Blake Lively’s new film is already controversial and it’s not even out yet

Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence which some readers may find distressing.

Blake Lively’s new film is already causing controversy and it’s not even out in cinemas yet.

The Green Lantern star is playing the lead in the movie adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s popular book, It Ends With Us.

The 2016 novel has sold millions of copies and regularly been one of the best-selling books, plus, adding to the hype, It Ends With Us has over one billion tags on TikTok.

So, it’s pretty clear there’s a lot of people excited about the upcoming film with Lively in the role of Lily Bloom and Jane the Virgin star Justin Baldoni playing Ryle Kincaid.

The film is set to release this summer. (Sony Pictures Releasing)

And earlier this week that excitement was stirred up with a first look of the movie.

Four stills were shared on socials, with the caption: “The book you love is the movie event of the summer. Colleen Hoover’s global best-selling phenomenon #ItEndsWithUsMovie is coming exclusively to theatres August 9.”

However, not all fans of the book are so pleased with the images as they think they look too ‘romantic’.

Hoover’s novel tells the story of a physically abusive relationship between Bloom and Kincaid and these images show the pair enjoying karaoke together and looking ‘loved-up’.

Users took to X to share their opinions on the choice of images as they wrote: “Still insane to me that they promote this as a romance book/movie."

Baldoni and Lively star in the lead roles. (Sony Pictures Releasing)

As another wrote: “Just to remind everyone that this isn't a romance book/film.”

It seems some fans think these promo pics are a little misleading, with the idea of just romance diverting from the films actual subject matter.

And therefore, people worry this could be harmful if people go to see the film without having prior knowledge of the film’s themes and potentially difficult scenes.

Although, it is worth noting this is just a first glance at the It Ends With Us movie, there’s yet to be a trailer released and this might end up addressing the storyline of sexual assault.

Plus, it’s likely when the film does hit cinemas it will come with an age rating and a warning of what it includes.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, please know that you are not alone. You can talk in confidence to the national domestic violence helpline Refuge on 0808 2000 247, available 24/7, or via live chat, available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday.

Topics: Blake Lively, Film, TV and Film, Celebrity

Jess Battison

Jess is an Entertainment Journalist with a love of all things pop culture. Her main interests include keeping up with the Twitter girlies, waiting for a new series of The Traitors and losing her voice at a Beyoncé concert. She graduated with a first in Journalism from City, University of London in 2021 and has previously worked at MyLondon.

@jessbattison_