Blake Lively 'Exceeded All My Expectations' inIt Ends with Us, Raves Author Colleen Hoover (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Colleen Hooverhas enthusiastic praise forBlake Lively’s complex performance inIt Ends with Us.

The upcoming romantic drama marks the first big-screen adaptation of one of Hoover’s blockbuster books. The author tells PEOPLE the process has been “absolutely incredible and surreal.”

“Everyone involved has been so dedicated about making this adaptation as faithful and heartfelt as possible,” says Hoover, who is also an executive producer on the film. “It’s been a true team effort, and I can’t wait for those who loved the book to see the movie and experience the magic they’ve created on the big screen.”

Blake Lively in “It Ends with Us”.Nicole Rivelli/SONY PICTURES

Nicole Rivelli/SONY PICTURES

A key piece of that magic is Lively as Lily Bloom, a woman starting up her own business in Boston who sparks a volatile relationship with a charismatic neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid.

Hoover says Lively, 36, gives a “captivating, stunning and emotional” performance.

“There aren’t enough words to describe her phenomenal talent,” says Hoover. “Blake Lively truly brought Lily Bloom to life in a way that exceeded all my expectations.”

Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni in “It Ends with Us”.Nicole Rivelli

Nicole Rivelli

“When I wrote Lily’s character, I thought I had a fairly solid image in mind,” she adds, “but Blake’s portrayal added so much depth and complexity to the character that I didn’t even anticipate.”

Hoover explains that the “most impressive” part of the actress is “her ability to convey her character’s internal conflicts and external challenges with such nuance and subtlety.”

“I am in awe, truly,” says the author. “I couldn’t be more grateful for her incredible performance.”

Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively in “It Ends with Us”.Nicole Rivelli

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Justin Baldoni stars opposite Lively as Ryle and also serves as director ofIt Ends with Us. He hails Lively’s take on Lily as “strong, funny and intelligent — all the things you want from female heroine.”

Baldoni adds that there “wasn’t a part of this production that [Lively] didn’t touch and have influence on.” And, he says, “everything that she put her hands on and her mind to, she made better.”

Jenny Slate and Blake Lively in “It Ends with Us”.Sony Pictures

Sony Pictures

Now eight years sinceIt Ends with Uswas first published, Hoover says she “definitely felt so much while watching the adaptation.”

Lively says she hopes her love for the character and the material shines through.

It Ends with Usis in theaters Aug. 9.

source: people.com