Maika Monroe to Lead Colleen Hoover Romance ‘Reminders of Him’

Actress Maika Monroe, recognized for her outstanding roles in horror and thriller films that have been highly praised, is ready to explore the world of romance. Monroe has been chosen to star in Universal Pictures’ adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, “Reminders of Him.” This new role signifies a shift for Monroe, who has earned the title of Scream Queen due to her impressive performances in movies such as 2014’s “The Guest” and “It Follows,” as well as more recent successful films like “Watcher” and last year’s “Longlegs,” which turned out to be the highest-grossing independent film of the year.

The movie version of “Reminders of Him,” set for release on Valentine’s Day weekend 2026, will be directed by Vanessa Caswill. Known for directing Netflix’s “Love at First Sight,” Caswill will now guide this film which Deadline has revealed as a story exploring themes of motherhood, forgiveness, and the profound healing power of love, even in hearts that have been severely fractured.

The story in Hoover’s book titled “Reminders of Him” centers around Kenna Rowan, a woman who has spent five years in prison and is now a young mother. Upon her release, she returns to her hometown with the intention of rebuilding her relationship with her daughter. However, the town does not welcome her back warmly. Instead, she unexpectedly forms a bond with the local bar owner, Ledger Ward. Hoover, along with Lauren Levine, is adapting this novel for the big screen by co-writing the script. Levine and Hoover, founders of Heartbones Entertainment, will produce the film under their production company banner, along with Gina Matthews from Little Engine Productions. Robin Fisichella will serve as executive producer.

Colleen Hoover, a renowned author, is celebrated for delving into intricate topics in her romance novels. Some of her notable works include “It Ends With Us”, which was transformed into a movie by Sony. This film, directed by and starring Justin Baldoni alongside Blake Lively, performed well commercially but received mixed opinions from critics. However, the movie’s success has been eclipsed by the real-life legal disputes between Baldoni and Lively. Additionally, a cinematic adaptation of Hoover’s psychological thriller “Verity” is underway in production. This upcoming film is helmed by Michael Showalter and features Anne Hathaway as the lead character, with Dakota Johnson also in the cast. The story revolves around a writer who discovers unsettling secrets hidden within a well-known author’s household.

From Romance to Thrillers: Maika Monroe’s Other Upcoming Projects

In addition to her current projects, Monroe is set to star in a remake of the 1992 thriller “The Hand that Rocks the Cradle.” She will step into the shoes previously filled by Rebecca De Mornay, portraying an iconic role. The film, directed by Michelle Garza Cervera, who has previously worked on “Huesera: The Bone Woman,” also features Mary Elizabeth Winstead and Martin Starr. In this story, Monroe’s character seeks vengeance against a victim of her pedophile husband. Filming has wrapped up, and the movie is currently being edited, but as of now, a release date remains undisclosed.

Monroe will once again take on her character from the 2014 film “It Follows” for the upcoming sequel titled “They Follow”. The original writer-director, David Robert Mitchell, is also set to return. Production and distribution of this project will be handled by Neon. Regarding her past work in horror, Monroe has shared that she previously spoke about it with W magazine.

Horror acting can be incredibly challenging because it requires tapping into emotions that most people outside the industry may find difficult to comprehend. I believe this genre might be the toughest for an actor, as we need to convey a sense of extreme fear for one’s life – something that isn’t usual or desirable for humans to experience. Simulating and expressing such intense emotions can be quite demanding.

We can’t wait to witness Marilyn Monroe’s multifaceted talent in “Reminders of Him“. It’s always thrilling when she shines in the horror and thriller genres, and this has us eagerly anticipating all her future endeavors.

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2025-03-19 15:32