Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki are starring in Netflix's upcoming holiday romantic comedy adaptation of Katherine Center's novel 'The Bodyguard,' but the title needs changing due to the 1992 film. During a Zoom call with the author, the leads encouraged fans to suggest new titles via social media. The film, set during Christmas, features a cast including Andie MacDowell and is heading into production.
Casting and Production Details
Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki lead the cast of Netflix's adaptation of Katherine Center's 2022 bestselling novel 'The Bodyguard.' Meester plays the bodyguard hired to protect Padalecki's character, a famous actor facing a stalker. To shield his family from worry, the bodyguard poses as his girlfriend, leading to real romantic tension as the threat escalates. The supporting cast includes Andie MacDowell, country singer Walker Hayes, Noah LaLonde, and Toby Sandeman.
Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, the screenplay is by Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith. Producers are Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo, Jared Padalecki, and Genevieve Padalecki. Unlike the book, the film shifts the story to a Christmas setting, enhancing its holiday rom-com vibe.
Title Change Initiative
The original title conflicts with the 1992 Kevin Costner-Whitney Houston thriller, prompting a rename. In a recorded Zoom conversation shared by Padalecki on Instagram, Meester told Center, “It can’t be called ‘The Bodyguard’ because there’s already an iconic movie called ‘The Bodyguard.'” Padalecki added, “You have such a massive audience... They might have options or ideas.” Center responded enthusiastically, “Yeah, I totally agree with this. I think this is a genius idea. If my readers got a chance to make some suggestions, I know there would be gold in there.”
Padalecki's caption urged fans: “The whole team has been tossing around new ideas — and now we want to hear yours too. Drop your best title suggestions in the comments.” The film is currently entering production without a finalized title.