The cinematic world has found itself ensnared by the drama around the film It Ends With Us, yet it hasn't seemingly dampened the enthusiasm for a potential sequel.
Released in August 2024, the film has become a box-office sensation, amassing over $350 million, but its triumph has been shadowed by legal battles involving its stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni. Accusations of sexual harassment from Lively against Baldoni have led to intense scrutiny and complicated the dynamics between the cast.
Brandon Sklenar, who brought to life the character of Atlas Corrigan, shared his thoughts on the prospect of returning for a follow-up. Despite the turbulence surrounding the sequel's potential, Sklenar recently stated he is open to reprising his role, viewing the project as deeply personal.
During his interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Sklenar expressed, "Yeah, absolutely. I don’t know what’s happening with [the sequel], but I’m really proud of [the original film] and what it means and what it stands for. It was deeply personal to me."
His connection to the film's themes resonates strongly, especially since they highlight domestic violence, emotional abuse, and toxic relationships. "I’ve got someone very, very close to me who has been in [that] situation for years. I’ve been on the frontlines helping her. It means a lot to me," he added. Such sentiments showcase Sklenar's commitment to the narrative and its impact on audiences.
Despite the tumultuous relationship between Lively and Baldoni, which clouds the chances of bringing back the original cast, Sklenar’s remarks signal hope for those eager to see the story continue. Industry experts suggest any follow-up would likely involve many of the same cast and crew. The chances, though, seem slim for Lively and Baldoni to collaborate again after the fallout, especially as Baldoni, who also directed the film, countersued Lively for defamation.
Beyond Sklenar's willingness to revisit the role, the foundation for any sequel seems precarious. The intricacies of legal proceedings could complicate the process of adaptation, casting doubt on whether the audience may witness another chapter of this compelling tale.
Beyond the immediate cast drama, the film’s original success stemmed from its powerful portrayal of sensitive themes, which many viewers resonate with on personal levels. Sklenar’s desire to return to his role might be fueled by the hope to keep these important narratives alive through art.
Colleen Hoover, the author of the original novel, penned a follow-up titled It Starts With Us, which could serve as a basis for any potential sequel, but the adaptation's probability remains tenuous. The existing rights to both novels lie with Baldoni’s Wayfarer Studios, complicate matters as any sequel would require his involvement.
Despite the dicey situation surrounding the film, Sklenar's burgeoning career seems to offer him additional opportunities to amplify meaningful conversations. He also stars in the series 1923, gaining recognition as his influence as an actor continues to rise.
While the situation remains fluid, all eyes are on Sklenar's willingness to return and the potential for revisiting the story. Holistically, the cast drama surrounding It Ends With Us poses significant questions about the longevity and viability of the sequel, especially without strong underlying ties to the original team.
The passionate fans await updates on whether these beloved characters will have another chance to tell their story, but for now, the legal disputes cast uncertainty over this much-anticipated narrative. No matter the outcome, Sklenar’s desire to continue the work done on the original film captures the essence of art's role in depicting pressing societal issues, compelling many to keep their hopes afloat for the future of It Ends With Us.