Maika Monroe takes center stage in the latest Colleen Hoover adaptation with a poignant first look at “Reminders of Him,” a romantic drama that delves into redemption, forbidden bonds, and the fierce pull of motherhood. The exclusive images, released by People magazine on October 20, capture Monroe as Kenna Rowan in vulnerable, tender moments that echo the novel’s gut-wrenching themes, setting the stage for a March 13, 2026, theatrical release from Universal Pictures. Directed by Vanessa Caswill, the film marks Hoover’s third big-screen venture following the box-office hits “It Ends With Us” and “Regretting You,” both of which crossed the $100 million mark in 2024 despite their share of behind-the-scenes drama.

The photos spotlight Monroe, 32, cradling a young child—representing Kenna’s daughter, Diem—in a sun-dappled park, her expression a mix of quiet desperation and unyielding resolve. Another shot shows her locking eyes with Tyriq Withers as Ledger Ward, the bar owner and reluctant ally whose own tangled loyalties complicate their growing connection. Withers, 29, known for his breakout role in Hulu’s “Tell Me Lies,” leans in with a guarded intensity, their body language hinting at the push-pull dynamic that Hoover fans know all too well. A third image freezes Monroe mid-stride on a gritty small-town sidewalk, backpack slung over one shoulder, evoking Kenna’s fresh-out-of-prison fragility as she fights to reclaim her life. “These moments capture the soul of the book—raw, real, and relentlessly human,” Hoover shared in a statement, praising Monroe and Withers for infusing the set with “laughter and kindness” amid the heavy material.

Based on Hoover’s 2022 bestseller, which has sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. and been translated into 45 languages, the story centers on Kenna, a young woman released after serving time for a tragic drunk-driving accident that claimed her boyfriend Scotty’s life—and left their infant daughter in the care of his disapproving family. Returning to the close-knit town of Grover Beach, Kenna grapples with a custody battle, societal judgment, and an unexpected spark with Ledger, who harbors secrets tied to Scotty’s clan. The novel’s signature blend of swoony romance and tear-jerking obstacles resonated with BookTok audiences, propelling it to No. 1 on the New York Times list and sparking fan campaigns for adaptations long before casting news broke. Hoover, who co-wrote the screenplay with Lauren Levine, emphasized fidelity to the source: “We’re staying true to the core—Kenna’s journey is about grace under fire, and these actors nail that fire.”

Monroe’s casting, announced in March 2025, feels like a full-circle triumph for the actress, fresh off her chilling turn as a FBI agent in the indie horror smash “Longlegs,” which grossed $100 million worldwide on a shoestring budget. Best known for scream-worthy roles in “It Follows” and “The Guest,” Monroe brings a layered edge to Kenna—a far cry from her thriller roots but perfectly suited to the character’s haunted resilience. “There’s so much to explore in her layers,” Monroe told Yahoo in a trailer breakdown interview, reflecting on Kenna’s trauma: “I understood her drive, that traumatic pivot from love to loss—it’s heartbreaking but hopeful.” Withers, stepping into Ledger’s morally gray shoes, adds brooding charisma; the “Tell Me Lies” alum, who honed his chops on Broadway’s “Chicken & Biscuits,” shares a natural rapport with Monroe that shines in the stills.

The ensemble rounds out with heavy hitters: Rudy Pankow (“Outer Banks”) as the ill-fated Scotty, Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”) as his protective mother Grace, Bradley Whitford (“The West Wing”) as the family’s stern patriarch, and country star Lainey Wilson in a key supporting role as a local confidante. Young Zoe Kosovic plays Diem, the toddler whose wide-eyed innocence amplifies the stakes. Jennifer Robertson (“Schitt’s Creek”) and Nicholas Duvernay fill out the townies, creating a web of small-town scrutiny that mirrors the book’s intimate scope. Filming wrapped in Vancouver last summer, with Caswill—whose TV credits include “The Bay” and “13 Reasons Why”—helming her feature directorial debut. The all-female producing team, including Hoover and Levine via Heartbones Entertainment, alongside Gina Matthews, underscores the project’s focus on women’s narratives.

Social media ignited post-release, with the first-look images racking up 2 million impressions on X in hours. Fans, still reeling from “It Ends With Us” controversies, praised the grounded visuals: “Maika as Kenna? That’s the casting win we needed—raw and real, no gloss,” one user posted, echoing a sentiment in a viral thread with 15,000 likes. Book purists dissected the park scene for fidelity, while TikTok edits synced the Ledger-Kenna gaze to Hoover playlist staples like Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met,” amassing 500,000 views. Critics early buzz centers on Monroe’s pivot: “From scream queen to heartbreaker—her eyes alone sell the ache,” a Deadline preview noted, positioning the film as a potential awards contender in the drama category.

Hoover’s adaptation wave shows no signs of slowing; with “Verity” and “Heart Bones” in various development stages, her empire—fueled by 20 million TikTok engagements monthly—continues to dominate romance. Yet “Reminders of Him” stands apart, trading “It Ends With Us’” domestic tension for maternal yearning and ethical gray areas. Child psychologists have lauded the book’s sensitive handling of custody themes, and the film amps that with on-set consultants ensuring Diem’s portrayal rings true. “It’s not just a love story—it’s about rebuilding from ruins,” Caswill told ABC News during casting, highlighting the script’s emotional authenticity.

The first look arrives amid Monroe’s hot streak: She’s next in 20th Century’s “The Hand That Rocks the Cradle” remake, but insiders say “Reminders” was her passion pick for its dramatic depth. Withers, too, eyes expansion, with whispers of a music-label arc post-film. For Hoover, who penned the novel during the pandemic as a “love letter to second chances,” the visuals validate her vision: “Seeing Kenna come alive—it’s magic that crushes, then heals.”

As the trailer dropped on October 21—teasing Kenna’s whirlwind meet-cute with Scotty set to indie folk strains—the online frenzy peaked, with #RemindersOfHim trending globally and fan art flooding Instagram. X users swapped theories on Ledger’s secret, one post quipping, “Tyriq’s stare? Guilty pleasure unlocked,” alongside 5,000 likes. Reddit’s r/ColleenHoover dissected the images frame-by-frame, polling 73% approval for the faithful aesthetic over flashier predecessors.

In a landscape of reboots and sequels, “Reminders of Him” cuts deeper, promising Monroe’s most soul-baring role yet. The first look isn’t just a tease—it’s a gut-punch reminder of Hoover’s grip on the human heart, broken and mending. With advance tickets eyeing a strong Valentine’s window shift to March, expect theaters packed with viewers chasing that cathartic crush. Kenna’s story, from jailhouse regret to playground pleas, arrives ready to wreck—and redeem.