Guarding Stars is an upcoming American Christmas romantic comedy film based on the novel The Bodyguard by Katherine Center. Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum and written by Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith, it stars Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki.
The film is scheduled to be released on Netflix on November 18, 2026.
Plot
The film starts with a bodyguard, hired to protect a popular action star during the holiday season. To keep the actor's family from worrying, the two pretend to be in a relationship, while managing a security threat from a stalker.
Cast
- Leighton Meester as Hanna Brooks
- Jared Padalecki as Jack Stapleton
- Andie MacDowell
- Walker Hayes
- Noah LaLonde
- Siobhan Williams as Ella Mae
- Rachael Ancheril
- Ava Max
- Toby Sandeman
- CM Punk as Doghouse
Production
On September 18, 2025 it was announced that Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester would star in Katherine Center's book The Bodyguard film adaptation, with Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum serving as director. On November 20, 2025 it was announced that Andie MacDowell, Walker Hayes, Noah LaLonde and Toby Sanderman would feature in the film, with Erin Cardillo and Richard Keith as writers and Gina Matthews, Grant Scharbo and Jared and Genevieve Padalecki as producers. On December 3, 2025 CM Punk joined the cast. On January 7, 2026 it was revealed that the film would be titled Guarding Stars.
Release
The film is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on November 18, 2026.
