Hollywood is abuzz as Tyriq Withers steps into the spotlight, leading the cast of Universal Pictures’ highly anticipated film adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel, Reminders of Him. The movie, which hits theaters nationwide on Friday, March 13, 2026, promises to be an emotional powerhouse, blending a gripping narrative of redemption, love, and second chances with a cast that brings both star power and raw authenticity to the screen.
Withers, a 27-year-old Jacksonville, Florida native, is no stranger to reinvention. Before earning his place among rising Hollywood talents, he studied business and marketing at Florida State University and made his mark as a college football wide receiver. According to People Magazine, that athletic background informs the physicality and presence he brings to Ledger Ward, the film’s central character—a former NFL player turned local bar owner, whose own journey of loss and growth lies at the heart of the story.
Ledger’s life intertwines with Kenna Rowan, played by Maika Monroe, a young mother recently released from prison after serving time for a tragic car accident that took her boyfriend’s life. Monroe’s Kenna returns to her Wyoming hometown, desperate to reconnect with her four-year-old daughter, Diem, who has been raised by her late boyfriend’s parents, played by Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford. As Kenna faces rejection from nearly everyone, Ledger emerges as one of the few willing to see her beyond her past, and a secret romance blossoms amidst the turmoil.
For Withers, the role of Ledger is more than just another acting gig—it’s deeply personal. In a heartfelt Instagram post, he wrote, “I only hope to honor those who have loved and lost,” a sentiment that resonates with his own experience of losing his older brother Kionte in 2021. “There’s this guilt of chasing greatness that he was on that path of being a professional football player. And I think there’s this notion that you have to isolate to elevate. And I think when something tragic happens, I can relate to that. It awakens something in you, and it redefines what life really means,” Withers shared in a recent interview with Blavity’s Shadow and Act.
Withers’ performance is already drawing praise for its emotional nuance. He describes Ledger as a character who “had to age up and carry the essence of someone who’s carrying the weight of the world and owns a bar, is a T-ball coach, drives a Ford F-250, and… be the driving force for the story.” Withers also spoke candidly about the challenge of separating his own feelings for Monroe from his portrayal of Ledger’s complex relationship with Kenna: “There’s certain parts of the story that I couldn’t allow that to happen. So yeah.”
Director Vanessa Caswill, known for Love at First Sight, helms the adaptation, working closely with Colleen Hoover and Lauren Levine on the screenplay. The film was shot on location in Calgary, Alberta, Canada between April and June 2025, a decision that lent the fictional Wyoming setting a striking sense of authenticity. The supporting cast is equally impressive: Rudy Pankow, best known for Outer Banks, plays Kenna’s late boyfriend Scotty in flashbacks, while country music superstar Lainey Wilson makes her film debut as Kenna’s friend Amy. Zoe Kosovic takes on the role of Diem, Kenna’s young daughter, and Jennifer Robertson of Schitt’s Creek fame appears as Kenna’s landlord.
For Monroe, the film’s emotional core lies in Kenna’s vulnerability. She recounted a pivotal scene: “Well, I think a really big moment for me was the film in the field when I open up and sort of break down for the first time. And I think there was, I don’t know, something within that scene that sort of broke open for me that I understood her on a very deep level. So that was a very meaningful scene to me,” Monroe explained to Shadow and Act.
Pankow’s Scotty, though present only in flashbacks, is designed to shape the film’s emotional landscape. “The background is 100% what you said, it’s like knowing what has led up to this point, knowing exactly all the attributes that these lovely parents have taught and put into Scotty,” Pankow said. He emphasized the importance of acceptance and openness, traits that define Scotty and, by extension, the film’s message of empathy and understanding.
Colleen Hoover, whose 2022 novel sold over 6.5 million copies globally, expressed her excitement about the adaptation and its cast. “I am thrilled to be working with Universal to bring Kenna Rowan’s world to life. I hear from many readers who tell me they found something of themselves in her story of living with and through tragedy and doing the often messy and imperfect work of healing,” Hoover said in a statement, as reported by Parade.
The film’s official trailer, released in October 2025, has only heightened anticipation, showcasing the palpable chemistry between Monroe and Withers and hinting at the emotional intensity audiences can expect. Early reviews have highlighted Caswill’s grounded direction, which favors quiet moments over melodrama, allowing the actors’ performances to shine. The narrative’s exploration of guilt, forgiveness, and the search for redemption is expected to resonate with fans of Hoover’s signature storytelling—stories that find hope and healing in the aftermath of tragedy.
Withers’ journey from Florida State football fields to Hollywood’s bright lights is a testament to his range and determination. His breakout role in FX’s Atlanta, directed by Donald Glover, opened doors to a string of acclaimed series, including Legacies, The Game, and Hulu’s Tell Me Lies. But Reminders of Him marks his first leading role in a major studio film—an opportunity that both challenges and cements his place among a new generation of actors.
The film’s ensemble—bolstered by Emmy winners and breakout stars—ensures that the adaptation is more than a vehicle for its leads. Each character, from Kenna’s steadfast friend Amy to the protective grandparents, adds depth and authenticity to a story that refuses to shy away from life’s messiest moments.
As the premiere approaches, the question on many minds is whether Reminders of Him will meet the sky-high expectations set by its bestselling source material and powerhouse cast. If early reactions and the creative team’s passion are any indication, audiences are in for a cinematic experience that is as moving as it is memorable. Withers, for his part, seems ready to rise to the occasion—and perhaps, to finally claim his place in Hollywood’s spotlight.