Jared Padalecki’s next rom-com quietly ditched its original title and the reason is actually pretty smart

The movie is now called 'Guarding Stars' to avoid confusion with Kevin Costner's 1992 romantic thriller
UPDATED JAN 12, 2026
Jared Padalecki attends the red carpet premiere of "Hollywood Grit" at The Grove on August 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Cover image credit: Getty Images |Photo by Robin L Marshall)
Jared Padalecki attends the red carpet premiere of "Hollywood Grit" at The Grove on August 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Cover image credit: Getty Images |Photo by Robin L Marshall)

Jared Padalecki's new film comes with a major title change. Originally titled 'The Bodyguard', the adaptation of Katherine Center's bestselling novel now has a different title. The movie is now called 'Guarding Stars' to avoid any confusion with Kevin Costner's 1992 romantic thriller titled 'The Bodyguard'.

The announcement was made on social media with Center announcing the change of title. "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," she explained.

The film will follow an action superstar (Padalecki), who is assigned a bodyguard (Leighton Meester). Things turn south when his bodyguard has to pretend to be his girlfriend. The film will be directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, based on a script from Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith. Genevieve Padalecki will join her husband as a producer.

Speaking to Tudum, "I began paying close attention to BookTok culture around the success of my last Netflix film, Purple Hearts,” said Allen. "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. 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 for an A-list actor into the holiday season. It makes the most gorgeous backdrop for the sparks that fly between them to be even brighter."

At the time of writing, there is no official release date for 'Guarding Stars'. Fans, in the meantime, will see him reunite with Jensen Ackles and Misha Collins in the hit Prime Video series, 'The Boys' season 5. Meester will also be seen in 'Basic', a comedy still in post-production, and is yet to zero in on a release date.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Released in 2006, the first 'High School Musical' film is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year
1 hour ago
Directed by Timur Bekmambetov, 'Mercy' follows a detective on trial accused of murdering his wife
13 hours ago
A Hollywood insider claimed it was a "matter of time" before Marvel released the trailer of 'Brand New Day'
16 hours ago
FirstPrince returns as 'Red, White & Royal Wedding' begins filming, with a surprise twist over whose big day reunites Alex and Henry
22 hours ago
DC Studios co-CEO James Gunn opens up on the rumors surrounding 'Batman' and 'Wonder Woman' casting and also gives an update on 'MoT' leaks
1 day ago
A familiar villain may rise again as 'The Mummy 4' rumors point to a possible return by a popular star alongside Brendan Fraser
1 day ago
Time is running out to stream 'The Foreigner' as Jackie Chan and Pierce Brosnan's tense thriller is leaving Netflix soon
1 day ago
'Stranger Things' star Gaten Matarazzo's new work is all set to debut in March 2026
3 days ago
The new movie will see Scarlett Johansson and 'Hamnet' star, Jacobi Jupe, in key roles.
3 days ago
Glen Powell's sci-fi actioner is now available for streaming on Paramount+
3 days ago