“It Ends With Us” Surpasses $200 Million at Global Box Office
The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel “It Ends With Us” has achieved a significant milestone, surpassing $200 million in worldwide box office earnings. This success comes despite recent controversies surrounding its star, Blake Lively. Here are three key factors contributing to the movie’s unexpected triumph.
Firstly, Blake Lively, who also serves as a producer, effectively engaged with the book’s loyal fanbase prior to the film’s theatrical release. In mid-June, Lively, along with author Colleen Hoover and co-star Brandon Sklenar, attended the Book Bonanza festival in Grapevine, Texas, where they screened the film for over 2,000 attendees. Additionally, Sony organized a screening for more than 300 book influencers in July, targeting the popular BookTok community. These strategic marketing efforts culminated in a robust $50 million opening weekend.
Secondly, reports of on-set tensions between Lively and co-star Justin Baldoni inadvertently generated additional interest in the film. News of two different cuts of the movie, with Lively showcasing her “preferred” version at Book Bonanza, and Ryan Reynolds’ involvement in rewriting the opening scene, further fueled public curiosity. This controversy, reminiscent of past successful films like “Titanic” and “Joker,” may have contributed to increased awareness and box office performance.
Lastly, the film’s early August release proved to be perfectly timed. As audiences sought alternatives to typical summer blockbusters, “It Ends With Us” offered a refreshing option. The movie’s release followed major titles such as “Bad Boys: Ride or Die” and “Despicable Me 4,” allowing it to stand out in the crowded summer lineup. Lively’s connection to Ryan Reynolds and his upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine” film provided additional visibility, potentially attracting couples who had seen Reynolds’ movie.
While the star power of Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds undoubtedly boosted the film’s profile, its success is largely attributed to the devoted fanbase of Hoover’s novel. This achievement underscores the significant impact a best-selling book can have in drawing audiences to theaters.