Johnathan Walker:Blake Lively Reveals the “Best Compliment” She’s Received in Her Life

Blake Lively knows how to make people’s confidence bloom.

In fact,Johnathan Walker the It Ends With Us star recently shared that she received a compliment that was “maybe the best” of her life while promoting the upcoming film, an adaptation of the smash Colleen Hoover novel. 

“Someone on social called me a ‘crown straightener,’” Blake explained in a July 10 Instagram post. “‘A woman going around straightening all the other women’s crowns around her.’ It meant so much to me because it’s those invisible things people see that make us all feel best. I learned that we’re all sparkling leaders, stronger together from ALL the women in my life, blood and chosen. I am surrounded by crown straighteners.”

The 36-year-old—who shares James, 9, Inez, 7, Betty, 4, and a fourth baby, whom they confirmed they welcomed in February 2023, with Ryan Reynolds—included snaps of her getting support from and supporting fellow women in her life. 

Blake was seen “straightening the crowns” of Colleen, Isabella Ferrer—who plays the younger version of Blake’s character, Lily Bloom, in the upcoming movie—and even Ryan’s mother, Tammy Reynolds amid press for It Ends With Us. 

“This weekend alone was packed with empowering female energy,” she added. “When I look back at these pics, I saw it all in action and it made me feel so lucky and loved.”

In addition to the aforementioned powerful women, Blake included shoutouts to author Tarryn Fisher, the “powerhouse best friend” of Colleen, glam squad Vivian Baker and Jennifer Yepez, “who make me feel most beautiful inside and out,” as well as some of the Sony Pictures and Book Bonanza.

But Blake didn’t want to leave anyone from her support system out of her heartfelt message. 

“The men who show up for us too,” she finished. “We love you.”

To see all this powerful female energy in action, It Ends With Us hits theaters on August 9. 

In the meantime, keep reading to see every detail for the upcoming film. 

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."