The film adaptation of “It Ends with Us” was anticipated as BookTok’s big introduction to the movie industry.

While adaptations of books for the screen aren’t new, this one represented a different kind of success. It highlighted the power of readers who turned Colleen Hoover’s 2016 romance into a notable hit, urging publishers to pay more attention to what BookTok fans cherished.

However, the situation now seems far from celebratory, with some fans wishing that the book they’d raised to fame had never gained such popularity.

The movie version of “It Ends with Us” has been surrounded by controversy since its inception. Initially, some readers opposed the choice of this book for adaptation, claiming it romanticized domestic violence. Concerns intensified with the early images of Blake Lively’s unflattering wardrobe on set. The atmosphere became even more charged during promotional events, as Lively and Justin Baldoni conducted separate interviews while cast members sidetracked queries concerning Baldoni.

Compounding the issues, allegations of sexual harassment against Baldoni surfaced, with Lively’s legal representation stating he initiated a “smear campaign” against her while hiding his own misconduct.

“If this chaotic situation doesn’t prove that a good book might just be better left as is, I don’t know what will,” lamented one fan on TikTok. “It’s unfortunate because the book series was great, but now it’s overshadowed by this turmoil.”

‘It Ends with Us’ had a strong start on BookTok

“It Ends with Us” emerged as a standout title during the initial phase of BookTok’s popularity.

The book boasts nearly two million five-star ratings on Goodreads, with countless videos of readers sharing their emotional reactions at the conclusion garnering massive view counts. It quickly climbed the ranks as one of the cherished titles in the BookTok community, alongside favorites like “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros and “A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas. Together, these titles prominently feature on “As Seen on BookTok” displays in bookstores.

This success led Hoover to release a sequel, aptly named “It Starts with Us,” six years after the original’s debut.

However, not every BookTok user applauded the novel; some questioned its accolades. Critics highlighted Hoover’s omission of trigger warnings given the narrative’s heavy focus on domestic violence and trauma, while others simply labeled “It Ends with Us” as cringeworthy.

A tumultuous journey to cinema

Initially, many readers who elevated “It Ends with Us” celebrated the transition from page to screen as a win for BookTok.

Yet, dissatisfaction arose regarding the casting of Lively, who was 35 at the time, to portray a character aged 23. The controversy escalated over her costume choices—images from the set showcased eccentric and elaborate outfits that numerous readers felt were unflattering for both the character and Lively herself.

“Ever thought that the reason the ‘It Ends With Us’ set looks subpar is because the BOOK was flawed?” questioned a video that amassed over 700,000 likes. “Seriously, think about it.”

As the situation evolved, criticism mounted regarding the film’s marketing approach, perceived as overly cheerful given the serious nature of its storyline. Conflicts arose within the cast as Lively and Hoover continued to promote the film independently from Baldoni.

Despite generating over $148 million in box office sales in the U.S., not all viewers felt that the film captured the essence of the book.

“As someone who loved the book, I’m upset about all the critical elements missing from the movie,” said one user in a video with 20,000 views, noting, “It felt rushed, but I’d still watch it again.”

In light of the unfolding allegations, Lively’s lawyers have accused Baldoni of previously disregarding consent. They have presented text messages from his PR team instructing them to “bury anyone” who posed a threat. This made fans feel as though they were caught in a negative narrative that targeted Lively following the movie’s release.

This experience has left many fans apprehensive about upcoming BookTok adaptations, of which several are in the pipeline.

“As if ‘It Ends With Us’ wasn’t enough,” voiced one TikTok user. In reaction to another user’s post about Anne Hathaway being cast in “Verity,” another commented, “please don’t ruin this one like they did ‘It Ends With Us.’”