Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester’s upcoming movie, The Bodyguard, is not the one you’re thinking of.
It was revealed in November 2025 that Padalecki and Meester would star in the film adaptation of Katherine Center’s 2022 romance novel, which follows executive protection agent Hannah Brooks who is hired to protect superstar actor Jack Stapleton from a stalker. Jack doesn’t want his family to know he needs a bodyguard so he and Hannah pretend to be in a relationship while visiting his loved ones.
After news of the film made headlines, Padalecki and Meester took to social media to express their excitement about bringing the book to life.
“Leighton and I wanted to tell you how utterly and absolutely excited we were to make your book The Bodyguard into a movie,” Padalecki told Center in a November 2025 Instagram video.
While Meester told the author that her book is “incredible,” the title wouldn’t work for the movie version because there is “already an iconic movie called The Bodyguard.” (Meester was referring to the classic 1992 film starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.)
“This one will be something else,” Meester explained. “We’ve been brainstorming, we’ve been talking about different options.”
Padalecki added that they’d love to hear from Center’s “dedicated” fans for any suggestions. Center gushed that it would be a “genius idea.” The pair encouraged fans to drop their ideas in the post’s comment section.
Keep scrolling for everything to know about The Bodyguard movie adaptation:
What Is ‘The Bodyguard’ About?
The Bodyguard follows female executive protection agent Hannah Brooks, who is hired to look after famous actor Jack Stapleton from being stalked by an overly zealous fan. When Jack travels to visit his family at their ranch in Texas, however, he doesn’t want his loved ones to know he has a bodyguard, so he and Hannah pose as a couple. As the pair fake their relationship, they grow closer, leaving Hannah stuck navigating her professional commitment to protecting Jack and her feelings for him.
Who Is in ‘The Bodyguard’ Cast?
Leighton Meester will play Hannah, while Jared Padalecki stars as Jack. Andie MacDowell, country singer Walker Hayes, Noah LaLonde and Toby Sandeman will also have roles in the film, according to Deadline.
How Will the Movie Differ From the Book?
Leighton Meester shared in a November 2025 Instagram video that the movie will take place during Christmas time, which does not occur in the novel. The name will also be changed.
Is ‘The Bodyguard’ Author Katherine Center Involved in the Film?
Katherine Center has had conversations with Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki to bring The Bodyguard to the silver screen. Director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum shared that she’s enjoyed working “closely” with Center so far.
“I began paying close attention to BookTok culture around the success of my last Netflix Film, Purple Hearts. The overwhelming enthusiasm on social media and with readers for Katherine Center’s novel was a major factor in my decision to come on board as director,” Rosenbaum said in a November 2025 statement to Deadline. “It’s been amazing to work closely with Katherine so far, and to see her so excited about moving her witty story about a no-nonsense bodyguard to an A-list actor into the holiday season.”
Are Fans Going to Have a Say in ‘The Bodyguard’ Movie?
While in search for a new name for the movie, Jared Padalecki, Leighton Meester and Katherine Center turned to fans of the book for some inspiration.
“Big News!!!! Getting ready to head into production, and I’m incredibly excited to be teaming up with Netflix on this one!!! This story has so much heart, and we can’t wait to bring Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard to the screen,” the Supernatural actor captioned an November 2025 Instagram video of him discussing the movie with Meester and Center. “Only catch? The title… is already very, VERY taken. 😂😉.”
Padalecki continued, “So 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. Can’t wait to see what y’all come up with!”
Where Can Fans Watch ‘The Bodyguard’?
The Bodyguard will be available to stream on Netflix. A release date has yet to be announced.
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