Netflix announced a title change for its upcoming adaptation of Katherine Center’s novel starring Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester, after concerns over confusion with the Kevin Costner iconic thriller The Bodyguard. The film, now titled Guarding Stars, aims to set itself apart as it prepares for release, with key talents from the television world joining the project.
Netflix Alters Title to Steer Clear of The Bodyguard Confusion
In September 2025, news surfaced that Jared Padalecki would return to film, marking his first movie in over ten years, by starring in a Netflix adaptation of Katherine Center’s bestselling book. Leighton Meester—well-known for her work in Gossip Girl—would co-star alongside him. The adaptation’s original title, The Bodyguard, soon raised concerns because of its association with Kevin Costner’s 1992 romantic thriller, which has no narrative connection to the new project.
To avoid any brand confusion and to give the film its own identity, Netflix selected a new title. Katherine Center, the bestselling author of the source material, announced the update on Instagram and explained,
we had to change the title because there already is a movie called The Bodyguard. That’s already iconic, and this movie needs to be iconic in its own way.
– Katherine Center, Author
Guarding Stars Cast, Plot, and Production Details
Guarding Stars will focus on an action movie star—played by Jared Padalecki—who is assigned a bodyguard, portrayed by Leighton Meester. The narrative takes a twist during the holiday season, when the bodyguard has to pose as the star’s girlfriend to reassure his family. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum directs the film, with Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith penning the script. Genevieve Padalecki, Jared’s wife, joins the team as a producer.
The source novel, The Bodyguard, was published in 2022 and rapidly achieved New York Times bestseller status. Guarding Stars becomes the third Katherine Center work to receive a film adaptation, following The Lost Husband and Happiness For Beginners.
Main Stars Return After Television Success
The casting of Padalecki and Meester brings together talents with impressive television resumes. Jared Padalecki is best known for his role as Sam Winchester in Supernatural, a series he headlined from 2005 until 2020. He has not starred in an on-screen movie since 2009’s Friday the 13th, with only voice work in Phantom Boy marking his more recent film presence.
Leighton Meester’s career has focused primarily on TV following her hit role in Gossip Girl. She has recently acted in projects such as The Buccaneers, Nobody Wants This, and Good Cop/Bad Cop, maintaining a steady though somewhat quieter profile in entertainment.
What’s Next for the Cast and Film
At this time, Netflix has not released an official premiere date for Guarding Stars. Anticipation remains high among audiences familiar with both Padalecki’s and Meester’s prior work. Jared Padalecki is set to reunite with Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins in the upcoming season 5 of The Boys, which will air this year. Meanwhile, Leighton Meester’s upcoming comedy, Basic, is in post-production and awaiting a confirmed debut date.
The decision to rename the film emphasizes Netflix’s effort to respect Kevin Costner’s iconic thriller and to establish a new identity for this adaptation. As viewers await further information, Guarding Stars is poised to draw attention from fans of the bestselling novel and followers of its star-studded cast.
