain—status of its film adaptation. Following the massive success of the 2024 movie, fans are clamoring for the on-screen continuation of Lily Bloom and Atlas Corrigan’s love story, but recent updates reveal that the path to a movie sequel is far from guaranteed, with rumors of cast drama and directorial changes swirling.
The original novel's follow-up, It Starts With Us, has already provided the closure readers craved, focusing on Lily's life after her divorce from Ryle and her journey toward a stable, healthy relationship with her first love, Atlas. However, the question remains: Will we see Blake Lively, Brandon Sklenar, and Justin Baldoni return to tell this story on the big screen? The latest news suggests that while the desire is there, securing the rights and moving into production remains a challenging hurdle for Wayfarer Studios.
The Book Sequel: It Starts With Us and The Full Story of Lily and Atlas
The book It Starts With Us, published by Atria Books in October 2022, serves as the direct continuation of Lily Bloom's emotional journey. Unlike the first novel, the sequel is told from dual perspectives, finally giving readers a deep dive into the mind of fan-favorite character, Atlas Corrigan. This narrative choice was a direct response to the overwhelming demand from the "CoHorts" (Colleen Hoover's devoted fanbase) who wanted to know Atlas's side of the story and what happened after he and Lily reconnected.
The novel picks up almost immediately after the dramatic conclusion of It Ends With Us, which saw Lily divorcing Ryle Kincaid and giving birth to their daughter, Emerson. The entire book is dedicated to exploring the rekindled romance between Lily and Atlas and the inevitable obstacles Ryle presents as he struggles to accept Lily’s new relationship.
Key Plot Points and Entities in the Sequel Novel
- Dual Perspectives: The story alternates between Lily Bloom's and Atlas Corrigan's points of view, offering a full picture of their emotional landscape.
- Ryle Kincaid's Interference: Ryle's character is central to the conflict, as his jealousy and possessiveness threaten Lily and Atlas's attempts to build a life together.
- Emerson: Lily's daughter plays a crucial role, forcing Lily and Atlas to navigate their relationship with the added complexity of co-parenting and Ryle's presence.
- Atlas's Past: Readers gain significant insight into Atlas's difficult past, including his time being homeless and his career as a successful chef and restaurant owner.
- Resolution of Trauma: The novel focuses heavily on healing and breaking the cycle of abuse, a core theme that resonated with millions of readers globally.
5 Shocking New Updates on the It Starts With Us Movie Adaptation
The success of the It Ends With Us film, which starred Blake Lively as Lily and Brandon Sklenar as Atlas, has made a sequel movie seem like a foregone conclusion. However, as of early 2025, the project’s official status is still up in the air, with several surprising developments making headlines.
1. No Official Rights Secured (Yet)
Despite the first film’s massive box office and streaming performance, the rights to the sequel, It Starts With Us, had not been officially secured by Wayfarer Studios as of February 2025. This is the biggest hurdle, meaning the film is not yet in pre-production. The initial film's success makes a deal highly likely, but the process is currently stalled, keeping fans anxiously waiting for an official green light.
2. The Director’s Surprising Suggestion for Blake Lively
Justin Baldoni, who played Ryle Kincaid and directed the first film, has publicly stated that he thinks Blake Lively should take over the director's chair for the sequel. Baldoni suggested that the sequel, which is a different kind of story—more focused on healing and romance—might be better suited for a different vision. This speculation has ignited excitement among fans, who are eager to see Lively, already an executive producer, step into a new role for the continuation of Lily’s story.
3. Brandon Sklenar (Atlas) Is Eager to Return
Brandon Sklenar, who received widespread praise for his portrayal of Atlas Corrigan, has openly expressed his strong desire to return for the movie sequel. Speaking at recent industry events, Sklenar confirmed that he "would love to do it," signaling his commitment to the character and the series. His return is considered essential by the fanbase, as Atlas's perspective is crucial to the entire narrative of It Starts With Us.
4. Rumors of Cast and Production Drama
Recent reports have hinted at underlying "cast drama" and controversy surrounding the production team and lead actors following the release of It Ends With Us. While details remain vague, the speculation adds a layer of uncertainty to the sequel's future. The potential for behind-the-scenes friction, combined with the director's suggestion to pass the torch, has made the sequel's development a hot topic of discussion across social media platforms and entertainment news outlets.
5. The Likely Release Window
Given the lack of secured rights and official production announcements as of late 2025, a film adaptation of It Starts With Us would likely not enter production until late 2026 at the earliest. This places the most optimistic theatrical release window sometime in 2027. Fans should monitor news from Sony Pictures and Wayfarer Studios for any official casting or production list updates, as these will be the first concrete signs of the movie moving forward.
The Topical Authority: Why It Starts With Us Is Essential
The significance of the It Ends With Us series extends far beyond its status as a bestselling book and a successful movie. Colleen Hoover’s work, which also includes popular titles like Verity, Ugly Love, and the Slammed Series, has garnered topical authority by addressing sensitive subjects like domestic abuse and trauma recovery within the romance genre. The sequel, It Starts With Us, is vital because it completes the narrative arc of healing.
The book’s central theme is a powerful message to readers: ending a cycle of abuse is the first step, but the subsequent journey of rebuilding and finding healthy love is the true start. This focus on post-trauma recovery and the complex dynamics of co-parenting with an abuser provides a necessary contrast to the intense drama of the first book. The movie adaptation, if it happens, will carry this crucial message to an even wider global audience.
The anticipation for the It Starts With Us movie is a testament to the enduring power of Lily Bloom's story and the hope she finds with Atlas. While the production status remains a question mark, the commitment from actors like Brandon Sklenar and the public push from Justin Baldoni keep the dream alive for millions of CoHo fans waiting for the next cinematic chapter.
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