Netflix is retitling its adaptation of Katherine Center’s romance novel, formerly called The Bodyguard, to “Guarding Stars” in order to prevent confusion with the 1992 Kevin Costner bodyguard movie, which remains well-known for starring Costner alongside Whitney Houston. The decision, announced by author Katherine Center on Instagram, comes as Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester prepare to headline the new 2026 romantic comedy, adapting Center’s story for streaming audiences.
New Direction for Netflix’s Romantic Comedy Slate
The initial title posed a challenge since “The Bodyguard” already refers to the widely recognized romantic thriller led by Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. Although the source material and the classic film are unrelated, the shared title led to persistent confusion. The adaptation’s writer, Henry, indicated,
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.
Henry, writer
The film, now called “Guarding Stars,” features Leighton Meester as Hannah Brooks, a bodyguard tasked with protecting actor Jack Stapleton, played by Jared Padalecki, from a threatening stalker. Distinct from its predecessor, the plot reverses the usual roles seen in the original film, focusing on a female bodyguard and a male celebrity client. The narrative becomes more layered as Stapleton invites Brooks to his family ranch, leading her to pretend to be his girlfriend, setting the scene for a holiday romance.
Jared Padalecki Returns to Film After 17 Years
“Guarding Stars” represents Padalecki’s first major live-action film role since the 2009 horror movie, “Friday the 13th.” He provided voice work for the animated film “Phantom Boy” in 2015, but his main focus since then has remained television — starring in “Supernatural” from 2005 to 2020, then leading CW’s “Walker” from 2021 until its 2024 conclusion. Padalecki is also set for a reunion with his “Supernatural” co-stars Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins in the fifth season of “The Boys,” produced by Erik Kripke, known for his role as creator of “Supernatural.”
The holiday-themed story will debut during the 2026 festive season, utilizing the Christmas backdrop to enhance its romantic atmosphere. Netflix is banking on the continued popularity of romantic films, as demonstrated by recent projects such as the streaming adaptation of Emily Henry’s “People We Meet on Vacation.” That film, which was released in early January 2026, received strong ratings and underscores the service’s devotion to the genre, alongside ongoing series like “Bridgerton” which adapts the work of Julia Quinn, and developing projects like Callie Hart’s “Quicksilver.”
The Impact of Title Changes in the Streaming Era
The renaming highlights the significance of title originality, with streaming platforms seeking to avoid brand confusion, especially when stepping into territories defined by iconic films like the Kevin Costner bodyguard movie. By adopting the title “Guarding Stars,” Netflix signals its intent to carve a unique place in the romantic film genre, even as it draws on familiar story themes.
The adaptation also brings more attention to Katherine Center’s writing, following the trend of translating contemporary romance literature into movie form. As “Guarding Stars” approaches its holiday release, audiences can expect to see how the chemistry between Padalecki and Meester, and Netflix’s momentum in the romance market, shape the performance and reception of this new title.
