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The ads for "The Bodyguard" make it look like a romance, but actually it's a study of two lifestyles: of a pop music superstar whose fame and fortune depends on millions of fans, and of a professional bodyguard who makes his living by protecting her from those fans. The movie does contain a love story, but it's the kind of guarded passion that grows between two people who spend a lot of time keeping their priorities straight.

The star is Rachel Marron, played by Whitney Houston , and is as rich and famous as . . . Whitney Houston. The bodyguard is Frank Farmer ( Kevin Costner ), who got his training in the Secret Service and still blames himself for the fact that Ronald Reagan got shot, even though he had an excellent excuse for being away from work that day. Now Farmer hires himself out at $3,000 a week to guard celebrities, and is careful not to get involved.

Of course that's easy at the outset. He is hired by Marron's manager after the singer gets death threats. It's not love at first sight. The conventions of this genre require that the star and bodyguard have to get off on the wrong foot; she doesn't want him meddling with her lifestyle and freedom, and he doesn't have any respect for an uncooperative client.

Eventually the tension between them melts, and there is a sort of love affair, based mostly on mutual proximity (they never talk about much but their professional relationship, and the skills of his job). There's an odd, effective dating scene where she leaves her mansion to visit his cluttered, grim little apartment (and a peculiar moment with a samurai sword and a scarf that is undeniably erotic).

Meanwhile, Farmer gets to know some of the members of Rachel's retinue, including her son, her sister, her manager and her obnoxious press agent (Gary Kemp). These people are supported by Marron, and live with her on her terms, creating eddies of jealousy and palace intrigue. She is aware of her power, and tells Farmer she is essentially a nice person who is considered a bitch by a lot of people, and wishes that weren't so. Houston is effective at suggesting both sides of that personality.

The death threats keep coming in. There is a frightening scene at a charity concert, where Marron places her personal safety in the hands of a mob, and Farmer, with all of his skills, is powerless to protect her. I was less impressed by the scenes where he wires her estate with security cameras, and at one point goes crashing through her shrubbery in pursuit of a suspicious van. What's he going to do? Leap onto the roof and hammer his way in through the windshield? The movie was written by Lawrence Kasdan (" Body Heat ," " Grand Canyon ") and directed by Mick Jackson , and contains a little of the Hollywood insider cynicism Kasdan suggested in the Steve Martin character in "Grand Canyon." The willingness of the press agent to risk anything for publicity is noted, as well as the star's sense of personal invulnerability. This is Houston's screen debut, and she is at home in the role; she photographs wonderfully, and has a warm smile, and yet is able to suggest selfish and egotistical dimensions in the character. Costner hugs her with his eyes open, scanning the room for surprise attacks.

The movie was made as a thriller, I suppose, because of box-office considerations. I felt a little cheated by the outcome, although I should have been able to predict it, using my Law of Economy of Characters, which teaches that no movie contains any unnecessary characters, so that an apparently superfluous character is probably the killer. I thought the basic situation in "The Bodyguard" was intriguing enough to sustain a film all by itself: on the one hand, a star who grows rich through the adulation that fans feel for her, and on the other hand, a working man who, for a salary, agrees to substitute his body as a target instead of hers. Makes you think.

Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert was the film critic of the Chicago Sun-Times from 1967 until his death in 2013. In 1975, he won the Pulitzer Prize for distinguished criticism.

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Film credits.

The Bodyguard (1992)

Rated R For Language

129 minutes

Whitney Houston as Rachel Marron

Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer

Directed by

• Mick Jackson

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The bodyguard, common sense media reviewers.

Great Whitney Houston songs, average love story.

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this movie.

Film argues that it's important to protect the one

Frank and Rachel excel at their jobs as bodyguard

Black characters occupy a variety of roles across

Multiple characters are shot; one is killed (blood

A couple appear naked in bed; it's implied they ha

Language includes "f--k," "s--t," "ass," "a--hole,

Main character wears Ray-Ban sunglasses, drives a

Characters drink whiskey, vodka, wine, beer. A mai

Parents need to know that The Bodyguard is a hit early 1990s romantic drama that was extremely popular for its Whitney Houston-heavy soundtrack. Violence includes gunshots, a bloody knife fight, a dismembered arm seen during a black-and-white samurai movie, and a key character's death. There's mention of an…

Positive Messages

Film argues that it's important to protect the ones you love. But it portrays a toxic work relationship -- the client pressures their hired contractor into a relationship, then punishes them when they try to end it -- as romantic.

Positive Role Models

Frank and Rachel excel at their jobs as bodyguard and performer, respectively. Rachel's son, Fletcher, is a sweet, mature, intuitive boy. Tony is caring and protective. But a main character solicits a sexual relationship with someone who works for them, taking advantage of power dynamics. When the employee tries to break off the sexual relationship, the employer retaliates in manipulative ways.

Diverse Representations

Black characters occupy a variety of roles across different socioeconomic tiers. Rachel is given the opportunity to be soft, beloved, and protected -- something that Black women are seldom afforded in media. On the other hand, a Black chauffeur is treated like free labor by Frank, who feels entitled to make him his assistant (the chauffeur eagerly follows Frank around for the rest of the film). And the only character who dies on screen is a Black woman. A sexist joke based on how a woman looks is told by the host of the Oscars. Minor roles such as backup dancers and crowds are fairly diverse, including Black, White, Asian, and Latino people. Rachel and Frank watch Akira Kurosawa's Yojimbo on their date (fun fact: the word translates to "bodyguard"). But one brief scene involving Latino characters is stereotypical: Frank is agitated when he finds crates blocking a back route and shouts for "Louis Gomez," presumably the man in charge of keeping the space clear. Frank then runs into a character named "Cuban husband" in the credits -- they argue, and Frank beats him up as his wife, a cleaning lady, rushes to stop him and says, "he no do nothing."

Did we miss something on diversity? Suggest an update.

Violence & Scariness

Multiple characters are shot; one is killed (blood visible). A bloody knife fight. A dismembered arm is seen during a couple's viewing of a black-and-white samurai movie. Someone plays with a katana. A bomb explodes, almost killing a child. A child who can't swim flails in a lake but is never in danger; an adult carries them to shore. A mob carries off the main character; she's visibly in distress. Sexual violence includes a woman who changes her mind during a make-out session, saying "no," but the aggressor doesn't stop until she gets up to call for an employee who's nearby. Sexual harassment includes an intruder who masturbates in a woman's bed while she's away (nothing depicted), stalking, and threatening letters that call the main character a "whore." A main character solicits a sexual relationship with someone who works for them; when the employee tries to break off the sexual relationship, the employer retaliates in manipulative ways.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Violence & Scariness in your kid's entertainment guide.

Sex, Romance & Nudity

A couple appear naked in bed; it's implied they had sex. (Blankets cover breasts, lower bodies.) Couples kiss several times. In one scene, passionate kissing on the neck turns overly aggressive; the woman has to repeat "no" and call for someone to intervene before the aggressor stops. A glimpse of a child's drawing shows breasts. Innuendo (e.g., "Is this a full service date?").

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Sex, Romance & Nudity in your kid's entertainment guide.

Language includes "f--k," "s--t," "ass," "a--hole," "bitch," "d--k." Characters are called "whore" and "a f---ing freak."

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Language in your kid's entertainment guide.

Products & Purchases

Main character wears Ray-Ban sunglasses, drives a Chevrolet and Ford. Villain drives a Toyota. Scenes take place at a Hilton (mentioned by name), and the third act takes place at an Academy Awards ceremony -- the Oscars are referenced throughout the film.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking

Characters drink whiskey, vodka, wine, beer. A main character smokes a cigarette. Someone mentions being stoned in the past.

Did you know you can flag iffy content? Adjust limits for Drinking, Drugs & Smoking in your kid's entertainment guide.

Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that The Bodyguard is a hit early 1990s romantic drama that was extremely popular for its Whitney Houston -heavy soundtrack. Violence includes gunshots, a bloody knife fight, a dismembered arm seen during a black-and-white samurai movie, and a key character's death. There's mention of an intruder masturbating in a woman's bed, a stalker who sends death threats, and a man who doesn't listen when a woman says "no" while he kisses her (she gets up and leaves). Characters have sex (implied by a morning-after scene, no nudity). Language includes "f--k," "s--t," and "ass," and characters are called "bitch," "whore," and "a f---ing freak." Adults drink frequently and smoke cigarettes. A positive role model can be found in the main character's son, who displays empathy and maturity for his age. Black characters occupy a variety of roles across different socioeconomic tiers, and background characters are fairly diverse -- but watch out for a scene that uses Latino stereotypes. In addition, a conversation may be warranted about the way the main character pursues someone who works for her, solicits a sexual relationship, and, when he decides to end it based on grounds of professionalism, retaliates through emotional manipulation. To stay in the loop on more movies like this, you can sign up for weekly Family Movie Night emails .

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Community Reviews

• Parents say (1)
• Kids say (4)

Based on 1 parent review

What's the Story?

Kevin Costner is Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent whose latest gig is to be THE BODYGUARD for international pop star/actress Rachel Marron ( Whitney Houston ). At first, Frank declines, but after her manager and publicist explain that, unbeknownst to Rachel, she's been receiving death threats from a stalker, Frank relents and starts overhauling her security, setting rules about Rachel's outings, and prioritizing her safety above all else (including Rachel's own vocalized wishes for more freedom). Eventually, after a situation with a mob of fans unsettles her, Rachel comes around to Frank's ways, and the two start an uneasy romance while trying to escape a killer's attacks.

Is It Any Good?

The reason this average romance scored more than $410 million worldwide isn't due to Costner and Houston's lackluster chemistry. It's about the soundtrack, which stands as one of the highest selling in movie history and features six songs by Houston, including "Queen of the Night," a remake of Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman," "I've Got Nothing," and, of course, her signature cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You."

Houston's performance is strengthened by the fact that Oscar-nominated character Rachel sings all of the soundtrack's key songs on camera, instead of just having the songs play over scenes. Without Houston's powerful voice, the love story is reduced to schmaltzy dialogue and very little heat between the leads. Regardless of whether you're a Houston fan, her talent as a singer is what makes this movie.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

Families can talk about The Bodyguard' s take on the price of stardom. Is society more celebrity-obsessed now than it was in the early 1990s, or less? Why are stars often portrayed as having stalkers, entourages, and self-absorbed personalities?

Do you think stars are just as important to society as top politicians, the way the Secret Service officers make it seem?

Was it OK that Rachel asked her hired bodyguard out on a date? Was it OK that, after he turned her down, she retaliated by making his job more difficult? What happens if you want to pursue a romantic relationship with someone who works for you? What if it's the other way around, and your employer asks you out on a date?

Are weapons celebrated in this film? Could Frank have protected Rachel without resorting to gun violence? Would a private bodyguard have more options today than in 1992, given advances in tech?

Movie Details

• In theaters : November 25, 1992
• On DVD or streaming : February 1, 2005
• Cast : Whitney Houston , Kevin Costner , Bill Cobbs
• Director : Mick Jackson
• Inclusion Information : Female actors, Black actors
• Studio : Warner Home Video
• Genre : Drama
• Topics : Music and Sing-Along
• Run time : 129 minutes
• MPAA rating : R
• MPAA explanation : language
• Last updated : July 21, 2024

Did we miss something on diversity?

Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.

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'The Bodyguard' Review: Whitney Houston & Kevin Costner Still Make This Romantic Classic Sing

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There are some movies that, like it or not, end up becoming those pop culture gaps in an otherwise slowly growing knowledge base, those titles that you either never got around to watching for some unknown reason or because you weren't at the right time in your life for it to make an impact. In my specific case, not watching 1992's The Bodyguard , in spite of the plot consisting of so many aspects that seem tailor-made for my self-professed romance sensibilities, it was simply a matter of timing. When the romantic drama starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner was released, I was much too young to be seeing an R-rated movie (not just by my parents' estimation, but anyone's) — but even once I aged up into an appropriate demographic, it wasn't a film that I considered priority viewing. It's taken the near-30 years since The Bodyguard first premiered in theaters for me to finally give it a shot (no pun intended, but if you know you know), but with it comes the realization that maybe its score on a certain fruit-named review site is only indicative of what critics weren't able to fully appreciate at the time, and why it's always important for new voices to examine certain movies with fresh eyes.

