Long-standing plans to revamp a famous movie starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston have recently progressed. Houston, often celebrated as one of the greatest vocalists ever, first captured the public’s attention with her 1984 duet “Hold Me”. Her debut album in 1985 set a record as the first solo album by a female artist to produce three US number 1 singles. Beyond her illustrious music career, Houston took on several minor TV roles before making her film debut in the early 1990s alongside Costner.
Costner, on the other hand, began his acting career in the early 1980s. His breakthrough role came as Prohibition agent Eliot Ness in 1987’s The Untouchables. He achieved further acclaim in 1990 with Dances With Wolves, a film he starred in and directed, which garnered 12 Academy Award nominations and won Best Director and Best Picture.
The Remake of Costner and Houston’s Iconic Romance Lands a New Director and Screenwriter
Plans for a Bodyguard Update Were First Announced in 2021
Following his success with Dances with Wolves and Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, Costner joined forces with Houston in what would become her most iconic role. Initially planned for production in 1978 with Diana Ross and Ryan O’Neal, the 1992 film The Bodyguard featured Costner as a former Secret Service agent hired to protect Houston’s character, a pop superstar, from a menacing stalker. In 2021, it was revealed that a remake was in the pipeline, with playwright Matthew López assigned to write the screenplay.
According to Deadline, Warner Bros. has recently revitalized the project, with executives Mike De Luca and Pam Abdy announcing that a new screenwriter and director have been secured. Jonathan A. Abrams, known for his work on Juror No. 2, has been chosen to replace López as the screenwriter, while Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour director Sam Wrench will direct the film. Currently, no casting decisions have been disclosed.
What This Update Means for The Bodyguard Remake
The Bodyguard’s New Director Has Firsthand Experiences with Pop Stars
Despite receiving mixed reviews, The Bodyguard was a commercial success, grossing $411 million worldwide and producing one of the all-time best-selling soundtracks. It remains to be seen if Warner Bros. can replicate this success with the new creative team. However, Wrench’s firsthand experience with major touring artists will likely prove beneficial as he attempts to bring a new perspective to the story.
Given that Abrams’ Juror No. 2 was acclaimed as one of the best films of 2024, he is expected to offer a fresh interpretation of Lawrence Kasdan’s original screenplay. Although much of the original film’s success hinged on its casting, speculation is now rife about which contemporary pop star might fill Houston’s shoes in the The Bodyguard remake, with Wrench’s involvement leading many to speculate about Taylor Swift’s potential involvement.
Ava Thornton is an entertainment journalist with a keen eye for the latest in Hollywood, indie films, and streaming trends.
Her work blends insider knowledge with a deep appreciation for storytelling.
