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The forthcoming film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s 2016 novel, “It Ends with Us,” has stirred discontent among book enthusiasts, primarily centered around the casting choice for the lead character.

Scheduled for release soon, the movie boasts an impressive cast, featuring renowned actors such as Justin Baldoni, known for his role in “Jane the Virgin,” and directorial contributions to romance dramas like “Five Feet Apart” and “Clouds.” The film, spearheaded by Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer Studios, has been in the works since 2019. However, the casting of the female lead has become a focal point of criticism from fans who cherished Hoover’s romantic narrative.

Blake Lively, famed for her role in “Gossip Girl,” was selected to portray Lily Bloom in the film adaptation. This decision, announced in early 2023, immediately triggered backlash within Hoover’s fanbase. Readers expressed dissatisfaction with Lively’s casting, contending that she is considerably older than the character she is set to portray. In the novel, Lily is depicted as a recent college graduate, placing her in her early 20s. In reality, Lively is 36, nearly 15 years older than the character’s age in the book.

The adaptation appears to alter the ages of the story’s central characters. While Lily and Ryle Kincaid are originally scripted to be 23 and 30 years old, respectively, Lively and Baldoni, in their mid-to-late 30s, are cast in these roles. The potential deviation from the source material’s narrative has heightened concerns among fans, as any deviation could potentially create discord within the established fanbase.

In response to the criticism, Colleen Hoover addressed the age change for Lily’s character during an interview with Today. She admitted to making a mistake in portraying Lily as very young in the book, influenced by the prevailing trend in the new adult genre. As the film adaptation progressed, Hoover realized the need to adjust the characters’ ages, acknowledging her error.

Despite the age difference in the film adaptation, Hoover reassured fans that the core storyline would remain intact. The tumultuous relationship between neurosurgeon Ryle and Lily would persist, providing a sense of continuity between the book and the upcoming movie. The ultimate verdict on whether fans will find satisfaction with “It Ends with Us” in its cinematic form remains uncertain, as the film’s release date approaches.