In the world of literary adaptations, few authors command the kind of devoted following that Colleen Hoover does. With Reminders of Him—the heartfelt 2022 novel that has sold over 6 million copies in the U.S. alone and been translated into 45 languages—now transformed into a major motion picture, fans and newcomers alike are poised for an emotional journey. Directed by Vanessa Caswill (Love at First Sight, Little Women miniseries), the film hits theaters March 13, 2026, courtesy of Universal Pictures.
The story follows Kenna Rowan (Maika Monroe), a young mother emerging from prison after a tragic mistake that cost her everything. Determined to rebuild her life and reconnect with her young daughter Diem—who she’s never truly known—Kenna faces fierce opposition from the child’s grandparents, Grace and Patrick (Lauren Graham and Bradley Whitford). Amid the struggle, she finds unexpected solace and romance with Ledger (Tyriq Withers), a former NFL player and local bar owner tied to her past. As their forbidden connection deepens, so do the risks, leading to themes of motherhood, forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring power of love.
The supporting cast shines with Rudy Pankow as Diem’s late father Scotty, Grammy-winning country star Lainey Wilson as Kenna’s friend Amy, and others including Jennifer Robertson, Zoe Kosovic, Hilary Jardine, Nicholas Duvernay, and newcomer Monika Myers.
Leading an all-female filmmaking team, Caswill directs from a screenplay co-written by Hoover and Lauren Levine. Produced by Hoover, Levine, and Gina Matthews, with executive producer Robin Mulcahy Fisichella, the film arrives as Hoover’s latest blockbuster adaptation following the success of It Ends with Us.
In an exclusive interview with AMFM Magazine’s Paul Salfen, Caswill opened up about the excitement, challenges, and personal highlights of bringing this beloved story to life.
Caswill expressed genuine enthusiasm for the project, noting how the final film exceeded expectations. “We’re so excited to talk to you about this movie because it is so good,” Salfen began, to which Caswill replied, “Thank you so much. I’m very excited about it.”
Adapting a fan-favorite book brought both nerves and inspiration. “A little [nervous], and also just quite excited because I love the source material,” she shared. “It gave me so much when I read the book… I was sort of completely filled with it.” Her goal? To honor book fans while welcoming new audiences: “Hopefully try and please the book fans, whilst bringing in an audience who haven’t read the book.”
Upon first reading, imagery and music flooded her mind. “I was sort of flooded with imagery and also music,” Caswill recalled. “One of the first things I did was make a playlist, because so many of the songs… transported me straight into the world, or the emotions that the characters were feeling.”
One standout memory from the set came during a pivotal scene. “The day that we were shooting Kenna and Ledger putting the memorial back, we were out in Canmore… in the mountains, and the sun was shining,” she described. “My daughters and my father and my husband came to visit me… It was just such a cathartic moment in the story… quite magical.”
For aspiring directors, Caswill offered straightforward wisdom: “Try and make things. Try and shoot things and also… be really authentic in your voice… trust your own interpretation and perspective. Because that’s what makes you unique.”
She thrives amid on-set challenges. “I actually think I love problem solving… I kind of like it and thrive in that environment,” she said. “You just have to be really malleable… have a really strong vision… and then be willing to pivot if you have to.”
Reflecting on the film’s significance—her first studio feature—Caswill felt it was destined. “It felt really… like really meant to be… I was completely… the right person to tell the story.”
Ultimately, she hopes viewers leave with open hearts and a sense of lightness. “I hope their hearts are open. Then they feel lighter,” she said, acknowledging the film’s many emotional layers.
With its blend of raw emotion, strong performances, and Hoover’s signature storytelling, Reminders of Him promises to resonate deeply—reminding us that second chances are possible, even after the deepest regrets.
Catch Reminders of Him in theaters starting March 13, 2026.
