$250 million, but a compromised sequel to one of the summer’s hits?

With a gross of nearly $250 million for a production budget of $25, Never Again – It Ends with Us can be considered one of the blockbusters of the summer. Certainly less thunderous than Deadpool & Wolverine and Vice Versa 2, but the facts and figures are there. And all indications are that the sequel to the novel that inspired Justin Baldoni’s film, “It Starts With Us” (“forever”), will see the light of day. Yes, but no.

As the film’s release approaches, rumors of tension are doing the rounds online. And they’re gaining momentum on Aug. 6 at a preview night in New York. When director and lead actor Justin Baldoni isn’t on set with the rest of the cast, or when he’s not presenting his feature film on screen with his partner Blake Lively and novelist Colin Hoover.

The reasons for the conflict would be numerous, and one of them would be related to editing. In fact, it is being reported that the version seen in theaters will be the one put forward by Blake Lively, who also confirmed that what he considers to be the best scene was rewritten by his partner Ryan Reynolds (who is not involved in the project, even as a producer), which Justin Baldoni As if he found out with these statements.

And this is not the only problem hidden in this statement. Because filming began on May 5, 2023, three days after the start of the screenwriters’ strike led by the WGA, of which Ryan Reynolds is a member, it was supposed to prevent his participation, even an uncredited, slight rewrite.

Hands on film

While the major stakeholders have not commented on the news and the WGA has not commented on the possible breach, a source close to the actor confirms that his intervention dates back to April 2023. But all this supports the most popular theory at the time. release of the film, namely that Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds were trying to take over the project. And this chaos obscures the messages that the feature film is trying to convey about domestic violence.

People contacted Diversity It is argued that the Justin Baldoni relationship has reached a tipping point (although neither camp has been able to prove actual wrongdoing on either side), which could therefore be detrimental to the future. Because it’s Justin Baldoni’s production company Wayfarer Studios that has the rights to adapt the novel from 2019. And it is necessary to pass it to start the project.

Directed by Blake Lively?

Shortly before the release of the first part, the director announced that he was not thinking about a sequel. before they propose entertainment tonightOn the night of the premiere, Blake Lively was probably the best person to lead. How to hand him the hot potato and let him continue with the project he wanted to take on? Or the first step towards a reconciliation that would allow him to take some of the pressure off him?

That his character Riley is underrepresented “forever” He could leave behind as an actor and director, without disappointing the audience, who are already waiting for a sequel. However, this may take time.

But Variety notes that Sarah Jessica Parker and Kim Cattrall were able to put their differences aside to allow Sex & the City 2 to see the light of day, for the good of the public (and their wallets), so nothing is lost just yet. “never again” The continuation of the collaboration between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively is not yet determined. But it is very complex and not just a summary.