I am not the target demographic for PG-13 romantic dramas anymore, but on Thursday, I sat down in a dark AMC theater just as Nicole Kidman’s heels walked through that rain puddle to watch Colleen Hoover’s Reminders of Him, and I was there for one reason: Tyriq Withers.

The movie played out as expected, like a Hallmark rom-dram with a few curse words, the slightest hint of upper butt cheeks, a tragic car accident brought on by the ingestion of half an edible and one other minor act of violence involving the irate dad popping Tyriq’s character in the mouth twice for sleeping with his late son’s girlfriend/killer (which is hella valid).

I hate to diss a genre beloved by women — too many critiques of romance are rooted in misogyny — but this story could have been far more engaging without leaning so heavily on clichés. The cast is fantastic, though, with Longlegs Maika Monroe in the Bella Swan-style sad girl lead role and Lauren Graham from Gilmore Girls and Bradley Whitford playing the grieving parents. But judging by the small swoons and giggles when Ledger executed the boyfriend-hovering-over-you-with-his-hand-on-the-wall move, the bulk of the audience was there for the internet’s newest boyfriend, Tyriq Withers.

When People asked the 27-year-old about being chosen as the internet’s new babygirl at the film’s premiere, he said: “I’m like, ‘Really?’ I mean, if y’all have me, I’ll be grateful and thankful. I don’t know why you’d pick me, but I’m here. I’m here.” Great response!

What’s up next for the rising star? Not a ton. On IMDb, Tyriq’s only upcoming credit is a lead role in the thriller Family Secrets, featuring the final on-screen appearance of the late Eric Dane. According to Deadline, Withers portrays a charismatic outsider who crashes a lavish destination wedding to take revenge on the family patriarch (Dane), maneuvering his way into the fold by romancing the man’s goddaughter (Mitchell) and befriending the groom (Doherty). The film wrapped production in 2023, and there’s no official release date, which is not a great sign for an indie film.

He’s likely auditioning for more, but his career is at a tipping point: starring in too many smaller movies risks losing momentum, and his last few weren’t critical darlings. Building out his filmography with a thriller works, but his next film after that should be an undeniable critical hit, even if it means taking a supporting role in something like a Knives Out with a huge cast and clever writing.

Tyriq first caught my attention in last year’s I Know What You Did Last Summer, where he played the rich jerk — a pretty common trope in teen thrillers — but he owned the role, and you could tell he was gonna blow up soon enough. Months later, he stepped into his first leading role in the polarizing HIM, which I enjoyed. It made me start thinking about the kind of career path he could follow for longevity. He’s tall and handsome and can play a jerk or a determined athlete, so how does he avoid being typecast as “the jock”?

A bit after that, I read a TikTok comment comparing him to Channing Tatum. After replaying the video of him speaking, I realized why — his voice sounds nearly identical to Tatum’s. Then I had a That’s So Raven glimpse into the future, and it became crystal clear.

He’s chronically online and hilarious on TikTok. He’s athletic but gentle, and his first major leading role drew on his football background, similar to how Tatum’s breakout in Step Up showcased his dance skills.

After taking a range of roles to find his footing, Tatum pivots to romantic dramas (Dear John), which performs well. Then he has an explosive career-defining year in 2012, with the release of Magic Mike and 21 Jump Street, both critically acclaimed and beloved by audiences, cementing Tatum as a guy who could do comedy and drama.

Fifteen-ish years later, he’s still working across genres (and you all should watch him in Roofman, which was good and slipped through the cracks because of misaligned marketing.) Tyriq needs his equivalent of 21 Jump Street, though he might first benefit from a superhero role or snarky action role to broaden his audience, so when his big comedy breakout hits theaters, it performs well.

I could see him in a Tim Story comedy, a Lord and Miller comedy or even a rom-com with Chase Infiniti or Ayo Edibiri. But no network TV, T-Dub! Unless it’s a prestige series, a Scandal sequel with Kerry Washington or an FX limited series with Will Smith, and you’re playing his son.

I think I’ve made my case. In a time where audiences have shorter attention spans than ever, you have to strike while the iron is hot, but you also have to be strategic with your choices. There’s a world where Will Smith accepts another TV sitcom role after Fresh Prince and stays in that lane, but he and his team saw a window of opportunity on the big screen, and he used that charm and swag to become a comedy and action superstar.

Today, the business is contracting, and missteps are more costly than ever, so steer clear of any Wild Wild West-type flicks (banging soundtrack tho). Stay bankable for as long as possible! Now go forth and make a generational run, Tyriq. I believe you have a Bad Boys, Independence Day, Men in Black run in you.

I’m rooting for you!