Actor Blake Lively (35) Justin Baldoni (39) is linked to the project, and the latter will also direct, reports Deadline.
The book, which in Norwegian is entitled “Det ender med oss” by Colleen Hoover, has a consistent theme of intimate partner violence.
The plot has been said by the author to be loosely inspired by her mother’s story.
Phenomenon six years later
American Hoover announced on Thursday that Lively and Baldoni will play the main characters in the book, Lily and Ryle.
– I think Justin and Blake Lively have what it takes to bring these characters to life, and I can’t wait for you to see it happen, Hoover tells his 1.9 million Instagram followers.
The book was published in 2016, but took off in 2022 after it became popular among book lovers on TikTok. Hoover is currently the best-selling author in the United States, with over 20 million books sold. “It Ends With Us” has been translated into 43 languages, and has been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 90 weeks, writes Deadline.
In 2019, lead actor Baldoni and Wayfarer Studios secured the film rights to the novel. The author as a consultant on the film to be distributed by Sony Pictures.
Pulled book after criticism
The news comes two weeks after Hoover received criticism from readers when she announced plans to launch a coloring book based on the novel that tackles intimate partner violence.
On the side Goodreads hailed criticism from fans who questioned the purpose of the product.
“What shall we color? Lily’s bruises from Ryle? This is sickening,” wrote one.
It ended with the book plans being withdrawn and the author issuing an apology.
– I can certainly see that this was tone deaf, wrote Hoover on Instagram, reports CNN.
