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Culture > Entertainment

BookTok is Crying Over the Casting of It Ends with Us

Gabriela Gomez
The opinions expressed in this article are the writer’s own and do not reflect the views of Her Campus.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at TAMU chapter.

On January 27, 2023, Colleen Hoover announced who was cast for the two lead roles in the upcoming movie adaptation of It Ends with Us.  

(12.6 M views, 1.8 M likes on TikTok as of January 30th, 2023)

The two big names were Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.  Colleen Hoover was overjoyed by the casting, excitedly squealing “Blake Lively.  Blake Lively.”  Hoover stated that Blake Lively was her “dream Lily.”  She was equally giddy to announce that Justin Baldoni is set to play Ryle Kincaid.  She believes both actors have what it takes to “bring these characters to life.”

Although, #Booktok might not agree.  Many fans clipped together videos of their dream cast – these TikToks garnering thousands of likes(as of January 30, 2023) and millions of views – way before the casting announcement.

https://www.tiktok.com/@tpwk.niq/video/7124878511268957483 (3.4 M views, 560.2k likes on TikTok as of January 30th, 2023)

https://www.tiktok.com/@capcutisbaex/video/7155139388849081605 (432.2k views, 53.6k likes on TikTok as of January 30th, 2023)

These videos showed fans’ desire for Abigail Cowen to be cast as Lily Bloom, Sadie Sink to be cast as Young Lily Bloom, and Theo James to be cast as Ryle Kincaid.

And after the casting announcement… many fans were devastated.  Multiple fans posted videos showcasing their disappointment with the casting direction, still holding a candle for Abigail Cowen and Theo James.

(520k views, 43.9k likes on Instagram as of February 2, 2023)

https://www.tiktok.com/@gretahogblomm/video/7193149839193017646?_r=1&_t=8ZTXrqPY2QQ (4.5 M views, 569.8k likes on TikTok as of January 30th, 2023)

https://www.tiktok.com/@crocthearrts/video/7193308773115497733?_t=8ZTY0kcOI02&_r=1 (22.6 M views, 82.1k likes on TikTok as of January 30th, 2023)

Will Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni be able to play the parts right, and appease the fans?  Or will they fall short and leave the fans wondering what if?  What if Abigail Cowen and Theo James were cast for the roles instead…

Howdy! I’m Gabriela Gomez, an avid reader who is interested in all areas of publishing and writing. And reading of course! I’m the Editor-in-Chief; I currently oversee all the publishing of articles for the Her Campus at TAMU chapter. I am overjoyed to read all the members’ articles and make any corrections that will help to elevate the article. I have been with Her Campus at TAMU since my freshman year. The first year I was a general member on the Writing and Editing committee. During that first year, I wrote a total of 23 articles and was always finding new ways to help. For my second year, I worked as the Senior Editor, publishing more than 80 articles and writing 38 articles. Now in my second semester of junior year, I have implemented a new pitch process for better organization and cleanest, I have already published more than 170 articles, and I have written 16 articles and will continue writing more! Besides working as the Editor-in-Chief, I am a dedicated student at Texas A&M studying Biomedical Sciences. I am also obtaining a minor in both English and Spanish. While not studying diligently, I work in a research lab grinding away, trying to get my name on some research papers (fingers crossed). In my free time, I read, obviously. I am also on the hunt for the best latte to ever bless this earth and love a good game of chess!