'The Bodyguard' remake: Who will replace Whitney Houston?
'The Bodyguard' or 'The Bootyguard'? Kim Kardashian is reportedly in the running to take on one of Whitney Houston's most celebrated movie roles.
Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner's iconic film, 'The Bodyguard', is getting a remake, and the race is on to find a new leading lady and man.
Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Ariana Grande and Zendaya are fan favourites to take on the main female character.
Earlier this month, Deadline reported that ‘Taylor Swift: Eras Tour’ director, Sam Wrench, will helm the new film, leading some to believe that Warner Bros. could be considering her for the part.
The singer's concert film was a box office success, proving that she has what it takes to pull big numbers for the remake.
However, new reports suggest that Kim Kardashian could be in the lead.
While the reality star-turned-businesswoman certainly has star power with more than 347 million Instagram followers, she isn't known for her acting skills.
Sure, Kardashian has slowly been making a name for herself in the acting world with a new legal series on the way, but she can't sing, despite a one-time attempt at being a pop star.
Her debut single, 'Jam (Turn it Up)', was widely panned when it was released in 2011. Vulture described her singing as "emanating from a baby that is either very bored or very drugged".
Ouch!
Listen to Kardashian's 'Jam (Turn it Up)' single
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjCmW8u_jm4
on YouTube (before it gets wiped from the internet forever).According to the Daily Mail, producers of 'The Bodyguard' remake have secretly been in talks with the SKIMS founder.
The publication further claims that the script, which Jonathan A Abrams is writing, has been "specifically tailored" for the star.
"Everyone immediately assumed Taylor would get the lead, the role played by Whitney Houston in the original film, because The Bodyguard remake is being directed by Sam Wrench who directed the 2023 film about Taylor's Eras Tour. But Warner Bros, the studio remaking the original, is very keen on Kim," a source claimed.
'There have already been multiple meetings and the script has been written with Kim in mind."
The Daily Mail has dubbed a potential remake featuring Kardashian 'The Bootyguard'.
Houston played a famous actress called Rachel Marron in the 1992 film.
Her team hires a former Secret Service agent to be her bodyguard and protect her from a stalker.
The remake will likely feature a new character altogether, but the film's theme would still be a romantic thriller.
Does Kardashian have what it takes to be a leading lady?
Here's how she stacks up against other fan favourites.
Kim Kardashian
Singing: 2/10
Her debut single was heavily autotuned, and whether she can actually hold a note remains to be seen. Not being able to sing is not a train smash, as that can easily be fixed in post-production. The new character might not even need to sing, just famous enough to need a bodyguard.
Acting: 5/10
Despite a rocky start as an actress, Kardashian's performance as Siobhan in season 12 of 'American Horror Story' received generally favourable reviews.
Star power: 9/10
There's no denying Kardashian's star power. Everything she touches turns to gold, and her millions of fans would certainly rush to see her on the big screen.
Fan favourite: 5/10
"ILY Kim but she is NOT an actress. She doesn’t have the emotional execution to do this movie. Taylor’s not an actor either, so why they just don’t get someone like Sabrina [Carpenter], or something idk. All I know is Kim cannot be in The Bodyguard. I think it needs to go to an actress," one X user said.
Another X user said: "What? Can she even sing? I mean, she’s better than Taylor but I can’t believe there aren’t other options."
Beyoncé
Singing: 9/10
With 35 Grammys, Beyoncé is one of the world's biggest music superstars. Like Houston, she is a Dolly Parton fan.
Most people aren't aware that Houston's classic, 'I Will Always Love You', was actually a cover of Parton's 1973 song of the same name. Beyoncé also remade one of the country star's classics, 'Jolene', for her album, 'Cowboy Carter'.
Is that destiny calling?
Acting: 7/10
Despite starring in movies such as 'Cadillac Records', 'Dreamgirls', 'The Pink Panther', and 'The Lion King', Queen B is no Viola Davis or Meryl Streep.
Some critics also criticised Houston's motion-picture debut, but she had the last laugh.
Star power: 10/10
Her sold-out concerts speak for themselves. Beyoncé knows how to draw and entertain a crowd.
Fan favourite: 8/10
"There’s only two ppl I shall accept for The Bodyguard remake as Rachel (Whitney Houston’s Character), either Beyoncé or Halle Bailey. No exceptions," an X user stated.
"The Bodyguard worked cause you had a legend like Whitney. Either get Beyoncé for the role or scrap it."
Ariana Grande
Singing: 9/10
They say dynamite comes in small packages, and they don't get any more explosive than Ariana Grande. Her vocal range is electric!
Acting: 9/10
Despite not winning any major awards for her role as Glinda in 'Wicked', Grande can act just as well as she can sing! We definitely see an Oscar in her future, could 'The Bodyguard' be the movie that gets her the gold statue?
Star power: 9/10
Grande was born to be a star, and both critics and fans are smitten!
Fan favourite: 9/10
"Actually, Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and Jennifer Hudson would do well too in the Bodyguard remake," an X user said.
ALSO READ: 'Wicked' movie makes box office history
Taylor Swift
Singing: 7/10
Taylor Swift is undoubtedly the biggest music superstar of our time. She knows how to make hit music, and 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack will break records. Vocally, she is no Houston, but she is certainly a talented singer and songwriter.
Acting: 6/10
Swift hasn't really made an impact in the acting industry. With a few cameos in movies and TV shows, it's hard to tell just how well she would do.
Star power: 10/10
If producers want a guaranteed box office hit, then Swift is their girl. Her fans show up for her every single time!
Fan favourite: 7/10
"I think Taylor Swift, because business, commerce, art. She would freaking sell like crazy...
"It was Whitney Houston as a Black girl and Kevin Costner as a white man. What if we flipped it, and it was Taylor Swift and Idris Elba?” Tyra Banks said about who should be cast in the remake.
"Imagine if Taylor Swift is cast opposite of Michael B Jordan or Aaron Pierre in 'The Bodyguard' remake?"
Zendaya
Singing: 7/10
Zendaya has several songs under her belt, and there is no denying she knows how to hold a note. She would kill it as a famous singer in 'The Bodyguard'.
Acting: 8/10
The Golden Globe and Emmy Award winner is one of Hollywood's "It Girls" for a reason. The 'Euphoria' star knows how to keep an audience captivated.
Star power: 8/10
Zendaya is loved by both young and old audiences, which makes her the perfect choice for 'The Bodyguard'.
Fan favourite: 7/10
"I want Zendaya and Tom Holland to star in The Bodyguard but the roles are switched. She gets to pick him up and carry him," one X user teased.
"Zendaya and Glen Powell for The Bodyguard remake."
"Zendaya is the bodyguard and has to protect Tom Holland, the lead singer in a boy band. You heard it here 1st."
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Main image credit: Instagram/@beyonce, @kimkardashian, @arianagrande