The Atlas Corrigan Effect: 7 Reasons Why He’s The Heart Of It Ends With Us (And What's Next In 2025)
The enduring appeal of Atlas Corrigan has cemented his status as one of the most beloved characters in modern romance, a phenomenon amplified exponentially by the 2024 film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s record-breaking novel, It Ends With Us. As of late December 2025, the conversation surrounding the character—his tragic backstory, unwavering loyalty, and eventual triumph—remains a dominant force in the book-to-screen world, particularly as fans eagerly await any news on the potential sequel film, It Starts With Us.
The portrayal by actor Brandon Sklenar has brought a new dimension to Lily Bloom's first love, a man who represents the profound, life-altering power of a second chance. This deep dive explores the latest updates on the character's cinematic future, the actor who brought him to life, and the core reasons why Atlas remains the undeniable heart of the entire narrative.
Brandon Sklenar: The Actor Behind Atlas Corrigan
The casting of Atlas Corrigan was one of the most highly anticipated announcements for the It Ends With Us film. The role ultimately went to American actor Brandon Sklenar, who starred alongside Blake Lively (Lily Bloom) and Justin Baldoni (Ryle Kincaid).
Brandon Sklenar's Profile & Key Roles:
- Full Name: Brandon Sklenar
- Born: June 26, 1990 (Age 35 as of late 2025)
- Hometown: New Jersey, USA
- Role in It Ends With Us: Atlas Corrigan (Adult)
- Young Atlas: Alex Neustaedter
- Notable Roles: Spencer Dutton in the Yellowstone prequel series 1923, and roles in films like Vice and Midway.
- Post-Release Impact: Following the film's August 2024 release, Sklenar's profile skyrocketed, leading to numerous high-profile interviews and discussions about his preparation for the emotionally complex role.
Sklenar's performance was widely praised for capturing Atlas's quiet strength, vulnerability, and inherent goodness, providing the necessary counterpoint to Ryle's volatile nature. In post-release interviews, Sklenar spoke about the intense pressure of playing such a beloved literary figure and the "dark side of fame" he experienced, including receiving negative attention and even death threats from a small subset of fans caught up in the book's polarizing love triangle. His candor about the experience highlights the intense emotional investment the fanbase has in the character of Atlas.
7 Reasons Why Atlas Corrigan is the Unsung Hero of the Story
Atlas is more than just a love interest; he is a symbol of hope, resilience, and the possibility of breaking generational cycles of abuse. His character arc provides the emotional foundation for Lily Bloom's ultimate decision, making him the true moral compass of the narrative. Here are the core reasons for his enduring popularity and significance:
1. His Unwavering Commitment to Lily's Safety
From the moment they meet as teenagers, Atlas's primary concern is Lily's well-being. He offers her a sanctuary when he himself is homeless, a profound act of self-sacrifice. Even years later, when he reconnects with Lily and realizes her painful situation with Ryle, he steps back to protect her, ensuring he is a source of strength, not further complication. He is "committed, compassionate, thoughtful, and caring," presenting a clear moral contrast to the jealous and manipulative Ryle.
2. The Narrative of Resilience and Self-Made Success
Atlas’s backstory is one of extreme hardship. He was an unhoused teenager, abandoned by his mother, and forced to fend for himself. His journey from sleeping on the streets to becoming a successful, renowned chef and business owner—the proprietor of the popular restaurant Bib's—is a powerful testament to his internal strength and determination. This self-made success story resonates deeply with readers who appreciate a character who overcame significant trauma without becoming a villain.
3. He Represents the 'Right' Kind of Love
In a story centered on the difficult theme of domestic violence, Atlas is crucial for showing what a healthy, respectful, and empowering relationship looks like. His interactions with Lily are always characterized by respect, patience, and non-judgment. He never tries to control her or make her feel small, serving as the ideal of a true partner and a safe harbor, especially in the context of Lily's traumatic relationship with Ryle.
4. The Movie's Improvement on His Backstory
According to reports following the 2024 film release, the movie adaptation made a key change by adding new details and exploring Atlas's backstory through flashbacks in a more comprehensive way than the original book. This cinematic choice deepened the audience's understanding of his teenage struggles and his profound connection with Lily, making his presence in the present-day narrative even more impactful.
5. His Central Role in the Sequel Novel, It Starts With Us
While It Ends With Us focuses on Lily's journey to leave Ryle, the sequel novel, It Starts With Us, is told from both Lily's and Atlas's perspectives. This dual narration allows for an even deeper dive into Atlas's mind, his past trauma, and his rekindled relationship with Lily as they navigate co-parenting and second chances. He is the central figure in the next chapter of Lily's life, solidifying his importance to the overall saga.
6. The Emotional Power of His Letters
A core element of the original novel is the diary entries Lily writes to Ellen DeGeneres, which chronicle her teenage relationship with Atlas. These entries allow the reader to experience the pure, foundational love they shared, contrasting sharply with the complexities and pain of her adult relationship. Atlas's words and actions in these flashbacks are a constant reminder of the simple, unconditional love that Lily deserves.
7. The Symbol of a "Second Chance"
Ultimately, Atlas Corrigan is the personification of a second chance—in love, in life, and in breaking the cycle of abuse. His reappearance in Lily's life is not just a romantic plot point; it's the catalyst that forces her to confront her current reality and choose a better future for herself and her daughter. His presence is the quiet, powerful promise that love can be safe, healing, and truly unconditional.
The Latest on the It Starts With Us Movie: Will Atlas Return?
With the commercial success of the It Ends With Us film, the most pressing question for fans in late 2025 is whether a sequel based on It Starts With Us is in development. This sequel would be an essential continuation of Atlas’s story, focusing on his relationship with Lily and the challenges they face in building a life together while co-parenting with Ryle.
Current Sequel Status (Late 2025):
- No Official Greenlight: As of the current date, there has been no official announcement from Sony Pictures or the production team regarding a film adaptation of It Starts With Us. The rights to the sequel novel have not been publicly secured, and the project is not officially in development.
- Director's Comments: Director and co-star Justin Baldoni (Ryle Kincaid) has publicly expressed that he is hesitant to direct the sequel, stating that he feels the first film's story is complete on its own terms. This has led to speculation about who would take the helm if the sequel were to be made.
- Fan Demand: Despite the lack of official news, fan demand remains extremely high, driven by the desire to see Atlas and Lily’s second-chance romance fully realized on screen. The success of the first film and the popularity of the sequel novel make a movie adaptation a strong commercial possibility.
For now, fans can rewatch Brandon Sklenar’s acclaimed performance as Atlas Corrigan in It Ends With Us, which has since premiered on streaming services like Netflix. While the cinematic future of Atlas and Lily's story remains unconfirmed, the character of Atlas Corrigan will forever stand as a powerful symbol of hope, a reminder that sometimes, the only way to truly heal is to choose the person who saw you at your lowest and still believed in your highest potential.
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