Justin Baldoni, the Jane the Virgin star, revealed a deeply personal struggle while filming It Ends With Us. The actor, who also directed the film, shared how emotionally challenging the experience was. Baldoni admitted he nearly broke down during production. “There was so much pain,” he confessed, speaking openly about his intense journey.
The Emotional Toll of It Ends With Us
The movie, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, deals with heavy themes. It explores domestic abuse, trauma, and love’s complexities. Baldoni plays Ryle Kincaid, a charismatic yet troubled character. Stepping into Ryle’s shoes wasn’t easy for him. The emotional weight of the role pushed Baldoni to his limits.
“There were moments where I thought I couldn’t do it,” Baldoni said in a recent interview. He explained how certain scenes hit too close to home. The intensity of the material forced him to confront his own feelings. This made filming both a professional challenge and a personal test.
Baldoni’s Dedication to Authentic Storytelling
Fans of the book had high expectations. Baldoni felt the pressure to honor their connection to the story. At the same time, he wanted to do justice to the characters. He knew Ryle’s character required nuance and depth. Playing a man capable of both love and harm wasn’t something he took lightly.
“I didn’t want to play him as a villain,” Baldoni explained. “He’s flawed, and that’s what makes him human.” This approach came with emotional costs. Baldoni dove deep into Ryle’s psyche. He worked hard to bring authenticity to every scene, even when it hurt.
“There Was So Much Pain”
One of the hardest parts of the filming process was facing the story’s raw emotions. Hoover’s book is deeply personal to many readers. It’s inspired by her own experiences with domestic violence. Baldoni said he wanted to respect the gravity of the subject matter. This meant immersing himself in the darker moments of the story.
“There was so much pain in this story, and I felt it,” Baldoni said. The actor recalled days when the emotional strain felt unbearable. Yet, he pushed forward. He credited his cast and crew for supporting him through the toughest moments.
Blake Lively’s Role in the Film
Baldoni also praised his co-star, Blake Lively. She plays Lily Bloom, the story’s protagonist. Lively brought her own emotional depth to the role. Baldoni said her performance inspired him to dig even deeper into his character.
“Blake was incredible,” Baldoni shared. “She gave everything to Lily. Watching her made me want to give my all to Ryle.” The two actors worked closely together to bring the story’s most vulnerable moments to life. Their on-screen chemistry captures the book’s emotional highs and lows.
Why It Ends With Us Matters
The film doesn’t shy away from difficult conversations. It sheds light on domestic violence and toxic relationships. Baldoni said he hopes the movie starts important dialogues. He believes stories like this can lead to healing and understanding.
“It’s not just a love story,” Baldoni said. “It’s about breaking cycles of pain and finding strength in the hardest moments.” He called the project one of the most meaningful of his career.
Baldoni Balances Acting and Directing
Directing while acting isn’t easy, but Baldoni embraced the challenge. He said wearing both hats helped him connect with the story on a deeper level. However, it also added to the pressure.
“As a director, I had to think about the big picture,” Baldoni explained. “But as an actor, I had to be fully present in every scene.” Balancing these roles tested his limits, but he said it was worth it.
Preparing for Ryle’s Character
To prepare for the role, Baldoni spent months studying Ryle’s character. He wanted to understand his complexities. This included exploring Ryle’s charm, ambition, and darker sides. Baldoni also worked closely with experts to ensure authenticity.
“I didn’t want to get anything wrong,” Baldoni said. “This story means so much to so many people. I felt a responsibility to get it right.” His preparation paid off, as early reactions to his performance have been overwhelmingly positive.
What’s Next for Baldoni?
After the intense experience of It Ends With Us, Baldoni is taking time to reflect. He said the film taught him a lot about himself. It also reinforced his belief in the power of storytelling.
“I learned that vulnerability is strength,” Baldoni shared. “This project pushed me in ways I never expected.” He hopes the film resonates with audiences and sparks important conversations.
A Message to Fans
Baldoni ended his interview with a heartfelt message to fans. He thanked them for their patience and support. He acknowledged how much the story means to its readers and promised the film would honor that.
“I know how personal this story is for so many,” Baldoni said. “We made this film with so much heart. I hope it helps people feel seen and understood.”