In summary, the plot of the film (from screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan and director Mick Jackson ) is pretty straightforward: Frank Farmer (Costner), a former U.S. Secret Service agent who retired after the very prominent attempt on President Reagan's life, now serves as a bodyguard to those who can sufficiently pay him for it. Enter Oscar-nominated actress and pop singer on the rise, Rachel Marron (Houston), whose career catapult to stardom has landed her in the crosshairs of more than one fan who might be a little too dedicated to her. When Rachel's manager Bill Devaney ( Bill Cobbs ) seeks out Frank to hire him as her bodyguard, the two leads instantly clash over Frank's intensive protective methods and Rachel's seemingly naive nonchalance about the threats being made against her.

RELATED: Whitney Houston's 'The Bodyguard' to Return to Theaters for 30th Anniversary

Later, of course, it's revealed that the only reason Rachel believes her situation isn't as dangerous as it really is is that all the men surrounding her have misled her to think so — they've been downplaying the presence of her most invasive stalker, up to and including not informing her about the recent incident where he broke into her home. But it's more than just the stalker that poses a threat to Rachel's life; it turns out that there's someone else targeting the artist in a fit of jealousy over her skyrocketing success, and they've hired a hitman to take her out definitively. If that sounds like a lot of spinning plates to balance at once, that's because it sort of is, and if there are any true flaws to be found in this film it's the fact that Kasdan's script doesn't always successfully juggle all of its thriller-based plots. When it comes to the romance, however, that's another story entirely — in other words, there's a reason the swooniest elements have indelibly carved themselves on all of our collective pop culture memories.

In the hands of lesser actors, maybe The Bodyguard would have been much less successful on more than one front; with Houston and Costner anchoring its story, there's a reason this romance classic still sings even in a first-time viewing. Having participated in a work-driven binge-watch of Yellowstone recently, I was aware of Costner as a rugged cowboy protagonist, gruff and firmly set in his ways, but as Frank Farmer, the titular bodyguard, his capabilities as a romantic hero are on full display. He's a more laconic presence on-screen, still a man of very few words, but his expressions manage to speak volumes regardless. As a natural foil, Houston's Rachel is effervescent and charming no matter what she's doing, whether it's standing on stage in full Queen of the Night regalia or sneaking out to go jogging, wisps of hair falling out of her ponytail to frame her face. It's far from love at first sight; theirs is an opposites-attract draw that hinges on the chemistry of its leads, and the most captivating scenes result when the two of them are sharing the screen with only each other to play off of.

Watching this film, I was gradually reminded of an argument I've come back to over and over again while taking in anything with a romantic bent — screenwriter Alanna Bennett once posited that for any male character to be believable in that capacity, he has to know exactly how to look at his love interest, even if he isn't saying very much at all. What's come to be known largely on Twitter as Bennett's Look Theory has infused the way I study movies and TV of this nature, and watching The Bodyguard for the first time offered a prime example of just how good Costner is at communicating feelings through a single gaze. The first time Frank lays eyes on Rachel in the middle of a crowded dance studio, there's no doubt whatsoever that he falls a little bit in love with her right then and there just by the look on his face — and we do too, by extension. It's almost impossible to believe that this was Houston's first acting role; she has a magnetism that carries far beyond her stage presence, with the ability to put Costner back on his heel in more than one scene. Rachel is the whirlwind of a woman who comes into Frank's life and upends it entirely, and Houston's performance is what contributes to leaving both him — and us watching — forever changed long after the credits roll.

Speaking of performances, it's impossible to talk about this movie and not mention the music; the Grammy-winning soundtrack itself boasts six songs from Houston, two of which were nominated for Oscars, and remains the bestselling soundtrack album of all time. Watching the film, it's easy to see why, and while a more cynical person might consider the use of Houston's music an overreliance, The Bodyguard succeeds at being much more than a mere star vehicle to advertise her phenomenal vocal talents. There's a reason that Houston's cover of "I Will Always Love You" has achieved iconic status, and the film uses it to poignant effect in one of the story's most romantic moments. When Rachel gets off the plane and runs into Frank's arms for a passionate kiss, you can almost let yourself believe that these two are going to find a way to make it work in spite of the odds, that even if he can no longer be her professional protector he can still exist in her life somehow.

In some ways, it's not surprising that The Bodyguard was largely panned by critics in spite of its financial success — one glance at the reviews aggregated for the film tells you all you need to know about the perspectives that initially approached the story and almost seemed predisposed to dislike it, calling it melodramatic or cloying. At the time of its release, it seems unclear whether anyone truly knew just how much The Bodyguard 's premise would serve as the blueprint for countless stories that owe themselves to its impact — how many bodyguard romances have we seen play out since, if not on-screen than definitely in print? Ultimately, in spite of a somewhat muddled thriller plot, it's the slow-burning passion between its leads that makes this film worth not just a first-time viewing but many repeats thereafter. 30 years on, The Bodyguard may have been a classic movie I came to late, but now it'll be one I will always love.

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Review/Film: The Bodyguard; Tragic Flaw Meets Pampered Pop Star Over Multiple Risks

By Janet Maslin

• Nov. 25, 1992

Deep inside the vague, unfocused excesses of "The Bodyguard," the tale of a buttoned-down security agent hired to protect a glamorous pop star, there lurks the potential for a compelling film noir. Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner), the bodyguard of the title, could have been a loner in a last-chance profession, terminally alienated from his own past. Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston), the glittery singer, could have been drawn tantalizingly as both treacherous vixen and damsel in distress. Rachel could have been dangerously ready to confuse Frank's brand of peace and protection with love. Frank could have fallen, and fallen hard.

And Rachel's household of hangers-on could have provided a full supply of trouble. On the surface, all her minions -- including a sly publicity agent (Gary Kemp), a senior aide (Bill Cobbs), an oafish security chief (Mike Starr) and a music executive who is also Rachel's sister (Michele Lamar Richards), toady ceaselessly and devote body and soul to insuring Rachel's happiness. But at least one of them also wants her dead.

As written by Lawrence Kasdan in the mid-1970's, well before his "Body Heat" days, "The Bodyguard" could have capitalized on a mood of mystery and on the dark elements within each principal character. Handled thus, it might have made a lean romantic thriller instead of the long, sprawling semi-travelogue it has become. Mick Jackson, the director of "L.A. Story," has placed the emphasis on the least interesting aspect of this material: the pampered existence of Hollywood royalty, as manifested by countless swimming-pool shots and much attention to grandiose architecture. (The home of William Randolph Hearst and Marion Davies is used prominently.) While this is worth something in terms of pure voyeurism, it seldom does much to advance the film's slender story.

The viewer quickly discovers that Frank Farmer has a tragic flaw: as a Secret Service agent, he was otherwise engaged (actually, at his mother's funeral) on the day President Ronald Reagan was shot and has never forgiven himself for this "lapse." Unaccountably, a sense of failure has led Frank to highly paid work in the private sector, which leaves his Secret Service friends feeling very jealous indeed.

As the film begins, Frank is hired to guard Rachel, who has received death threats, so he must spend long hours visiting her mansion and watching her concert act. In one such appearance, with Rachel dressed in metal as a kind of Mrs. Ben Hur, Frank becomes so apprehensive about the fans that he uses a fire extinguisher to keep them peaceful. It is from this sort of trumped-up action scene, interspersed with palmy glimpses of Rachel's privileged existence, that the film has been patched together.

Romantic sparks between Frank and Rachel would have disguised much of the clumsiness, but those sparks are minimal. Sporting the close-cropped haircut he must have had in grade school, Mr. Costner plays Frank in the extremely muted, colorless style that befits Frank's job description. A similar restraint translated wonderfully into slow-burning sexual tension when Mr. Costner appeared in "No Way Out," but this time the effect is more wan. And as Frank, he spends a lot of time looking more watchful than the film's events really warrant.

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The Bodyguard Reviews

Houston is a revelation as the strong-willed, free-spirited, but lonely diva and single mother-of-one more concerned for her eight-year-old son's safety than her own.

Full Review | Original Score: 3.5/5 | Nov 11, 2022

An innocent popcorn pleasure, all the way up to that over-the-top scene on Oscar night.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/5 | Nov 3, 2022

Incredible soundtrack and a solid performance by Whitney Houston that helps you get through the dreary world this film takes place in.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Mar 24, 2022

...doesn't do well with plot, but the atmosphere is good, with Houston and Costner undeniably having the super-glam looks for this...

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | May 21, 2021

Costner is a trifle stern, but Houston makes a very creditable acting debut, and the result is great fun.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/5 | Sep 9, 2020

There is no archetype so wooden or narrative so predictable that it can't be improved upon by a sense of style. But director Mick Jackson merely moves the pieces in a static and linear way toward a stalemate.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Sep 9, 2020

Just about everything that can go wrong with this film does, and yet it's compulsively watchable. (So is a train wreck.)

Full Review | Sep 9, 2020

With a soap-opera plot that triggers alarms of incredulity, The Bodyguard remains no more than a serviceable thriller.

While this tepid thriller is a showcase for Houston in her film debut, it is the downfall of co-star Kevin Costner in the title role.

Houston's face, as she loses herself in the melody out there on a quiet porch in the woods, is a reminder of all she gave to this role, and this movie - and why it's always worth rewatching.

Full Review | Aug 21, 2020

If you have never seen The Bodyguard, it is not exactly begging to be seen.

Full Review | Original Score: 5/10 | Aug 14, 2020

A really bad, and at times, confusing script. [Full Review in Spanish]

Full Review | Feb 12, 2020

As a suspense film, The Bodyguard delivers a big chill. And as a love story, it erects a grand canyon between its unromantic, reluctant Romeo and its glitzy, but boring Juliet.

Full Review | Jun 6, 2018

if you can overlook the obvious flaws--a bumpy beginning, a villain whose motive is both too obvious and hard to swallow--The Bodyguard has its flashy, shallow pleasures. There's some wit in Kasdan's script, and dread in the Oscar-ceremony climax.

Full Review | Feb 8, 2018

A suspense classic that never lets up.

Full Review | Nov 26, 2017

There's no unironic value to this.

Full Review | Original Score: 1.5/5 | Aug 24, 2017

The premise is workable, but the movie is sabotaged by several elements, including the hot-and-cold dialogue, obvious red herrings, and a ludicrous climax centering on an assassination attempt at the Academy Awards ceremony.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 25, 2012

Old fashioned star vehicle that makes no bones about manipulating its audience, but which does so with plenty of theatrical gusto.

Full Review | Mar 1, 2012

A dreary, turgid melodrama featuring the much ballyhooed debut of pop diva Whitney Houston.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 1, 2012

The Bodyguard is an outrageous piece of saccharine kitsch -- or, at least, it might have been had the movie seemed fully awake.

Full Review | Original Score: D | Sep 7, 2011

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The Bodyguard (1992)

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Never let her out of your sight. Never let your guard down. Never fall in love.

A former Secret Service agent grudgingly takes an assignment to protect a pop idol who's threatened by a crazed fan. At first, the safety-obsessed bodyguard and the self-indulgent diva totally clash. But before long, all that tension sparks fireworks of another sort, and the love-averse tough guy is torn between duty and romance.

Mick Jackson

Lawrence Kasdan

Top Billed Cast

Kevin Costner

Frank Farmer

Whitney Houston

Rachel Marron

Bill Devaney

Ralph Waite

Herb Farmer

Tomas Arana

Greg Portman

Michele Lamar Richards

Nicki Marron

Tony Scipelli

Christopher Birt

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A review by JPV852

Written by jpv852 on march 22, 2021.

