Justin Baldoni, director and star of the highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel “It Ends With Us,” is shedding light on some of the notable changes and reactions to the movie’s trailer.

Speaking at the Los Angeles premiere of The Garfield Movie, Baldoni discussed the anticipation surrounding the trailer release, acknowledging the challenge of translating a beloved book into film. He expressed gratitude for the positive reception, emphasizing the care and attention dedicated to honoring the source material over the past five years.

One significant alteration in the film adaptation, which has sparked discussion online, is the decision to age up the characters. While in the book Lily Bloom starts her journey at 23, Blake Lively’s portrayal of the character is older. Baldoni clarified that this modification aimed to make the story more universally relatable, expanding its relevance beyond a specific age demographic.

Baldoni explained that the initial age choice reflected the era in which the book was written, with a trend towards young adult fiction. However, the adaptation sought to ensure that the narrative resonated with a broader audience, emphasizing the universal themes of the story.

Regarding the inclusion of Taylor Swift’s song “My Tears Ricochet” in the trailer, Baldoni humorously credited Lively, Swift’s close friend, for the choice. He quipped that Lively likely played a significant role in securing the song for the trailer, highlighting their friendship and Lively’s influence.

As anticipation builds for the film’s release on August 9th, Baldoni’s insights offer fans a deeper understanding of the creative decisions behind “It Ends With Us,” promising a cinematic experience that remains faithful to its powerful source material.