Supernatural star Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester are set to star in Netflix’s new rom-com, The Bodyguard. Based on author Katherine Center’s bestselling novel of the same name, the story follows a Hollywood star, Jack Stapleton, who is assigned a bodyguard, Hannah. When Jack returns to his family’s ranch for the holidays, he pretends that Hannah is his girlfriend, setting the stage for a charming, heartfelt rom-com.
Padalecki and Meester will play Jack and Hannah, the lead roles. The project has reportedly been in discussion for some time, and Netflix has now officially confirmed the production. Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum is attached to direct.
Jared Padalecki Returns to Movies with Netflix’s The Bodyguard
The upcoming Netflix romantic comedy adaptation will mark Jared Padalecki’s return to movies after a decade. While Padalecki has remained active in television, his last major film appearance was in the 2015 animated fantasy Phantom Boy.
Padalecki, however, last appeared on the big screen in Clay Miller’s 2009 slasher Friday the 13th. Although the film was critically panned, it was a commercial success, grossing $91 million on an estimated budget of $19 million (Box Office Mojo).
In recent years, Padalecki has focused on TV, notably starring in Walker. But fans have plenty to look forward to, with the Netflix romantic comedy and his reunion with Supernatural co-star Jensen Ackles in The Boys Season 5 expected to be released next year.
Everything We Know About Netflix’s The Bodyguard Adaptation
According to What’s on Netflix, Netflix has officially confirmed the adaptation of Katherine Center’s bestselling novel. So far, only Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester (Gossip Girl) have been confirmed in the cast of the romantic comedy.
The movie will be directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (Ginny & Georgia) and written by Grant Scharbo, Richard Keith, and Erin Cardillo, adapted from Katherine Center’s popular book.
This marks the second major Netflix adaptation of Katherine Center’s work, following 2023’s Happiness for Beginners. Gina Matthews is producing through Little Engine Productions, with Readymade Productions and Tremblant Productions also on board. Genevieve Padalecki (Supernatural) is credited as a producer as well.
In a notable change from the book, which is set in Texas, the film adaptation will take place in Montana. Filming is scheduled to begin in December 2025 and wrap by January 2026.
Are you excited to see Padalecki and Meester sharing the screen in the upcoming romantic comedy? Share your thoughts.