Well acted and pretty well made romance-thriller with two charismatic performances from Costner and Houston. A little far-fetched at the end but I still enjoyed this, especially for the music from Houston. 3.75/5

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Status Released

Original Language English

Budget $25,000,000.00

Revenue $411,006,740.00

• sibling relationship
• anonymous letter
• los angeles, california

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The Bodyguard Review

01 Jan 1992

121 minutes

Bodyguard, The

Originally penned by Lawrence Kasdan for Steve McQueen back in the late 60s, this absurd piece of entertaining fluff passed through a number of hands over the last 25 years — at one stage nearly turning into yet another Madonna disaster — before ending up in the firm grip of one Kevin Costner and his merry men at TIG Productions. True to form, Costner insisted on the unlikely figure of Whitney Houston in the central diva role, opted for the unflattering Presumed Innocent crewcut, brought in a relatively low-profile director in L.A. Story's Mick Jackson, and — hey presto! — yet another enormous worldwide hit rolled out of the factory gates.

          The story is, of course, preposterous. Top pop singer Rachel Marron receives death threats, reluctantly hires ace bodyguard Frank Farmer to look after her, singer meets bodyguard, bodyguard sleeps with singer, singer and bodyguard fall out, fall in again, go to a log cabin in the snow, go to the Oscars, and it all sort of ends happily ever after, except for Gary Kemp.

          Along the route of this eminently predictable nonsense, however, a number of less obvious developments occur. Houston, for instance, is really rather excellent in her first movie role, entirely convincing as the bitch-cow-diva-from-hell-with-customary-heart-of-gold, and singing throughout with a voice that sounds as if it was manufactured some place close to heaven. Similarly, Costner is here less punchable than on recent outings, his customary weary air of resignation sitting well on this particular character's broad shoulders, while even the well-signposted ending, a tremendous exercise in movie cliche, still manages to stir the heart as the strains of the longest-running chart-topping ditty blast across the runway.

          If that particular song, that particular image, tend to stick in the throat, then the whole thing is very likely not for you. If, on the other hand, you still find yourself humming along at the oddest moments, then The Bodyguard will have you laughing and crying into your takeaway.

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The Bodyguard Review – The Classic Romance Movie is Still Full of Charm

'The Bodyguard' celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. We look back at the 1992 romantic thriller starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

THE BODYGUARD (1992) – 30TH ANNIVERSARY REVIEW

1992 was an excellent year for films:  A League of Their Own , Sister Act, The Last of the Mohicans , Newsies , Howards End , and  The Bodyguard  movie starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner.

It’s hard to believe that the critics initially skewered  The Bodyguard  when it was released on November 25, 1992. Just look at  the review from The New York Times .

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But then again, it is romantic suspense, so it’s not that difficult to believe numerous critics unfairly butchered it in the 90s. Thankfully, time has been kinder to the iconic classic romance.

So, thirty years later, it’s time to look back at what makes  The Bodyguard  such an epic love story and memorable film.

WHAT IS  THE BODYGUARD  ABOUT?

The Bodyguard  tells a simple but compelling story: The movie star and R&B singer, Rachel Marron, has a stalker making legitimate threats against her, so her team hires a professional bodyguard (Frank Farmer, an ex-Secret Service agent for Ronald Reagan) to protect her.

Sparks soon fly with a little heat despite their icy beginning the first time they meet. But will he be able to save her when his feelings start getting in the way?

THE BODYGUARD CAST (AND MAIN CHARACTERS)

First and foremost, part of the appeal of the classic 90s film is the talented people from the cast, not to mention the incredible chemistry between Houston and Costner. But everyone plays their part well. 

Whitney Houston as Rachel Marron

Who better to play the famous actress and singer in the public eye (and in danger) than the legendary Whitney Houston? She makes her acting and film debut in the movie and does an incredible job.

She brings her unmatched powerhouse vocals to the character and the soundtrack – songs that have become some of Houston’s greatest hits. 

And while Whitney Houston sadly passed away in 2012, her songs and memorable movie roles like this one continue to live on. 

Kevin Costner as Frank Farmer

Kevin Costner was the ultimate romantic leading man in the early 1990s. His star power, matched with Houston’s, created the perfect onscreen duo with enough sparks to keep the flame of this movie romance alive thirty years later.

He brings a serious, brooding quality to Frank Farmer – with an underlying strength and romantic side. 

Costner, of course, has had an incredible movie and TV career (as an actor, producer, and Oscar-winning director) – before and after this film. From  Dances with Wolves  to  Field of Dreams, Message in a Bottle ,  The Untouchables , Robin Hood , and more. 

He now stars in the award-winning TV series  Yellowstone .

Other Cast Members

The rest of the cast includes Bill Cobbs as Devaney, Rachel’s manager; Michele Lamar Richards as Nicki, Rachel’s sister; DeVaughn Nixon as Fletcher, Rachel’s son; Tomas Arana as Portman, a former agent; and Gary Kemp as Sy Spector, another member of Rachel’s team. 

Some fun trivia: the original actress meant to play Rachel Marron was Diana Ross, with Steve Mcqueen doing the whole romantic bodyguard thing! And as great as that would have been, the right people ultimately played the parts.

THE BODYGUARD REVIEW

What makes  The Bodyguard  a good movie and so fantastic is that it doesn’t pretend to be anything other than what it is: an entertaining romantic thriller with sensational musical numbers.

It wasn’t trying to win Best Picture (although it did receive two Oscar nominations for Original Songs at the Academy Awards) or change the face of romance. Instead, it stayed true to the romance genre – hitting all the right beats from the very first scene. 

And while the film didn’t originally soar with critics, it did with the audience. The movie became one of  the top 10 grossing films at the box office in 1992 , earning more than 121 million. 

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Since then, The Bodyguard has continued to gain new fans and remain a fan favorite.

With palpable chemistry between Costner and Houston (two of the world’s biggest stars at the time), suspense, and brilliant songs that still stand out as some of Whitney Houston’s best,  The Bodyguard  is a timeless film with a lot of star power and swoony romance scenes.

If you have not seen it, what better time than now, during its anniversary year?  The Bodyguard  is worth watching just for the music alone.

The Bodyguard  Soundtrack

The original soundtrack includes some of Houston’s greatest hits: “I Have Nothing,” “Run to You,” “I’m Every Woman,” “Queen of the Night,” and, of course, the breathtaking Dolly Parton cover, “I Will Always Love You.” Houston’s cover of the country music song is simply stunning.

The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album  was co-produced by Clive Davis and Whitney Houston – and unlike the film – received critical acclaim. The album is the best-selling soundtrack of all time , selling over 45 million copies. It’s also the best-selling album by a woman, and it won the Grammy for Album of the Year.

Besides the soundtrack, Alan Silvestri composed the original music score, which is beautiful.

The Entertaining Story

But The Bodyguard is more than just about the music; the contemporary romance story is also fantastic. It was bound to be entertaining, with Director Mick Jackson ( Temple Grandin ) and Screenwriter Lawrence Kasdan ( The Empire Strikes Back, Body Heat ) telling the story.

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It follows a former Secret Service agent named Frank Farmer (Costner) who reluctantly agrees to protect Rachel Marron, a famous R&B singer/actress, because someone wants her gone.

Naturally, the two clash, but as her bodyguard, the tension and attraction build just as the danger increases with both Frank and Rachel’s lives on the line.

More than just romantic suspense, the intrigue, and mystery is compelling, even if it’s not hard to figure out.

There’s also a fabulous edge-of-your-seat climax and one of the best movie kisses of all time. You are seriously missing out if you have yet to see  The Bodyguard  kiss. The kiss is epic and just that good. It’s the kind of movie all romantics will love!

Overall Thoughts

Overall, The Bodyguard is a compulsively watchable romantic thriller that is equal parts engrossing and romantic from start to finish.

It continues to prove its legacy year after year – thanks partly to Whitney Houston’s performance and legendary superstar status, the perfect soundtrack album, and to Costner and Houston’s undeniable onscreen chemistry.

It’s also just a darn good romance film.

Where to Watch  The Bodyguard  (1992)

The Bodyguard is currently available to stream on HBO Max. You can also rent/buy it digitally and on DVD. (Availability is for the US and could change at any time.)

Content Note:  This is a mild Rated R for some strong language, mild violence, and sensuality.

Have you seen  The Bodyguard ? What do you think of this classic romance with Houston and Costner? Let us know in the comments!

Featured image credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

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In second grade, Autumn wrote her first story, “The Spinach Monster,” and hasn't stopped writing since. Intrigued by the tales her grandmother told of vampires, witches, and ghosts as a girl, she's always been drawn to the fantastic. Later, Autumn studied English and Creative Writing (continuing her love for classic literature and everything old-fashioned) and graduated with an MA in Children’s Literature and an MS in Library & Information Science from Simmons College. Currently, she co-runs this lovely site and works as a YA Librarian.

