A Bestselling Phenomenon Comes to Life
When a novel captures millions of readers worldwide, bringing it to the big screen requires more than star power—it demands emotional truth. For the film adaptation of Reminders of Him, #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover made a decisive choice, personally selecting Maika Monroe and Tyriq Withers to portray Kenna Rowan and Ledger Ward.
With Hoover closely involved as co-writer and producer, the transition from page to screen becomes something intimate and intentional. Joining Monroe and Withers is an impressive supporting cast including Rudy Pankow, Lainey Wilson, Lauren Graham, and Bradley Whitford—each adding depth to this powerful cinematic experience.
And just like that, a beloved story finds a new voice.
A Mother’s Return and a Community’s Resistance
At the heart of Reminders of Him is Kenna Rowan, a young woman returning to her hometown after serving five years in prison for a tragic accident. Time has passed, but the consequences remain.
Kenna’s singular hope? To meet her daughter, Diem—the child she has never seen.
However, Diem’s custodial grandparents stand firm, determined to shield the young girl from the painful past. Every attempt Kenna makes to reconnect is met with resistance. Is redemption possible when trust has been shattered?
Amid the tension, an unexpected ally emerges: Ledger Ward, a local bar owner and former best friend of Kenna’s late boyfriend, Scotty. Caught between loyalty to the past and compassion for Kenna’s present, Ledger becomes the emotional bridge in a fractured community.
Layered with heartbreak, longing, and fragile hope, the story unfolds as a poignant exploration of forgiveness and second chances.
Maika Monroe Captures Kenna’s Fragile Strength
Taking on a role as emotionally demanding as Kenna requires restraint, nuance, and vulnerability—qualities Colleen Hoover immediately recognized in Maika Monroe.
“Maika captured that perfectly in her audition,” co-writer and producer Colleen Hoover says. “She has this incredible ability to hold back until the emotion needs to surface. When it does, it’s beautiful. Even in moments of silence, she is doing so much. I cannot imagine anyone else playing Kenna.”
Known for her performances in Longlegs and The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Monroe approached the role with careful preparation. Turning repeatedly to Hoover’s novel, she sought to understand the unspoken layers beneath Kenna’s dialogue.
“It was incredibly helpful to have the book as a reference,” Monroe says. “There is a level of detail there that you cannot always get from a script. I turned to it often, especially before scenes where Kenna says very little.”
Kenna’s transformation—before and after the accident—is stark. Once lively and carefree, she returns home guarded, shaped by grief and guilt.
“Before the accident, she is fun and full of life, and her relationship with Scotty feels easy. Afterward, she is completely changed. That kind of trauma never leaves you. Even in your happiest moments, there is still pain underneath that never fully goes away.”
Subtle yet stirring, Monroe’s portrayal promises to anchor the film in authenticity.
Tyriq Withers Brings Depth to Ledger Ward
Opposite Monroe, Tyriq Withers steps into the role of Ledger Ward—a former NFL player who returns to Laramie to help care for Diem, the daughter of his deceased best friend.
Ledger is steady on the surface, but beneath that strength lies unresolved grief.
“Ledger needed to feel believable as a former football player, but also emotionally grounded. Tyriq has that presence. He brings strength, warmth and a surprising sensitivity. He kept rising to the top of every conversation,” says producer Gina Matthews.
For Withers, the connection to the character was immediate and personal.
“What drew me to Ledger was how closely his story mirrors parts of my own life,” Withers says. “He is carrying grief while trying to be strong for everyone around him. There is a weight he does not talk about. Playing him allowed me to explore my own experiences and learn more about how I cope, how I love, and how I move through pain.”
Having Hoover present during production added another layer of assurance.
“Having Colleen there was incredible,” Withers says. “She is open and generous, and that gave me confidence. When the person who created the character tells you, ‘You are Ledger,’ it allows you to trust your instincts completely.”
An Emotional Journey Worth Experiencing
With its carefully chosen cast, faithful storytelling, and Hoover’s creative guidance, Reminders of Him promises to resonate deeply with longtime fans and new audiences alike.
Tender yet unflinching. Heartbreaking yet hopeful. Ultimately, a reminder that forgiveness is rarely simple—but always transformative.
Reminders of Him opens in cinemas March 11.
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