By Pritha Das

Despite the high-profile adaptation of the popular book coming to the big screen, It Ends with Us faces casting controversy around the age of one of the main characters. The upcoming movie is based on Colleen Hoover's 2016 book of the same name and will feature an objectively impressive cast that includes a handful of big names. However, one aspect of the actress who is set to play the female lead has disappointed those who read and loved Hoover's romance novel.

Gossip Girl's Blake Lively was cast to play Lily Bloom in the film adaptation of It Ends with Us in early 2023, and backlash against the decision immediately spread throughout the fanbase of Hoover's book. Readers are frustrated with the notion of Lively portraying Lily because they believe she is too old for the role. In the romance novel, Lily is fresh out of college, placing her in her early 20s. In real life, Lively is 36, making her almost 15 years older than her character's age in the book.

The first trailer for It Ends with Us was released in May 2024, giving fans their first footage of the anticipated and controversial adaptation. While there are still some in the fandom who prefer the characters to be the ages they were in the book, the trailer has helped to quiet some of the casting controversy surrounding the movie. Seeing Blake Lively's performance in the role gives a sense of the new take on the character, with some fans admitting that the older approach to Lily makes sense of the story.

Ultimately, it will not be until the fans actually see the movie that they will decide if the casting works or not. While Lily Bloom may not be as iconic, there are many fans who are protective of the character and want to see the movie version in It Ends with Us do her justice.