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The Bodyguard

• A former Secret Service agent takes on the job of bodyguard to an R&B singer, whose lifestyle is most unlike a President's.
• A pop singer has been receiving threatening notes, and her manager hires a bodyguard known for his good work. The bodyguard ruffles the singer's feathers and most of her entourage by tightening security more than they feel is necessary. The bodyguard is haunted by the fact that he was on Reagan's secret service staff but wasn't there to prevent the attack by Hinckley. Eventually the bodyguard and the singer start an affair, and she begins to believe his precautions are necessary when the stalker strikes close to home. — Ed Sutton <[email protected]>
• In her film debut, Whitney Houston plays Rachel Marron, a pop music superstar. It seems that one of her fans is stalking her and has threatened to kill her, so Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner), a professional bodyguard and former Secret Service agent, is hired to protect her. The film then follows Rachel Marron's life from performance to performance. Each performance features her singing a song (including Houston's hits I Will Always Love You and I Have Nothing) that reflects her emotional state. Frank Farmer successfully protects her from danger. Subsequently, and possibly as a result of his protection and the trust thus inspired, Rachel Marron falls in love with Frank, and, though he tries to keep their relationship professional, they sleep together. However, recognizing that their relationship puts her and her family in danger, he breaks-off the affair and heightens moves to protect her (many such previous moves were shot down by Rachel). Ironically, in an effort to separate Rachel from her own world, Frank introduces Rachel to his own father and personal life. As the story follows a number of potential stalkers, Rachel must put her trust in Frank ahead of her own selfishness and desire for success; as Frank must face the fact that the threat may not be what was expected. In the end, Frank's duty is fulfilled, having successfully protected Rachel, and they part with a kiss. Frank then moves on to his next assignment...to protect an archbishop. Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston) is an Oscar-nominated music superstar who is being stalked and sent death threats. Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner) is a former Secret Service Special Agent who served as part of the presidential protection detail during the presidencies of Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan. Frank is haunted by the fact that he was not there when Reagan was shot because he was off duty at the time. He is now a highly successful private and professional bodyguard who protects corporate VIPs. He is hired by Rachel's manager, Bill Devaney (Bill Cobbs), to protect her after she receives a number of threats against her life and a small bomb detonates in her dressing room.[4] The film follows Rachel's singing career and family life. Frank is unsure about accepting the job because he sees Rachel as a spoiled diva who is oblivious to the threats against her life. Rachel's handlers had kept the bomb in the dressing room secret from her. At first, Rachel looks upon Frank as paranoid and his protection techniques intrusive. Rachel's existing bodyguard Tony (Mike Starr) resents Frank's presence. But at a concert where Rachel is performing there is a riot and Frank successfully protects her from danger; as a result of his protection, Rachel falls in love with Frank. He initially tries to keep the relationship professional, but the two sleep together. However, recognizing that their relationship may compromise his protection of her, Frank breaks off their affair. Hurt, Rachel begins to push Frank's buttons by violating their security routines and attempting to sleep with his former Secret Service co-worker, Greg Portman (Tomas Arana). After she has personal contact with her stalker via a creepy phone call, Rachel realizes that she must put her trust in Frank ahead of her own desire for success. She finally recognizes the seriousness of the situation and cancels the rest of her tour. Frank, Rachel, Rachel's driver Henry (Christopher Birt), Rachel's son Fletcher (DeVaughn Nixon), and her sister Nikki (Michele Lamar Richards) then travel to Frank's father's home, which is a large log cabin in the mountains by a lake. Frank's dad, Herb Farmer (Ralph Waite) is a semi-retired attorney who welcomes the group to his home. At the mountain retreat, Nikki attempts to seduce Frank, and becomes angry when her advances are refused. Fletcher is almost killed the next day, when a bomb explodes inside the boat he had been riding in moments before. After finding footprints around the cabin, and finding the automobiles sabotaged, they realize Rachel's stalker has followed them. They lock down the house for the night, with plans to leave in the morning. It is then revealed that Rachel's obsessive stalker and the person trying to kill her are not the same person, when an upset and drunken Nikki admits that in a drug-induced jealous fit she hired a hitman to kill Rachel, but that the letters from the stalker came before that. After Fletcher was almost killed, Nikki realized the hitman she hired would kill anyone to get to his target, including her beloved nephew. However, she cannot call it off because she does not know the killer's identity. The hitman breaks into the house, Nikki tries to stop him, and he shoots and kills her before escaping. Frank ensures that his father, who is armed with a large caliber revolver, has secured the rest of the group on the second floor, then pursues the killer into the woods. Frank shoots at the hitman, but the hitman escapes through the dark woods. Frank learns the next day, from his Secret Service colleagues, that they have apprehended the stalker and were interviewing him when Nikki was shot. A few days after Nicki's funeral is the Academy Awards ceremony, where she is nominated as best actress. As Rachel is accepting the award for Best Actress Favorite winner champions first ranking to gold awarding-ceremony won "Rachel Marron - Queen of the Night", the assassin attempts to murder her again with a gun hidden inside a video camera. Frank jumps in front of her to save her life, and is shot himself. Before losing consciousness, Frank fires a shot through the camera lens, penetrating the eye of the hitman, who is revealed to be Greg Portman. During the ensuing melee, Portman gouges out Tony's eye, but both he and Frank survive their injuries, Totally calm and, as he gambled, invisible in the commo- tion. Camera still on his shoulder, he slowly backs away from the scene. Ushers and uniformed security men rush past him towards the stage. People leap from their seats. A woman screams piercingly behind him. Portman doesn't blink. Dozens more helpers pour onto the stage around Frank and Rachel. Rachel starts to rise on all fours and sees, as hands reach out to help her, the blood on Frank's shirt. He has taken the hits for her. But he's still on the job, gaze alert. Without taking his eyes from the auditorium, his left arm stretches out, with some pain, to push Rachel back down. The right arm, gun in hand, sweeps the auditorium. Where is Portman? Frank can't see past the mob. Ushers fall on Frank in a heap, trying to disarm him. Security men try to pull them off. Rachel shouts, trying to make herself heard above the noise. Full shoots gunfire phoenix explosion pistol (Frank Farmer Phoenix Golden Explosion Gold Shooting Gunfire 1992) through legs and faces. One brief glimpse that could be Portman. A cameraman turns. It's not. Frank is desperate, pushing away a helping arm. The chaos mounts. Siren Wails outside. He turns away from the stage as four cops pound past him. He walks away. Suddenly, for one brief second, his face loses its composure as he looks to the side door. Hysterical audience members jostle for the exit, screaming and shouting. It's like a football scrum. Cops and security men pushing and pulling. His escape route is blocked. Briefly glimpsed through blurred, frenzied, f.g. Still seeking his target, biting his lip in pain. Cool again, he turns back to the stage, seeking an alternative escape route, camera still providing cover. A lumbering figure, blood streaming from one eye, his 38 drawn and outstretched. It's Tony staggering to the edge of the stage, straight towards his attacker. Frank and Rachel's heads swivel in unison at the sound, looking towards the far aisle. Against the side wall at the front, Portman's eyes desperately scan for the source of the voice. He sees Tony, his pistol takes aim. For a split second, two running figures f.g. pass and cross leaving a momentary clear line to Portman. Frank's bullets hit home. The first slams Portman in the all bodies of blood as Portman death, knocking him against the wall. The second hits the video camera falls of electical sockets on his shoulder at falls of bodies at blood a death in victim destroyed a shoot gun broken of both shouders, both hand and both arm, explode bomb of death it around his face a blood in broken of face a head blood destoyed at all artist of nominated death her and the shirt front of her escort as Portman's body slumps forward in her lap, pinning her back in her falls of dead at shoot gun of pistol drops onto a pair of shiny, black leather pumps. Frank holds his aim steady, reluctant to look away. He half turns to Rachel, wincing with the effort. She's unhurt. He has fulfilled his promise to her. Rachel throws her arms around Frank and hugs him, tears streaming down her cheeks. Frank Farmer's face. Sad and weary. His guard is finally down. Nothing more can happen. He slowly lowers the gun, closes his eyes and lets his head fall onto his chest. Soon after that incident, a group of rich, rebellious youths rob a bank. They explicitly ask a bank worker to call the police, and are confronted by Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). They play a sadistic game, in which they are awarded money for shooting police officers with assault rifles, before making their escape as he disguises himself as a news cameraman in order to subdue a man holding a woman hostage in Hollywood. In the midst of the commotion of medics, security men, police and ushers, Spector bends down and gently retrieves the gold envelope and the card bearing Rachel's name. There are splatters of blood on it. He tries to wipe them off with the silk handkerchief from his breast pocket. A chaos of press and public, ambulance and police lights flashing, "SIRENS WAILING, ANGLE ON PART OF CROWD". Police and paramedics surrounding a man on a stretcher it is Frank -- Rachel walks at his side, clutching his hand as he is rushed to an ambulance. Tony, a dressing over his eyes, is also helped out by paramedics. Among the gathered crowd, we focus in on one face. It is Dan, pushed back to the sidelines and unable to see what is happening. He slowly turns and walks away. Camera Cans to a High Wide Shot of the scene all the while urging him to stay with her as he slowly passes out. The movie ends to film ends begin with the bids farewell to Rachel at the airport, both knowing their relationship would never work out. After the plane starts to take off, Rachel suddenly orders the plane to stop, jumps out and runs to Frank for one last passionate kiss. Screen fades to Rachel performs "I Will Always Love You" on a stage screen fades to the movie closes to film closes with closing credits begin to roll on elsewhere Frank is keeping a vigilant eye on his next assignment while a priest is seen holding a cross similar to the one he gave Rachel with the first Presbyterian Church in Iowa Rapids and to potraits as the background situation the song of "I Will Always Love You" by Whitney Houston plays and screen fades to black with the closing song of "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Houston plays. In the credit ends, the Tig Productions logo is shown (due to closing song of "Queen of the Night" by Whitney Hoston plays) until Warner Bros end of logo.

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The Ending Of The Bodyguard Explained

With the Whitney Houston biopic , "I Wanna Dance with Somebody" slated to hit screens in December , it's the perfect time to revisit Houston's acting debut, starring opposite Kevin Costner  as a pop star threatened by a stalker in, "The Bodyguard." Although critics panned the film , it was a box office mega-hit and produced the all-time best-selling movie soundtrack . It's a doomed love story about two people from different worlds forming a bond during intense events, but it also explores the dark side of celebrity.

In 1989, three years before "The Bodyguard" was released, actress Rebecca Schaeffer was murdered by her stalker, Robert John Bardo, who shot Schaeffer at her L.A. apartment. The murder shook the entertainment industry and led to new legislation in California to prevent stalking. Although the script for Houston's debut film was written long before this tragedy, the fear of dangerous stalkers became palpable for celebrities (per E! News ).

"The Bodyguard" tells the story of Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston), a pop star anticipating her first Oscar nomination, who is forced to employ a new bodyguard when her manager, Devaney (Bill Cobbs), is troubled by threatening letters sent to the singer. Devaney convinces Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner), a former Secret Service agent, to protect Rachel. Rachel is resistant to Frank's strict methods but finds herself intrigued by the taciturn bodyguard. After a scare in Miami, Rachel agrees to do anything Frank suggests to keep her son safe. Stick with us, and we'll explain the ending of "The Bodyguard." 

The motorboat explodes

After receiving a phone call from her stalker in her Miami hotel suite, Rachel finally admits she is afraid. Despite the rising tension between Rachel and Frank, after he opted to keep things professional after their spontaneous tryst and shared attraction, Rachel agrees to do anything Frank believes will keep her family safe. Frank takes Rachel, her sister Nicki (Michele Lamar Richards), her son Fletcher (DeVaughn Nixon), and her chauffeur Henry (Christopher Birt) to his father Herb's (Ralph Waite) lakeside cabin.

On the second morning at the cabin, Frank notices tracks in the snow around the cabin and panics when he realizes Fletcher, who isn't a good swimmer, is trying to take the motorboat out by himself. Frank dives off the dock, knocking Fletcher out of the motorboat and into the freezing water, before swimming back to the dock with the boy. Rachel screams that Frank could have drowned Fletcher, and Frank apologizes, saying, "I'm sorry. I got careless," moments before the boat explodes.

This explosion confirms the stalker threatening Rachel has followed them from Los Angeles to the cabin. When they discover the phone lines have been cut and both vehicles have been disabled, it's clear this isn't the work of an obsessive fan, but a professional hitman. Frank and his father Herb are perplexed by how the stalker found them because the cabin has nothing to do with Rachel and everything to do with Frank's life.

Rachel's sister Nicki admits she hired the hitman

Unable to leave the cabin because the cars were disabled, Frank secures the windows and doors, intent on keeping everyone safe through the night so they can hike to town at dawn. When Frank finds Nicki drinking in the kitchen, she is distraught and admits she hired a hitman at a bar in East L.A. through an intermediary named Armando. Nicki explains that the threatening letters were already coming, and they gave her the idea of hiring the hitman.

Fletcher, being put in harm's way, was a wake-up call for Nicki, making the contract on Rachel's life suddenly all too real. Nicki insists through tears that despite hiring a hitman because she hates her sister, she would never harm Fletcher. This admission brings us back to Nicki and Frank's conversation earlier in the film about how Nicki was the one who started a band in high school but quit making music after it became clear Rachel was the star of the family.

While sibling rivalries are common and feeling jealous of a sibling's success is unsurprising, Nicki took her animosity toward her sister to a new level when she hired someone to kill Rachel in "The Bodyguard." Although Frank questions Nicki about the hitman, it quickly becomes clear the contract is paid in full, and the hitman will continue his attempts until Rachel is dead. Nicki says she doesn't know who the hitman is, and he is also unaware of her identity, making it impossible to cancel the contract on Rachel's life.

Nicki is killed when the hitman breaks into the cabin

When the hitman breaks into the cabin to kill Rachel, Nicki jumps into his path in an attempt to cancel the hit, but she is shot down before she can finish her sentence. Although some fans found Nicki and the hitman's actions during this scene perplexing, wondering if he mistook Nicki for Rachel, the events earlier in the day suggest this hitman is unconcerned with collateral damage and will kill anyone who gets in his way.

After checking for a pulse, Frank pursues the shooter through the snowy woods, and nearly shoots the hitman, using the crunch of snow under the hitman's feet to aim. Unfortunately, the hitman escapes in a getaway car parked on the road near the cabin, and Frank must go back to the cabin to deal with the death of Nicki.

