Blake Lively Movie ‘It Ends With Us’ Coming to Netflix December 9

It Ends With Us has finally landed a streaming release date on Netflix: December 9. The film, adapted from the best-selling Colleen Hoover novel of the same name, has been plagued by controversies since well before its August 9 theatrical release date. Still, that hasn’t stopped the dark romance from becoming a box-office success, earning $350 million. Now, the film looks destined to be a streaming hit as all the moviegoers who skipped out on the much-talked-about film in August can finally see what all the fuss is about from their own homes.

The controversy surrounding It Ends With Us begins with the novel, which some criticized for romanticizing abuse. However, the contention among fans didn’t end there. The casting of the film’s star, Blake Lively, became a topic of debate, as the actress is roughly 15 years older than the novel’s main character. Still, that was just the tip of the iceberg, as scandal after scandal began to mount behind the scenes.

Not long after the film’s debut in August, there were reports left and right about Lively clashing with co-star and director Justin Baldoni. Not to mention, Lively was heavily criticized for her approach to the press tour; the star promoted the film (about domestic abuse) using language fans found to be tone-deaf — “grab your friends, wear your florals” — and she even attempted to launch a brand-new product line. It Ends With Us was even criticized for a featured song written and performed by an alleged abuser.

What’s Next for Blake Lively and ‘It Ends With Us’?

Despite being a box office success, behind-the-scenes drama may have dashed hopes for an It Ends With Us sequel. An ongoing feud between Lively and Baldoni makes it hard to see a path forward for any future adaptations in the series. Not only was Lively a star in the film, but she was also a producer. And not only did Baldoni co-star in and direct the film, but his production company, Wayfarer Studios, maintains the rights to the sequel novel It Starts With Us. In other words, any future entry in the series would likely see both Lively and Baldoni return in their respective roles.

​​As for Blake Lively, specifically, the actress is worried the film has ruined her career. Lively even hired a crisis PR team to help her deal with the backlash surrounding It Ends With Us. Essentially, the star reportedly fears no one will want to work with her following all the negative press she has received.

Still, It Ends With Us seems destined for Netflix’s Top 10 when it comes to the streaming service on December 9. Between the controversy and the box office success, it is certain to attract curious moviegoers who stayed at home in August for one reason or another. Perhaps then, fans will get a chance to learn more about the fate of a potential sequel that, as of right now, looks doomed to sit in pre-production into the foreseeable future.