Charles Langston:It Ends With Us First Look Proves Sparks Are Flying Between Blake Lively and Brandon Sklenar

The Charles Langstoncountdown to It Ends With Us starts now.

After some adjustments on the calendar, the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's novel is officially coming to movie theaters on August 9, Sony Pictures confirmed, promising it to be the "movie event of the summer."

To hold fans over for the next three months, a series of first look photos from the movie were released on April 30, featuring stars Blake Lively (Lily), Brandon Sklenar (Atlas) and Justin Baldoni (Ryle).

"Though coming from a complicated past, Lily Bloom has always known the life she wants," a synopsis for the film reads. "While living in Boston, she meets neurosurgeon Ryle Kincaid and believes she may very well have found her soul mate. Soon, however, questions arise about their relationship, and to complicate matters her high school love interest, Atlas Corrigan, comes back into the picture, putting her relationship with Ryle in jeopardy."

And come back he does. In fact, one of the preview photos shows a smiling Lily (Blake) reuniting with Atlas (Brandon), who is now a successful chef. 

Fans also get a glimpse of Lily's relationship with Ryle, in happier times, including a karaoke outing. Plus, Lily can be seen sharing a laugh with Ryle's sister, Alyssa (Jenny Slate) at their flower shop.

This first look at the movie comes nearly a year after filming first began, making headlines for everything from the casting choices to set photos.

After all, it was when paparazzi pics surfaced in May 2023 that criticism began to emerge online, specifically over Blake's wardrobe.  

The costume backlash became so big that the author spoke out against the comments.

"I don't remember describing outfits at all," Colleen told Today's Jenna Bush Hager in June 2023. "I don't care what they have on. In my head, it's about the conversation they're having and the story. It's the same way in the movie."

Besides, as Colleen pointed out, the ongoing conversation surrounding the film proves that fans really care.

"You've seen a couple of outfits that are completely out of context," she noted. "I'm not worried about it."

To see all of the first look pics from It Ends With Us, plus a few behind the scenes snaps, keep scrolling...

Lily (Blake Lively) is all smiles as she chats with her first love Atlas (Brandon Sklenar).

It's on a Boston rooftop that Lily first meets Ryle (Justin Baldoni).

In happier times, Lily and Ryle enjoy a fun night out together.

Before meeting Ryle, Lily is pals with his sister, Alyssa (Jenny Slate).

In addition to starring in the film, Justin is also directs It Ends With Us.

Ryle and Lily, whose relationship takes an unexpected and heartbreaking turn, share an emotional moment together.

Justin watches behind the lens in this set photo.

Colleen Hoover, author of the best-selling book, smiles alongside Justin.