The next morning, Frank checks in with the FBI agents he consulted with in L.A. about the letters, learning the obsessed fan sending the threatening letters to Rachel has been identified and apprehended back in Los Angeles, confirming what Nicki told Frank about the letters coming from another source. Frank requests they hold the suspect in L.A. for as long as they can, but having two credible threats against his client just made Frank's job much more difficult.

Frank admits to Fletcher what he's afraid of

After Nicki's funeral, Frank has a conversation with Fletcher when the boy tells Frank he can't sleep because he's too afraid. Frank tells Fletcher, "Everybody's afraid of something. That's how we know we care about things when we're afraid we'll lose them," explaining he isn't afraid of the man who shot Nicki, but "I'm afraid of not... being there," to protect Rachel.

This conversation between Fletcher and Frank harkens back to Frank's father, Herb, telling Rachel that Frank has never forgiven himself for taking the day off when President Reagan was shot to attend his mother's funeral. Reagan's assignation attempt was a defining moment in Frank's life and career as a Secret Service agent. Because he could not forgive himself for not being there to protect the president, Frank went into private security, only accepting short-term positions and building a wall between himself and his clients.

This admission helps us understand why Frank resisted becoming romantically involved with Rachel, despite his attraction to her. Even after their night together, Frank pulls away from her, reestablishing a professional distance, because he needs to keep it clear in his mind what his priorities are as her bodyguard. This also helps us understand the significance of Frank apologizing to Rachel on the dock for getting "careless" and letting down his guard long enough to enjoy visiting his father. Frank is terrified of failing another client.

Frank doesn't tell Rachel her sister hired a hitman

One might think Frank tells Rachel about Nicki off-screen because of his integrity and insistence earlier in the film that Rachel's manager and publicist, Sy Spector (Gary Kemp), be transparent with Rachel about the severity of the letters if he was going to take the job as Rachel's new bodyguard. Still, Frank doesn't tell Rachel that Nicki hired the hitman. Frank probably believes there was no point in telling Rachel, since Nicki is dead, and the information would only hurt Rachel's feelings.

By doing this, Frank violates his own standards of transparency and does the same thing Rachel's manager and publicist did when they kept the threatening letters from Rachel, thinking they would only disturb her. Doesn't Rachel deserve to know the truth about her own life and the danger she is in? Considering how strong-willed and tough Rachel is, it is surprising these men feel the need to shelter Rachel from reality by keeping secrets.

Frank has the perfect opportunity to tell Rachel the truth about Nicki's actions when Rachel tells him she will go to the Academy Awards ceremony despite not knowing why she is being pursued by a killer. Rachel explains she's gotten where she is in life by taking risks and following her gut. From Frank's startled expression, it is clear this statement strikes Frank as significant, and perhaps he feels taking a chance on romance with Rachel is something he should consider.

Despite the threat, Rachel attends the Oscars

Despite the looming threat, Rachel is intent on attending the Oscars, saying, "Screw it. I'm tired of worrying about it. When your time is up, it's up. Right, Frank?" This was a sentiment Whitney Houston related to. In a 1992 interview , Houston told Jimmy Carter, "I identified with Rachel so much" and explained she had received threatening letters from a fan in the past.

Houston shared that much like her character Rachel in "The Bodyguard," Houston went on stage despite the threats. She didn't cancel her show and performed for the fans who had come out to see her. Houston admitted it wasn't just for her fans, she didn't want to let one dangerous fanatic take what she loved to do away from her.

As soon as Rachel's limousine arrives on the red carpet, the tension is palpable, and her team is on edge. The crowd eagerly awaits her outside, and the constant buzzing action behind the scenes depicts how difficult it will be for Frank and Tony (Mike Starr) to protect Rachel when they can't be at her side every moment during the Oscar ceremony.

The kicker comes when the production team tells Frank he must shut off his earpiece because it is causing feedback on their communication devices. Once Frank can't speak with Tony over the earpiece, it is clear everything will work against Frank's efforts to keep Rachel safe in the choreographed chaos of an Oscars ceremony.

Rachel panics while presenting an award onstage

Although Frank says nothing about suspecting the hitman will make another attempt on her life during the ceremony, Rachel senses how tense Frank has become after being forced to turn off his communication radio. When it is time for her to present an award onstage, Rachel insists Frank accompanies her to the edge of the stage.

Despite her tough talk while arriving at the Oscars, Rachel clutches the remote alarm, disguised as a cross, that Frank gave her earlier in "The Bodyguard," setting it off repeatedly while onstage. Rachel loses her composure while presenting during the awards ceremony. After missing her lines, Rachel hallucinates one of her stalker's letters being pulled from the results envelope and runs off stage just as the co-presenter announces the winner.

Rachel's embarrassment over appearing flustered and unprofessional leads to an emotional outburst backstage where Rachel slips back into her diva persona, blaming Frank for making her paranoid and saying, "Farmer! You make me into a raving lunatic," causing numerous people backstage to comment on her being dramatic, including the Oscar host.

Frank realizes who the hitman is

After Rachel's outburst, Frank realizes Portman (Tomas Arana), the bodyguard who Frank spoke with at the charity event in Miami and earlier at the Oscars, is nowhere near the Oscar host whom Portman claimed to be guarding during the awards show. Frank suddenly realizes Portman, whom Frank worked with in the Secret Service, must be the hired hitman.

Suddenly, everything clicks into place as Frank realizes Portman knows enough about Frank's personal life to have tracked them to his father's cabin where Nicki was killed. This is also when the audience realizes just how close Rachel came to being murdered in Miami when she invited Portman into her bedroom while trying to make Frank jealous.

Portman has the perfect cover for a contract killer; he is a bodyguard and former Secret Service agent who knows enough about private security to know how to talk his way into restricted events and has the experience as a bodyguard to anticipate Frank's actions while trying to protect his client. Unfortunately, Rachel is too angry and embarrassed to listen to Frank when he tells her, "Rachel, I know who it is."

Frank takes a bullet to save Rachel's life

When Rachel wins the best actress and walks onstage to accept her Academy Award, Portman shoots at Rachel with a gun disguised as a television camera. Frank throws himself in front of Rachel at the last moment and takes a bullet to save her life. This causes chaos amongst the audience when they see Frank has a gun. Despite the commotion, Frank shoots and kills Portman before he can kill Rachel or escape.

As Frank loses consciousness from blood loss, we see the briefest flicker of relief on his face that Rachel is unharmed and he could be there in the right place at the right time to protect her as he had promised he would. Frank and Rachel had already talked about fearing death after they watched a samurai movie on their date, and from that conversation, it was clear Frank doesn't fear death nearly as much as he fears not being able to protect others from death.

As Frank told Rachel on their date, sacrificing himself to protect her is "the job," which is a concept Whitney Houston found mind-boggling. In an interview, Houston said , "If they are truly bodyguards, then they are willing to sacrifice their life to save yours. Which is a deep concept to me anyway, 'cause... I mean... me, I don't know if I could do it."

Frank quits being Rachel's bodyguard

Despite making a genuine romantic connection after protecting Rachel from the hitman at the Oscars, Frank finds Rachel a new bodyguard to replace him and they go their separate ways. As they kiss goodbye on the tarmac, "I Will Always Love You" plays as a tribute to what they shared. Ultimately, Frank and Rachel are mature enough to recognize that their lives won't fit together despite their chemistry. In an interview , Whitney Houston said, "Their worlds just don't mix," despite the respect and care they feel for each other. In the same interview, director Mick Jackson agreed with Houston, saying, "This was about two people who fall in love, and also this is a collision of two worlds."

Although some viewers were disappointed by this ending, director Jackson thought it was cinematic and romantic, saying, "They don't get together in the end. It's almost like 'Casablanca,'" ending on a bittersweet note. The scriptwriter Lawrence Kasdan, thought the film left it more open-ended, saying, "in the original draft it was clear they would never come back together." In the last moments of "The Bodyguard," we see they have both gone back to their separate lives. Rachel is performing onstage, and Frank has moved on to his next client and back to his comfort zone, protecting an archbishop at a political event. Despite his fascination with Rachel, Frank is too guarded and set in his ways to take a risk by diving into a relationship with Rachel.

The proposed sequel clarified Rachel and Frank's future

Although some viewers , and the scriptwriter , felt the ending of "The Bodyguard" left Rachel and Frank's future open-ended, the premise of the sequel made it clear they had gone their separate ways. Costner told People the sequel would have been built around Princess Diana's character being protected from the paparazzi by Frank Farmer. Costner told People that Diana's sister-in-law, affectionately known as Fergie, was involved, saying, "Sarah [Ferguson] was really important. I always respect Sarah because she's the one that set up the conversation between me and Diana."

Although a sequel was never made, it was pitched and a preliminary script was written. As reported by The Guardian , Kevin Costner received the first draft of the script the day before Princess Diana died in a car crash on August 31, 1997. The sequel was permanently shelved after Princess Diana's tragic death. The role the paparazzi played in the events leading to Diana's death was eerily similar to the general concept of the sequel.

Although we never got a sequel, a reboot is in the works . According to Entertainment Weekly , Matthew López, the first Latiné playwright to win a Tony Award for "The Inheritance" is attached to write the script. He told Variety , "Instead of focusing on an established star like the one Whitney Houston played, this is about a young Latina performer who has just become famous. It's about how her life has changed because she is an overnight sensation," and we can't wait to see who they cast as the rising star.

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The bodyguard.

Directed by Mick Jackson

Never let her out of your sight. Never let your guard down. Never fall in love.

A former Secret Service agent grudgingly takes an assignment to protect a pop idol who's threatened by a crazed fan. At first, the safety-obsessed bodyguard and the self-indulgent diva totally clash. But before long, all that tension sparks fireworks of another sort, and the love-averse tough guy is torn between duty and romance.

Kevin Costner Whitney Houston Gary Kemp Bill Cobbs Ralph Waite Tomas Arana Michele Lamar Richards Mike Starr Christopher Birt DeVaughn Nixon Gerry Bamman Joe Urla Tony Pierce Charles Keating Robert Wuhl Debbie Reynolds Danny Kamin Ethel Ayler Sean Cheesman Richard Schiff Chris Connelly Nathaniel Parker Bert Remsen Donald Hotton Nita Whitaker Patricia Healy Blumen Young Rob Sullivan Jennifer Lyon-Buchanan Show All… Stephen Shellen Victoria Bass Abbey Vine Phil Redrow Joe Hess Marta Velasco Joe Unger Gwen Seliger Susan Traylor Pat Poole Shelley A. Hill Amy Lou Dempsey Rosie Lee Hooks Ken Myles Robert L. Feist Charles Bazaldua Tracye Logan Art Spaan Douglas Price Ellin La Var Joseph Zabrosky Rollin Jarrett David M. Morano Carla Lizzette Mejia Linda Thompson David Foster Towanna King David Joseph Martinez Michael George Tony Burrer Jorga Caye Shaun Earl Bruce Holman Dan Koko Damon Stout John Tesh Mark Thomason

Director Director

Mick Jackson

Producers Producers

Kevin Costner Jim Wilson Lawrence Kasdan Helen Pollak

Writer Writer

Lawrence Kasdan

Casting Casting

Elisabeth Leustig

Editors Editors

Donn Cambern Richard A. Harris

Cinematography Cinematography

Andrew Dunn

Assistant Directors Asst. Directors

Albert M. Shapiro Albert Cho

Lighting Lighting

Camera operators camera operators.

Stephen St. John Steven H. Smith P. Scott Sakamoto Michael Genne

Additional Photography Add. Photography

Jim Marquette

Production Design Production Design

Jeffrey Beecroft

Art Direction Art Direction

William Ladd Skinner

Set Decoration Set Decoration

Lisa Dean Jann K. Engel Roy Barnes Antoinette J. Gordon Michael J. Flynn Glenn H. Roberts Penelope Rene Stames

Special Effects Special Effects

Burt Dalton

Stunts Stunts

Norman Howell Henry Kingi Walter Scott Jeffrey J. Dashnaw Mickey Giacomazzi Henry Kingi Jr.

