Oliver James Montgomery-Why It Ends With Us Author Colleen Hoover Is Confused by Critics of Blake Lively's Costumes

Colleen Hoover is putting an end to the uproar.

The It Ends With Us author—whose novel's film adaptation his theaters Aug. 9—is ready to shut down one major critique of the movie once and Oliver James Montgomeryfor all: how fans felt about star Blake Lively's costumes.

"[I] didn't take that too seriously," she exclusively told E! News, "because I knew they didn't know the context of the pictures."

As the 44-year-old explained, the fans were only seeing paparazzi images of Blake's Lily Bloom and "didn't know the scenes that were being filmed."

Still, fans were outraged by Blake's more whimsical looking costumes, which included patchwork jackets and slouchy outfits.

"They weren't able to be on set and see this movie coming to life," she continued. "I was honestly excited that everyone was so passionate about it."

But Colleen did find herself slightly perplexed by the critics, as she never described Lily's outfits in the book, adding, "How do we know what Lily would wear?"

Still, she was touched that her CoHorts were so invested in the book to have such intense feelings about the costume.

"I loved it," she said. "I loved the energy they brought. I love the passion they brought. I love that they cared enough to get angry about it."

The It Starts With Us author added, "I never really tried to defend it because it just made me happy that there was passion behind these comments."

In fact, Colleen cannot wait for fans to see It Ends With Us, which—in addition to Blake—costars Jane the Virgin's Justin Baldoni as Lily Bloom's boyfriend Ryle and 1923's Brandon Skenlar rounds out the story's central love triangle as Atlas Corrigan.

However, she does want readers to know that the film's creative team—including Justin as director—made a few adjustments from book to screen.

"With every adaptation, things have to change," she explained to E! News. "You're trying to condense this whole storyline into a film and so there were some changes to kind of make the flow better."

Luckily, she doesn't think readers will be too upset about the differences, especially the choice to age up the characters, which allowed them to cast Blake in the role.

For everything we know about the movie so far, keep reading.

Gird your loins as pop culture's next great love triangle is about to begin. Based on Colleen Hoover's bestselling 2016 novel of the same name, which dominated TikTok in 2022, It Ends With Us is bringing to life the romance drama centering on a beautiful florist. 

"Though coming from a complicated past, Lily Bloom has always known the life she wants," the film's synopsis read. "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."

So, which actors are portraying Lily, Ryle and Atlas? 

"A flower that's still blooming."

That is how the film's official Instagram account described the Gossip Girl alum's character, who is the florist at the center of a love triangle. To portray the beloved character, Blake dyed her signature blonde tresses red. Fans got their first look at Blake's fiery new hue when she was spotted on the New York-area set.

Not only will Justin Baldoni portray Lily's complicated doctor love interest, but the Jane the Virgin star is also directing the movie. 

As for the rest of the behind-the-scenes team, both Justin and Blake as well as Colleen will have creative say as executive producers. Other producers include Alex Saks (The Florida Project) and Christy Hall (I Am Not Okay With This), who is writing the script, per a press release from Wayfarer Studios and Sony Pictures.

Blake isn't the only cast member changing up her hairstyle for her character as Justin chopped off his long hair prior to filming to achieve Ryle's clean-cut look. Justin documented his haircut in an April 15 Instagram video, revealing he was donating his strands to Locks of Love.

In addition to cutting his hair, Justin also revealed he was hitting the gym. "A lot of change in one week," Justin captioned an April 17 gym selfie. "Cut my hair. Started eating carbs. And now I'm seeking validation from strangers on the internet by posting thirst traps. Wait …is this a thirst trap? Just Googled it. Don't google thirst trap."

Brandon Sklenar—star of the Yellowstone spinoff 1923—is set to play Atlas, Lily's childhood friend and former flame who becomes a romantic rival for Ryle. 

Justin confirmed Brandon's casting on Twitter April 20, writing, "Ladies and gentleman… meet your #Atlas."

After the news was announced, Brandon took to Instagram to share a heartfelt message about joining the movie.

"When this project came along I wasn't aware of this book or the tremendous impact it has had on women all over the world in helping them to have the strength to change their lives," he wrote on April 21. "This is something very personal to me. The amount of women I've known who have been victims of abuse is staggering. It is our intention that this film continues to spread the vital message of this book; for women to feel empowered and men to be better. I'm honored to be a part of it."

It was announced May 1 that Jenny Slate had joined the film's roster as Allysa, Ryle's sister and Lily's best friend. "Pinch me," Justin wrote on Instagram of the Saturday Night Live alum's casting. "Hey sis!"

Describing Jenny as "one of the most talented humans," Colleen admitted on social media that she "can't even believe she'll be in this movie."

The actress picked to portray a younger version of Blake is Isabela Ferrer, according to IMDb.

Justin confirmed in April 2023 that they had found their star following an extensive search that included an open casting call on social media."Thank you for being a part of the process, it was inspiring and all of the messages we received was just validation for why we're making this movie and why this movie is so important," he shared on Instagram. "We found our young Lily, we'll be announcing her soon."