Why were actor Blake Lively, best-selling author Colleen Hoover in North Texas?
Actress Blake Lively was spotted in North Texas over the weekend screening her new movie, which is based on a book from a Texas author.
Lively, 36, stars in the film adaption of romance novelist Colleen Hoover’s book, “It Ends With Us.” The book and film follow a woman who overcomes a traumatic childhood to find love, but soon realizes her relationship is reminiscent of her parent’s tumultuous marriage.
Both Lively and Hoover were spotted at Book Bonanza in Grapevine over the weekend, a literary event founded by the author. The three-day meet-and-greet event was held at the Gaylord Texan Resort from June 13-15.
Lively, Hoover and fellow “It Ends With Us” star Brandon Sklenar, participated in the opening panel of Book Bonanza and informed the crowd they’d get to see the movie a whole two months before its Aug. 9 release date.
A video posted on the film’s Instagram page shows the crowd erupting with excitement as Lively told the packed room.
The “It Ends With Us” screening took place at the AMC Grapevine Mills 24 the following day.
Lively, Hoover and Sklenar all attended the screening along with fellow co-star Isabela Ferrer. Fans not only got to see the film early, but walked away with themed swag such as bookmarks.
The excitement for “It Ends With Us” in Grapevine over the weekend was palpable if not expected.
Hoover’s book was the top seller in 2022 with over 2.7 million copies sold, according to Publisher’s Weekly. Hoover also had seven other books on the best-selling list of 2022 to the tune of over 8 million copies sold.
“It Ends With Us” is the first time a Hoover novel has been adapted into a film. The Texas-native was born in Sulphur Springs and lives in the small town of Saltillo in East Texas.
“It Ends With Us” is directed by Justin Baldoni and written by Christy Hall.
Along with Lively, Sklenar and Ferrer, the film also stars Baldoni, Jenny Slate and Hasan Minhaj. The film releases in theaters on Aug. 9.