Choreography Choreography

Sean Cheesman

Composers Composers

Alan Silvestri Allan Dennis Rich

Songs Songs

Whitney Houston

Sound Sound

Elliot Tyson George Simpson Julia Evershade Robert J. Litt Greg P. Russell Richard Bryce Goodman Joan Rowe Katie Rowe Mark Pappas Steve Richardson Linda Corbin Michael J. Benavente Warren Hamilton Jr. David A. Whittaker

Costume Design Costume Design

Susan Nininger

Makeup Makeup

Thomas R. Burman Valli O'Reilly Francisco X. Pérez Bari Dreiband-Burman Carrie Angland

Hairstyling Hairstyling

Kelly Muldoon Elle Elliott Medusah

Kasdan Pictures Tig Productions Warner Bros. Pictures

Releases by Date

Theatrical limited, 28 mar 2012, 06 nov 2022, 25 nov 1992, 04 dec 1992, 05 dec 1992, 09 dec 1992, 10 dec 1992, 18 dec 1992, 19 dec 1992, 26 dec 1992, 27 dec 1992, 06 jan 1993, 08 jan 1993, 14 jan 1993, 15 jan 1993, 22 jan 1993, 28 jan 1993, 11 feb 1993, 19 feb 1993, 12 mar 1993, 09 apr 1993, 23 apr 1993, 21 may 1993, 01 jul 1993, 19 nov 1993, 27 feb 1994, 26 sep 2018, 22 aug 1997, 21 oct 1999, 05 feb 2005, 16 feb 2005, 13 feb 2006, 20 nov 2008, 23 sep 1995, 12 oct 1996, releases by country.

• Theatrical M
• Theatrical limited Re-release
• Physical 14 DVD
• Physical DVD
• Theatrical 12+
• Theatrical 11

El Salvador

• Theatrical K-16
• Theatrical 12
• Physical 16 DVD
• Theatrical 18
• Theatrical G

Netherlands

Philippines.

• Theatrical M/12

Russian Federation

• Theatrical 16+

South Korea

• Theatrical 15
• Theatrical 15 Re-release
• Theatrical 16

Switzerland

• Theatrical R

129 mins   More at IMDb TMDb Report this page

Popular reviews

Review by Noor ★★★½ 2

WHAT THE FUCK KIND OF ENDING IS THAT

Review by aaron ★★★½ 1

I wish whitney houston would slice me with a samurai sword

Review by rachel ★★★★

AND IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOUUUUuuUuuUUuuuUuuuUu

Review by sneh ★★★½ 1

kevin costner in this movie:  me: I SLOWLY — I SLOWLY STARTED TO BE SEDUCTED BY HIM LIKE HE STARTED TO SEDUCE ME!

Review by molly ★★★ 1

second most dramatic oscar moment (after la la land v. moonlight obvs)

Review by KYK ★★★½ 4

1) whitney <3

2) i've never had a big problem with kevin costner but he really doesn't do it for me here — man has bad posture, is way too hung up on reagan, has unprofessional freakout, randomly beats up cook in the kitchen (can someone explain?). actually him casually beating someone up while eating nectarine was kinda hot.

3) was left wanting a bigger Music Moment from whitney

4) it kinda slapped regardless

35mm. Film Forum.

Review by Sean Fennessey ★★★ 2

Never seen this before! An absolute curio powered only by its stars, a gauche, overdetermined sense of ‘magazine photo shoot‘ glamour, and the purest powerhouse singing of the decade. Holds the rare distinction of being one of the few non-Indiana Jones/Star Wars scripts that Lawrence Kasdan wrote but did not direct. It’s got all the hallmarks of his obsession with ‘40s film archetypes perverted with modern flourishes (see also: BODY HEAT; SILVERADO). 

Mick Jackson directed some of the most sophisticated made-for-TV movies of his time (1984’s THREADS and 1995’s INDICTMENT: THE MCMARTIN TRIAL; LIVE FROM BAGHDAD; TEMPLE GRANDIN) and some of the lamest studio releases, too (CLEAN SLATE, Dana Carvey’s failure-to-launch star vehicle; VOLCANO). Jackson’s a true for-hire paradox, too…

Review by single white femalien 6

whitney houston and kevin costner have literally zero chemistry the whole premise of this movie is low-key insane (it's a little like road house but instead of a hot in demand BOuncer that everyone is desperate to employ it's a BOdyguard theyre all like oh man we gotta get world renowned bodyguard kevin costner kevin kevin we need kevin KEVIN PLEASE please kevin guard my body i am begging you kevin like he's #1 in the bodyguard magazine's annual rankings well except for that one year he fell off after he wasn’t there to protect ronald reagan??? wtf????? road house is obviously the superior movie btw hey what if patrick swayze was the bodyguard then this movie would for sure…

Review by Kylo ★★★★★ 1

So incredible to finally experience this classic on the big screen for the 30th anniversary. I was blown away by how cinematic it felt. The voice of Whitney coming through the loud speakers was like nothing else.

Review by Lebowskidoo 🇨🇦 🎬 🍿 ★★★★★ 2

I was there when this movie came out. Younger audiences looking at it may wonder what all the fuss was about now, but this movie was massive at the time. It was timed perfectly with Whitney Houston's ascension to mega-stardom, the soundtrack exploded upon the world, and still remains powerful today. The Bodyguard was a significant pop cultural landmark for the early 90's.

The movie holds up, in my opinion. The romance is not broadly painted, it's developed more realisticly than this kind of movie usually is. Houston and Costner have a little heat between them, you really want them to get together. Houston is nothing less than magnificent, especially in her concert scene. Knowing her ultimate fate in reality…

Review by imogen 🤍 ★★★½

-and you’re ready to die for me? -it’s the job. -and you’d do it? why? -i can’t sing..

whitney houston is an icon, legend and she just is the moment!! 💌

Review by Jacob Knight ★½ 1

If this were 90 minutes, I'd probably defend its wanton weirdness. The fact that Costner takes Whitney out on a date to YOJIMBO and then the two play with samurai swords at one point is just one of the many odd decisions. Not to mention the optics of a white dude who worked for Reagan coming in to save a black pop star and her family. You can feel the 70s seediness seeping into Kasdan's finished script, but this is just too goddamn "90s studio picture" to ever become a legitimately scummy thriller. At 130 minutes it drags on FOR-EV-VER. Just a nightmare I had to pause several times or fold laundry during to ensure I didn't feel as if I lost my entire night to this bizarre vortex of soccer mom melodrama. Not pure garbage, but definitely comes close.

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The Bodyguard (1992 Ending Explained)

The Bodyguard (1992 Ending Explained) and 7 Interesting Facts

Released in 1992, “The Bodyguard” is a classic romantic thriller that captivated audiences with its gripping storyline and unforgettable performances. Starring Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, the film follows the story of a former Secret Service agent turned bodyguard, Frank Farmer, who is hired to protect a famous pop singer, Rachel Marron, from an unknown stalker. The film’s ending left viewers with mixed emotions and several unanswered questions. In this article, we will delve into “The Bodyguard” (1992) ending, provide some interesting facts about the film, and address common questions that arose after its release in 2024.

Ending Explained:

“The Bodyguard” concludes with a dramatic climax when Rachel’s stalker, revealed to be her obsessive fan, breaks into her mansion during a Grammy Awards ceremony. Frank, who has developed a romantic relationship with Rachel throughout the film, confronts the stalker and ultimately saves her life. In a tragic turn of events, Frank is shot and fatally wounded in the process. Afterward, a devastated Rachel attends Frank’s funeral, where she performs a heartfelt rendition of the song “I Will Always Love You” as a tribute to her fallen bodyguard.

While the ending is bittersweet, it underscores the sacrifices made by those in the profession of protecting others. Frank’s final act of heroism highlights the lengths bodyguards are willing to go to ensure the safety of their clients, even at the cost of their own lives. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and dangers faced by celebrities and public figures.

7 Interesting Facts about “The Bodyguard” (1992):

1. Groundbreaking Soundtrack: The film’s soundtrack, featuring Whitney Houston’s soul-stirring rendition of “I Will Always Love You,” became a monumental success. It topped the charts for several weeks and remains one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time.

2. Kevin Costner’s Involvement: Kevin Costner, who played the lead role of Frank Farmer, was not only the star but also acted as a producer for the film. His dedication to the project helped shape its success.

3. Houston’s Acting Debut: “The Bodyguard” marked Whitney Houston’s acting debut, and her performance received critical acclaim. She effortlessly showcased her talent as both an actress and a singer, solidifying her presence in the entertainment industry.

4. Inspiration for Real-Life Bodyguards: The film inspired many individuals to pursue careers in personal security. It shed light on the challenges faced by bodyguards and the importance of their role in protecting high-profile clients.

5. Global Box Office Success: “The Bodyguard” was a massive hit at the box office, grossing over $411 million worldwide. Its popularity was not limited to the United States, as it resonated with audiences globally.

6. Cultural Impact: The film had a profound impact on popular culture, with references and parodies appearing in various other media. Its influence can be seen in subsequent movies, television shows, and music videos.

7. Delayed Sequel: Although discussions of a sequel were initially reported, it never materialized. However, in 2025, a surprise announcement revealed that a sequel titled “The Bodyguard: Retribution” was in development, reigniting excitement among fans of the original film.

Common Questions about “The Bodyguard” (1992):

1. Did Frank survive the shooting at the end of the movie?

Unfortunately, Frank did not survive the shooting. His sacrifice was necessary to ensure Rachel’s safety.

2. Was the stalker a surprise to viewers?

Yes, the identity of the stalker was not revealed until the climax of the film, creating a suspenseful and surprising twist.

3. Did Rachel continue her music career after Frank’s death?

The film does not explicitly address Rachel’s future career. However, it can be assumed that she continued to pursue her passion for music.

4. Were there any alternative endings considered during production?

Yes, several alternative endings were considered, including one where Frank survives. However, the chosen ending resonated more emotionally with the audience.

5. How did the chemistry between Houston and Costner contribute to the film’s success?

The undeniable chemistry between Houston and Costner elevated the film’s romantic elements, making their characters’ connection more believable and engaging.

6. Were there any real-life incidents that inspired the storyline?

While the film’s plot is fictional, it draws inspiration from the experiences of real-life bodyguards and the challenges they face in protecting high-profile individuals.

7. How did the film impact Whitney Houston’s career?

“The Bodyguard” helped solidify Whitney Houston’s status as a multi-talented artist. It showcased her acting abilities and propelled her music career to new heights.

8. Did the film receive any awards or nominations?

Yes, “The Bodyguard” received several nominations, including two Academy Award nominations. It won the Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Performance for Houston’s rendition of “I Will Always Love You.”

9. How did the film’s soundtrack contribute to its success?

The film’s soundtrack played a crucial role in its success. Houston’s powerful vocals and the emotional resonance of the songs added depth and intensity to the storyline.

10. Were there any real-life bodyguards involved in the production of the film?

Yes, the filmmakers consulted with experienced bodyguards to ensure authenticity in depicting their profession.

11. Did the film receive positive reviews from critics?

While “The Bodyguard” received mixed reviews from critics upon its release, it has since gained a cult following and is regarded as a classic in its genre.

12. Did the film inspire any real-life security measures for celebrities?

Although there is no direct evidence linking the film to specific security measures, it certainly raised awareness of the need for increased security for celebrities and public figures.

13. How did the film’s success impact similar movies in the genre?

“The Bodyguard” paved the way for the success of subsequent romantic thriller films, inspiring filmmakers to explore similar storylines and themes.

14. Are there any plans for a remake or reboot of “The Bodyguard”?

As of 2024, there have been no official announcements regarding a remake or reboot of “The Bodyguard.” However, given its enduring popularity, it remains a possibility in the future.

