Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley

Tyriq Withers has never been afraid to take risks on screen, but his latest role tackles something even more terrifying than horror: falling in love. After standout performances in Him and I Know What You Did Last Summer, Tyriq steps into a new emotional landscape as Ledger Ward in Reminders of Him, the adaptation of Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. His portrayal explores the tenderness in grief, the courage in forgiveness, and a vulnerable side audiences haven’t seen from him before.

In this episode, Tyriq sits down with Jacqueline Coley to talk about joining the “Colleen Hoover Cinematic Universe” and discovering what gentleness in masculinity looks like through Ledger’s journey. He opens up about working with co-star Maika Monroe — from the unforgettable chemistry read she joined from her bathtub, to the moment he dressed up as the Lorax just to break the tension during an emotionally intense shoot. Tyriq also reflects on his acting inspirations (including his reverence for Denzel Washington and Paul Newman), defends Love Jones as the ultimate romance film, and even gets emotional when surprised with a heartfelt message from his co-star.

Reminders of Him is only in Theaters March 13. Buy tickets now on Fandango. https://www.fandango.com/reminders-of-him-2026-243076/movie-overview

Producer Will Packer has built his career on making movies that feel both specific and undeniably communal, focused on Black joy. From early box office breakthrough Stomp the Yard to iconic fan-favorites like Girls Trip, his filmography celebrates big humor, big heart and the kind of authenticity that invites everyone in and still celebrates his core audience. Now, he’s bringing that same crowd-pleasing energy to his newest film, You, Me & Tuscany, a romantic comedy starring Halle Bailey and Regé-Jean Page.

In this episode, Will talks with Jacqueline Coley about what it takes to create stories that feel universal without losing their point of view and why he thinks romantic comedies are long overdue for a theatrical comeback. He also shares the moment he knew his Tuscany leads had real chemistry and why creating a strong creative community has contributed to his success and legacy.

Filmmaker Craig Brewer has always been drawn to stories where music fuels big dreams — often against the odds.From his award-winning films Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name to acclaimed series like Empire and Fight Night, Brewer’s work is steeped in rhythm and resilience. Now, he's back directing Song Sung Blue, a new Focus Features film starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, about the incredible true story of "Lightning & Thunder," two Milwaukee musicians whose Neil Diamond tribute act became an inspiring sensation.In this episode, Craig sits down with Jacqueline Coley to talk about transforming a documentary into a feature film, earning the trust of the family behind the story, and capturing the soulful spirit that runs through his work. Craig opens up about his Memphis roots, his long creative partnerships, and the musical heartbeat that drives his storytelling. Plus, he shares the wild origin of the Oscar-winning “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” and the touching note Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder sent after reading the Song Sung Blue script.

Filmmaker Craig Brewer has always been drawn to stories where music fuels big dreams — often against the odds.

From his award-winning films Hustle & Flow and Dolemite Is My Name to acclaimed series like Empire and Fight Night, Brewer’s work is steeped in rhythm and resilience. Now, he's back directing Song Sung Blue, a new Focus Features film starring Kate Hudson and Hugh Jackman, about the incredible true story of "Lightning & Thunder," two Milwaukee musicians whose Neil Diamond tribute act became an inspiring sensation.

In this episode, Craig sits down with Jacqueline Coley to talk about transforming a documentary into a feature film, earning the trust of the family behind the story, and capturing the soulful spirit that runs through his work. Craig opens up about his Memphis roots, his long creative partnerships, and the musical heartbeat that drives his storytelling. Plus, he shares the wild origin of the Oscar-winning “It’s Hard Out Here for a Pimp” and the touching note Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder sent after reading the Song Sung Blue script.

For award-winning Paul Tazewell, costume design is storytelling in its purest form. From Death Becomes Her and Harriet to The Wiz Live! and Wicked, his work blends imagination, history, and emotional detail to reveal who characters are long before they speak. His designs for Wicked and Wicked: For Good reimagine Oz through texture, silhouette, and color—shaping a world that feels both fantastical and grounded.In this episode of Seen on the Screen, Jacqueline Coley talks with Paul about building Glinda and Elphaba’s looks from the inside out, collaborating with Jon M. Chu and the creative team, and crafting costumes that can withstand stunts, emotion, and cinematic scale. Together, they take a closer look at two of Paul’s signature designs from the Wicked: For Good, breaking down the choices that bring each character to life. From iridescent bubble silhouettes to Elphaba’s reimagined witch’s hat, Paul shares how every detail carries meaning—and how costume design can turn fantasy into something deeply human.