Brandon Sklenar is ready and willing to reprise his role as Atlas in a potential sequel to “It Ends With Us,” although it remains uncertain if the follow-up will materialize. The 34-year-old actor expressed his enthusiasm for adapting Colleen Hoover’s 2022 book, “It Starts With Us,” into a film during an interview at a Ralph Lauren show in New York City on Thursday, Sept. 5.
When asked about the prospects of a sequel, Sklenar responded, “Your guess is as good as mine at this point. I would love to do it, I really would, I would love to do it. I hope we can get it together because I think the fans deserve it, and I’d just love to tell more of Atlas’ story and get into his past a little more. Yeah, it would be beautiful if we can do it. I would love to.”
The film adaptation of Hoover’s “It Ends With Us,” which starred Blake Lively and became her highest-grossing film, has seen significant box office success. However, reports of behind-the-scenes tension among the cast and director Justin Baldoni have cast a shadow over the possibility of a sequel.
Baldoni, who also starred in the film and is the head of Wayfarer Studios, mentioned in August that his production company still holds the rights to adapt “It Starts With Us.” Despite this, he admitted that the planning for a sequel had not progressed. “I haven’t even begun to think that far ahead,” Baldoni told Variety. He also suggested in an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the film’s New York City premiere on Aug. 6 that Blake Lively could potentially direct the sequel. “I think that there are better people for that one,” Baldoni said. “I think Blake Lively’s ready to direct, that’s what I think.”
However, discussions of a second film have yet to begin, according to a Hollywood source who spoke to PEOPLE in August. The source hinted at unresolved issues behind the scenes, noting, “There is much more to this story.” The same source claimed that the principal cast and Colleen Hoover would be distancing themselves from Baldoni.
In addition to discussing the potential sequel, Sklenar addressed the increased public attention he has received since the film’s release. “Way more than I was before, yeah, for sure,” he said. “It’s beautiful though. Just happy to be [part of it].” He had previously voiced concerns about the online negativity surrounding the film and urged fans to be more considerate, particularly regarding how women in the industry are treated.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the sequel, Sklenar’s enthusiasm and commitment to his role as Atlas reflect his desire to continue exploring the character’s story. As fans await further updates, “It Ends With Us” remains in theaters, showcasing Sklenar’s performance alongside Lively and other cast members.
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