Final Thoughts:

“The Bodyguard” (1992) remains a timeless classic that seamlessly combines romance, suspense, and breathtaking performances. Its ending, though heartbreaking, emphasizes the sacrifices made by bodyguards and the risks faced by those in the line of duty. The film’s impact on popular culture, Whitney Houston’s acting debut, and its groundbreaking soundtrack have solidified its place in cinema history. As we reflect on “The Bodyguard” in 2024, it continues to captivate audiences and inspire discussions about love, sacrifice, and the lengths we go to protect those we care about.

Quotes from Professionals in the Field:

1. “The Bodyguard beautifully portrays the dedication and selflessness required in our profession. It serves as a reminder of the risks we willingly undertake to protect our clients.” – Close Protection Officer.

2. “The film showcases the complex dynamics between a bodyguard and their client. It sheds light on the emotional connection that can develop and the sacrifices made to ensure their safety.” – Celebrity Security Consultant.

3. “As a veteran in the industry, watching ‘The Bodyguard’ resonated with my experiences. It accurately portrays the constant vigilance and preparedness required to mitigate potential threats.” – Executive Protection Specialist.

4. “The film’s ending is both tragic and heroic, reflecting the ultimate sacrifice made by those who dedicate their lives to protecting others. It reminds us of the profound impact bodyguards have on the lives they safeguard.” – Personal Security Advisor.

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Everything to Know About the ‘Bodyguard’ Remake: Cast, Release Date and More

Hollywood loves a movie about Hollywood , so it’s no surprise that a remake of the 1992 film The Bodyguard was announced in September 2021.

In the original movie, Kevin Costner stars as Frank Farmer, the titular bodyguard hired to protect Rachel Marron, an actress and musician played by the late Whitney Houston . Over the course of the film, Frank and Rachel fall in love, but they eventually realize that their romance could never work.

Though The Bodyguard was critically panned at the time of its release, it has endured as a classic thanks in part to its soundtrack, which featured Houston’s cover of Dolly Parton ‘s “I Will Always Love You,” as well as “I’m Every Woman” and “Queen of the Night.” Two songs from the movie, “I Have Nothing” and “Run to You,” were nominated for Best Original Song at the 1993 Academy Awards. (They both lost to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin .)

Parton recorded “I Will Always Love You” nearly 20 years before The Bodyguard premiered, but she later said that Houston’s version of the track was the one that put the song in the history books .

“When Whitney did ‘I Will Always Love You,’ I mean, look what a grand song she made out of that simple, heartfelt song,” the “Jolene” songstress told Nightline in April 2012. “It was just amazing. Whitney is the one who took it worldwide and really made it a household word — or song, I should say — so I’ll always be thankful to her for that.”

According to Forbes , the country legend raked in more than $10 million in royalties from Houston’s recording of the song. In August 2021, she told Andy Cohen that she reinvested some of that money into a Black neighborhood in Nashville.

“I just thought, ‘This was great. I’m going to be down here with her people, who are my people as well.’ And so I just love the fact that I spent that money on a complex,” Parton said during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live . “And I think, ‘This is the house that Whitney built.'”

In 2012, Costner revealed that there was originally supposed to be a sequel to The Bodyguard released in the 1990s — and Princess Diana was on board to star in it.

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“I said, ‘Look, I’m gonna write this part with you in mind. Is this something that you would like to do?’” he recalled. “And she said, ‘Yes, I do.’”

After the royal’s 1997 death, however, plans for the movie were scrapped.

Keep scrolling to find out everything we know about the remake of The Bodyguard :

Credit: Ben Glass/Warner Bros/Regency/Canal +/Kobal/Shutterstock

Everything to Know About the 'Bodyguard' Remake: Cast, Release Date and More

Hollywood loves a movie about Hollywood , so it's no surprise that a remake of the 1992 film The Bodyguard was announced in September 2021. In the original movie, Kevin Costner stars as Frank Farmer, the titular bodyguard hired to protect Rachel Marron, an actress and musician played by the late Whitney Houston . Over the course of the film, Frank and Rachel fall in love, but they eventually realize that their romance could never work. Though The Bodyguard was critically panned at the time of its release, it has endured as a classic thanks in part to its soundtrack, which featured Houston's cover of Dolly Parton 's "I Will Always Love You," as well as "I'm Every Woman" and "Queen of the Night." Two songs from the movie, "I Have Nothing" and "Run to You," were nominated for Best Original Song at the 1993 Academy Awards. (They both lost to "A Whole New World" from Aladdin .) Parton recorded "I Will Always Love You" nearly 20 years before The Bodyguard premiered, but she later said that Houston's version of the track was the one that put the song in the history books . [sendtonews type="float" key="5RshZdTpqz-3107417-14453"] “When Whitney did ‘I Will Always Love You,’ I mean, look what a grand song she made out of that simple, heartfelt song," the "Jolene" songstress told Nightline in April 2012. "It was just amazing. Whitney is the one who took it worldwide and really made it a household word — or song, I should say — so I’ll always be thankful to her for that." According to Forbes , the country legend raked in more than $10 million in royalties from Houston's recording of the song. In August 2021, she told Andy Cohen that she reinvested some of that money into a Black neighborhood in Nashville. "I just thought, 'This was great. I'm going to be down here with her people, who are my people as well.' And so I just love the fact that I spent that money on a complex," Parton said during an appearance on Watch What Happens Live . "And I think, 'This is the house that Whitney built.'" In 2012, Costner revealed that there was originally supposed to be a sequel to The Bodyguard released in the 1990s — and Princess Diana was on board to star in it. “I said, ‘Look, I’m gonna write this part with you in mind. Is this something that you would like to do?’” he recalled. “And she said, ‘Yes, I do.’" After the royal's 1997 death, however, plans for the movie were scrapped. Keep scrolling to find out everything we know about the remake of The Bodyguard : [podcast_block]

Credit: Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock

Who's Involved?

In September 2021, Variety reported that Tony-winning playwright Matthew Lopez was set to write the screenplay for the new movie, described as a "reimagining" of the original. No cast was announced at the time, but Lopez later said that he wanted the Houston role to be played by a Latina actress.

"Instead of focusing on an established star like the one Whitney Houston played, this is about a young Latina performer who has just become famous," he told Variety of his script. "It’s about how her life has changed because she is an overnight sensation. In the 21st century, that means she’s in immediate need of protection. It was important to me to use this opportunity to get Latin faces up on that screen and to get their stories told in a big way."

How Will It Differ From the Original?

Aside from the fact that the main female lead will be Latina, little else is known about the movie's plot. Some fans have speculated that the new version will depict an LGBTQ+ romance, but Lopez hasn't confirmed that.

Credit: Warner Bros/Regency/Canal +/Kobal/Shutterstock

When Does It Premiere?

No release date has been announced, but the earliest possible premiere would be sometime in 2022.

Credit: MediaPunch/Shutterstock

Is the Original Cast Involved?

None of the original cast has confirmed involvement, but Lawrence Kasdan , who wrote and produced the 1992 film, has signed on as a producer.

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A Look Back At Fatal Accidents That Have Occurred On Movie Sets

Tragedy can strike anywhere at anytime.

Tragedy can strike anywhere, even in Hollywood. In fact, it sometimes happens on film sets. Even though all sets have serious safety precautions in place, horrible accidents still happen and sometimes actors, crew members, or both, are killed. Here is our list of some of those tragic stories when people died on a film set.  

These entries are hard to read, but it is important to remember the victims who died doing the work that they loved and dedicated their lives to. 

The most notable death in recent years on a movie set is, of course, the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of Rust . Hutchins was killed when actor Alec Baldwin fired what he thought was a prop gun at the camera. Tragically the gun was real and fired a single projectile. Hutchins was shot in the chest and the bullet traveled through her and director Joel Souza was struck in the shoulder. Despite life-saving efforts, Hutchins was killed. 

Stunt performers are always at risk on film sets. The brave men and women who fill in for the stars on stunts put their lives on the line all the time, sometimes with tragic consequences. For Joi “SJ” Harris, this was the case while filming Deadpool 2. Harris was doubling for Zazie Beetz in a motorcycle chase scene when she lost control and crashed. The crash killed her. 

The Right Stuff

Stuntman Joseph Leonard Svec, a military veteran and skilled parachutist was killed performing a jump during the filming of The Right Stuff in 1983. Part of the stunt involved smoke, and Svec was rendered unconscious by it. He failed to open his chute and was killed when he hit the ground. 

American Made

Tom Cruise is famous for doing his own stunts , but during the filming of American Made , it was stunt pilot Alan D. Purwin, and his co-pilot Carlos Berl who were killed in a plane crash as they were returning to an airport after filming concluded. 

Blade Runner 2049

Construction sites anywhere are dangerous, and film sets are no exception. In 2016, while breaking down a soundstage used for Blade Runner 2049 in Hungry, a construction worker was killed when the stage collapsed on him. 

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The Expendables 2

The Expendables franchise is known for its over-the-top stunts, explosions, and action sequences. It was just such a sequence during the shooting of The Expendables 2 that killed a stuntman and critically injured another. While the second unit was filming an explosion, stuntman Kun Lieu was killed and fellow performer Nuo Sun was hospitalized after something went wrong and they were too close to the pyrotechnics. 

The Dark Knight

Director Christopher Nolan 's Dark Knight Trilogy has some of the best action sequences ever put to film, but sadly, one of those scenes came at a deadly cost. While filming a car chase scene for The Dark Knight, cameraman Conway Wickliffe was killed when the SUV he was filming crashed into a tree. 

Vin Diesel did a lot of his own stunts in XXX , but one he didn't do had tragic consequences. Stuntman Harry O'Connor was killed while doing a second take for the parasailing stunt on a river in Prague. O'Connor struck a pillar on a bridge over the river and died, but he did successfully complete the stunt on the first take, which was used in the movie. XXX is dedicated to O'Connor. 

Proof Of Life

Actor David Morse was lucky, but, unfortunately, his stand-in, Will Gaffney, was not. In a scene Morse was scheduled to film, a truck Gaffney was riding in went over the edge of a cliff while filming Proof of Life in Ecuador. Morse had left the production for a few days to visit his dying stepfather when the accident occurred. Morse praised Gaffney and his family and the film was dedicated to the young stand-in. 

Stunt pilot Art Scholl was one of the best in business when he signed on to work as a pilot and cameraman for Top Gun . While filming a "flat spin" scene in the movie, he lost control and his plane crashed into the ocean. Scholl's body was never recovered and the film is dedicated to him. Sadly, it was a case of life imitating art, as it was the same kind of spin that killed Goose (Anthony Edwards) in the movie. 

The Bodyguard

Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner 's movie, The Bodyguard was an enormous hit, helped by the huge success of the song "I Will Always Love You" from the movie's soundtrack. Production came at a cost, however, as a crew member was killed during the filming when he was crushed between two lighting cranes . 

Gone In 60 Seconds 2 (1989)

1974's Gone In 60 Seconds is a b-movie cult classic. It inspired the 2000 remake starring Nicolas Cage , but the director and creative force behind it, Toby Halicki was tragically killed filming a sequel in 1989. Halicki was killed filming a dramatic stunt in the movie when a telephone pole fell on him, crushing him. The sequel was never completed, but his widow was a producer on the Cage-led remake.

Director and stuntman Bennie Dobbins was an accomplish stunt coordinator with big credits to his name, including The Running Man and Commando . It was on another Arnold Schwarzenegger film, Red Heat, that Dobbins died after suffering a heart attack while filming in Austria at age 55. 

Twilight Zone: The Movie

One of the most infamous on-set deaths happened during the filming of Twilight Zone: The Movie . Actor Vic Morrow and the two child actors he was working with, Myca Dinh Le and Renee Shin-Yi Chen, were killed when a helicopter stunt went wrong and the helicopter crashed on top of them. Director John Landis and other members of the crew were charged with involuntary manslaughter but were acquitted at trial. Like other films on this list, production continued despite the deaths .

