Whereas co-hosting TODAY With Jenna & Associates, Tyra Banks didn’t maintain again when requested who she’d solid in a remake of The Bodyguard. The supermodel and media mogul supplied up Taylor Swift for the lead position of “Rachel,” made well-known by the late Whitney Houston.
“I believe Taylor Swift, as a result of enterprise, commerce, artwork—and he or she would frickin’ promote like loopy,” Banks mentioned, citing the worldwide impression and industrial clout of the chart-topping artist. When it got here to Swift’s on-screen counterpart, Banks proposed Idris Elba—flipping the unique movie’s racial dynamic whereas holding the interracial romance intact. “It was Whitney Houston as a Black woman [and] Kevin Costner as a White man,” she defined. “What if we flipped it, and it was Taylor Swift and Idris Elba?”
Initially launched in 1992, The Bodyguard was a field workplace phenomenon. Directed by Mick Jackson and written by Lawrence Kasdan, the movie grossed over $400 million worldwide and helped launch some of the commercially profitable soundtracks of all time. Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will At all times Love You” grew to become a world hit, topping charts for weeks and solidifying her standing as a pop icon. Regardless of preliminary lukewarm critiques from critics, the movie’s mix of romance, drama and music helped flip it right into a cult basic.
Nonetheless, the thought of rebooting The Bodyguard has lengthy lived in a inventive grey space. Some argue it’s finest left untouched—a cinematic time capsule showcasing the singular chemistry between Houston and Costner. Others level to the success of remakes like A Star Is Born, which has been reimagined a number of occasions to acclaim and field workplace success, as proof that music-fueled romance dramas can resonate throughout generations—if the casting and storytelling land.
If Hollywood does greenlight a contemporary take, right here’s a take a look at who may carry the torch, balancing star energy, vocal chops and on-screen presence:
Chlöe Bailey & Michael B. Jordan
Bailey, identified for her roles in Reward This and Swarm, brings a recent, daring power together with her powerhouse vocals and stage presence. Jordan’s charisma and motion pedigree, showcased in movies like Creed and Sinners, may anchor the emotional weight of the movie.
Coco Jones & Damson Idris
Jones’ breakout 12 months as each a singer and actress, notably in Bel-Air, makes her a compelling lead. Idris’ emotional vary and sharp display screen instincts, demonstrated in Snowfall and Outdoors the Wire, spherical out a rising star pairing that feels completely timed.
Ayra Starr & Jonathan Majors
Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is ready to make her Hollywood debut within the upcoming adaptation of Youngsters of Blood and Bone. Paired with Majors’ dramatic weight, as seen in The Final Black Man in San Francisco and Creed III, this cross-continental coupling may introduce a daring, globally minded retelling.
Taylor Swift & Idris Elba
Tyra’s prime choose brings international star wattage and sudden chemistry. Swift, recent off a record-shattering tour and with appearing credit like Cats and The Lorax, and Elba, whose poise balances energy and sensitivity in roles corresponding to Luther and The Tougher They Fall, may generate large buzz.
Teyana Taylor & Chris Evans
Taylor’s fearless display screen presence, highlighted in A Thousand and One, and Evans’ main man appeal, identified from his position as Captain America and romantic comedies like Earlier than We Go, make for a daring, genre-defying duo. Their distinction may ignite a brand new sort of on-screen rigidity.
Victoria Monét & Jacob Elordi
Monét, whereas primarily identified for her music profession, has appeared in initiatives like grown-ish. Paired with Elordi’s moody heartthrob attraction, seen in Euphoria and The Kissing Sales space, this duo would skew youthful and sexier, excellent for a Gen Z reintroduction of the basic.
SZA & Austin Butler
SZA’s mystical vibe and emotional depth, with appearing roles in One in every of Them Days and aspirations to play Storm in a Marvel origin story, would meet Butler’s brooding depth, acclaimed in Elvis and Dune: Half Two. It’s unconventional, positive—however so was the unique.
Hailey Kilgore and Jay Ellis
Elevating Kanan‘s Kilgore, who simply dropped the video for her single “Dange,” has the vocal chops honed on the various Broadway phases she’s graced. Jay Ellis would convey a quiet depth to Costner’s unique interpretation. EBONY hears that Kilgore has heard individuals are speaking and is honored.