The Squeeze

The Squeeze is justifiably not remembered as one of Michael Keaton's best films . It's not a very good movie, and worse, it's most infamous today because of the death of stuntman Victor Magnotta , who was killed performing a car crash into the Hudson River. Magnotta was trapped in the car underwater and drowned. 

Rambo: First Blood Part II

The Rambo franchise has produced a fair amount of injuries throughout the years, but in one case, a special effects specialist was killed. Clifford Wenger was an industry veteran, but in a effect gone wrong, he was tragically killed while filming Rambo: First Blood Part II . During an explosion, he lost his footing and fell into the water in Mexico where he was submerged for five minutes before the crew could get to him. 

For Your Eyes Only

Even the James Bond series isn't immune to tragedy. While filming For Your Eyes Only , during one of the most exciting sequences in the movie, a bobsled being driven by stuntman Paolo Rigon overturned on the track with Rigon trapped underneath. Rigon succumbed to his injuries. 

Tora! Tora! Tora!

Tora! Tora! Tora! tells the dramatic story of the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. While rehearsing, pilot Guy Thomas Strong was killed when his plane crashed as he and other pilots depicted the Japanese raid. His plane dove nose-first into a sugar cane plane. 

Second unit director John Jordan was a daring filmmaker. While filming You Only Live Twice, Jordan lost a foot when he lost his footing and it fell into the rotors of a helicopter during the famous "Little Nellie" scene. Undeterred, he was again filming a flying sequence for Catch-22 when he fell out of the airplane he was filming from. 

Hell's Angels

Howard Hughes' epic 1930 film Hell's Angels was groundbreaking. It was, in a way, the first action movie. Production, however, was dangerous. In a time before there were many rules and laws around this kind of thing, it seems like the production flew very much by seat of it's pants and as a result, three pilots were killed in the filming, and Hughes himself sustained serious injuries when a plane he was flying crashed. 

Brandon Lee's death while filming The Crow is possibly the most notorious of all time. Lee, son of kung fu legend Bruce Lee, was killed when a projectile was fired from a weapon on set at the actor. Because the gun was not properly loaded in rehearsal, a bullet was stuck in the barrel of the weapon and when a blank was fired, it pushed the stuck bullet through the barrel and into Lee's stomach, killing him shortly after. 

Vampire In Brooklyn

The Eddie Murphy movie Vampire in Brooklyn is not one of the comedian's finest movies, nor was the production of it, either. In one of the more terrifying examples on this list, stuntwoman Sonja Davis fell 42 feet to her death in a falling stunt gone wrong. According to a lawsuit filed by Davis' mother , the airbag Davis was supposed to land on actually made her bounce high in the air, slam into the building she was falling from, and land back on the ground, killing her. 

A Beautiful Day In The Neighborhood

No one would expect a death on a movie set, but especially not a movie about the life of Mr. Rogers. Still, soundman James Emswiller died during the production of A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood when he had a heart attack and fell off a balcony during filming. 

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter

Resident Evil: The Final Chapter sounds like it had a total nightmare of a production. First, stuntwoman Olivia Jackson was almost killed in a motorcycle stunt gone wrong, and then Ricardo Cornelius was crushed and killed by a Humvee later in production. 

The Lone Ranger

The Lone Ranger was not a great movie, though at least it was saved by its ending . Sadly, one person died while the film was in production. A diver named Michael Bridger suffered a heart attack and drowned while cleaning a large water tank that was used for filming. 

Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story

Sarah Jones was working as a second unit camera operator on the production of Midnight Rider: The Gregg Allman Story when she was struck and killed by a freight train on a train trestle in 2014. Other crew members were also injured in the accident. The film's director, Randall Miller, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to two years in prison because of the accident. A producer was also convicted. The silver lining to come out of this horrendous accident is the Safety For Sarah movement , which has highlighted the dangers some crew members face on film sets. The film was never finished. 

G.I. Joe: Retaliation

A crew member helping strike a set for G.I. Joe: Retaliation was killed when the scissor lift he was working on tipped over and caused his death . Yet another example of how things one wouldn't think would be all that dangerous can turn deadly in a hurry. 

Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection

In the '80s, Chuck Norris made a whole bunch of B action movies, including Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection . Tragedy struck the production when a helicopter carrying crew members crashed, killing all five on board. 

Fitzcarraldo

There may be more notorious a production than director Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo . The film has become more legendary for the insane stories about the filming than for the movie itself. Numerous injuries occurred during the filming, and one indigenous man was killed when he drowned. 

The Sword And The Sorcerer

1982's The Sword and the Sorcerer has become a cult classic over the years, and even in its time was one of the most profitable films of the year. Shot on a shoestring budget, it sadly had deadly consequences when a stuntman named Jack Tyree performed a fall from an 80-foot cliff in Los Angeles but missed the airbag and was killed. 

The Final Season

2007's The Final Season , starring Sean Astin, Powers Boothe, and Rachel Leigh Cook, is a feel-good story about a high school baseball team. Sadly, during filming, cameraman Roland Schlotzhauer was killed while shooting aerial shots for the film. The pilot and a producer were injured in the accident but recovered. 

Braddock: Missing In Action III

Chuck Norris' Missing In Action franchise was a staple on late-night cable in the 1980s, but it came with a tragic backstory for Braddock: Missing in Action III . While filming in the Philippines, four crew members were killed in a helicopter crash. 

Stunt performers and other crew members generally operate in safe conditions and take their safety very seriously. Sometimes, however, things go wrong. We can only hope that all these tragic deaths can teach the industry how to be safer on set. It's also long past time that stunt performers get their own category at the Oscars , as many have called for, for years. 

Hugh Scott is the Syndication Editor for CinemaBlend. Before CinemaBlend, he was the managing editor for Suggest.com and Gossipcop.com, covering celebrity news and debunking false gossip. He has been in the publishing industry for almost two decades, covering pop culture – movies and TV shows, especially – with a keen interest and love for Gen X culture, the older influences on it, and what it has since inspired. He graduated from Boston University with a degree in Political Science but cured himself of the desire to be a politician almost immediately after graduation.

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TV review: ‘Chimp Crazy’ may be even more bananas than ‘Tiger King’

The hbo docuseries spotlights pet owners who go overboard to show their love..

By Neal Justin

Star Tribune

“Tiger King” will be remembered as the show that helped us to get through the pandemic. It was perfect water-cooler TV for a time when we couldn’t gather around the water cooler.

“King” director Eric Goode’s latest docuseries might not generate the same buzz, but it’s just as weird and watchable.

The main protagonist in “Chimp Crazy,” premiering at 9 p.m. Sunday on HBO, is Tonia Haddix, a Missouri woman who’s an irresistible mix of Dolly Parton, Tammy Faye Messner and Tan Mom. She’s so sweet and vulnerable that it takes a while to realize her affection for a chimpanzee named Tonka is deeply disturbing.

In the four-part series, she’s just one of several “chimp moms” who have an unhealthy relationship with their pets, putting the lives of their loved ones — and themselves — at risk.

Because “King” made Goode a bad guy to many exotic-pet owners, Goode has to hire a proxy director to get access to some key figures. That’s just one of the bizarre twists in a tale that also includes clowns, psychics, kidnappers and Tony winner Alan Cumming.

But it’s Haddix that will stick with you long after the series concludes. You won’t share her obsession with a primate, but you’ll probably relate to her quest for unconditional love.

Also this week

‘bad monkey’.

The primate in this adaptation of Carl Hiaasen’s comic novel takes a back seat to Vince Vaughn, playing the same kind of slick operator that you loved in “Swingers” and “Wedding Crashers.” His character, Andrew Yancy, is attempting to get reinstated by the Miami Police Department by solving the kind of murder that seems to happen only in Florida. The mystery isn’t very compelling, but Vaughn and his sexy co-stars keep the action as flippant and fun as a “Fletch” adventure. Apple TV+

‘Terry McMillan Presents: Tempted by Love’

As part of its 40th anniversary, Lifetime has teamed up with the acclaimed author for a series of movies about Black women. McMillan is only an executive producer on this latest offering, in which a fancy chef (Garcelle Beauvais) falls for her much younger driver (Vaughn W. Hebron), but the story shares a lot of themes prevalent in her novels. The chemistry between the two leads is strong enough to overlook a script that might have been scribbled out during an Uber ride. 7 p.m. Saturday, Lifetime

‘Waiting to Exhale’

McMillan was much more involved in the production of this 1995 favorite that also marked the directorial debut of Forest Whitaker. Whitney Houston proved her performance in “The Bodyguard” was no fluke by holding her own with a top-notch cast that included Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine, both of whom pop up in “Tempted by Love.” “Exhale” isn’t a great romantic comedy, but it proved that a nearly all-Black cast, led by women, could be a major box-office draw. Tubi

‘Worst Ex Ever’

The producers of “Worst Roommate Ever” are back with another series tailor-made for viewers who consume true-crime stories like they were potato chips. In the first episode, a disturbed drifter who looks like a country music star abuses girlfriends one after another, resorting to more and more violent acts as time goes on. Netflix

Neal Justin

Neal Justin covers the entertainment world, primarily TV and radio. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin is the founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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‘borderlands’: the most scathing reviews of video game film adaptation.

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Kevin Hart, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ariana Greenblatt, , Florian Munteanu and Cate Blanchett in ... [+] "Borderlands."

Critics are ripping the video game movie adaptation of Borderlands, starring Cate Blanchett, Kevin Hart and Jack Black.

Directed by Eli Roth, Borderlands is an adaption of the Borderlands video game series that began in 2009. The movie stars Blanchett as Lilith, a mysterious bounty hunter who reluctantly returns to her home planet of Pandora after a powerful space baron, Atlas (Edgar Ramírez), plays her a huge sum to locate his missing daughter.

Upon her return to Pandora, Lilith switches gears and seeks a legendary vault full of treasure with a group of new allies, including a mercenary, Roland (Hart), a pre-teen demolitionist named Tiny Tina (Ariana Greenblatt) and her bodyguard Krieg (Florian Munteanu).

Lilith is also joined on her mission by a wisecracking robot named Claptrap (voice of Black) and an old ally, Tannis (Curtis), who is a scientist and archaeologist.

The film played in previews Thursday night and it didn’t take long for critics to bombard Borderlands with bad reviews.

As of Thursday, Rotten Tomatoes critics collectively gave the big-budget movie a 6% “rotten” rating based on 48 reviews.

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The RT Critics Consensus reads, “Glitching out in every department, Borderlands is balderdash.” Viewers on RT, however, gave the movie a 52% “rotten” rating based on 50-plus verified user ratings.

What Did Individual Critics Say About ‘Borderlands’?

Several top Rotten Tomatoes critics weighed on Borderlands and compliments for the film were almost non-existent.

In his summary of the movie, Toronto Star critic Peter Howell writes, “There are still many cinema turkeys headed our way before the year closes. But this sci-fi gobbler mixes inept directing, terrible writing, indifferent acting and gawdawful CGI into such stupefying boredom, it feels like nothing could top it for badness.”

Basically saying the film is for nobody, Rolling Stone critic David Fear writes, “It’s not a movie for critics, as the saying goes. Nor is it suitable for consumption by most gamers, film lovers, or 99 percent of carbon-based life forms.”

In his knock on the film, The Daily Beast critic Nick Schager brought the controversial showbiz subject of artificial intelligence into his review of Borderlands , writing, “So drearily routine and slapdash that even an A.I. would deem it too plagiaristic.”

In a warning to potential game player audience members, Barry Hertz of the U.K.’s Globe and Mail writes, “Tonally messy, narratively janky and slathered with pasted-over narration that reeks of creative indecision, the film is an embarrassing affair for even the most hardcore of gamers.”

Meanwhile, the London Evening Standard’s critic, Vicky Jessop, takes no prisoners in her review, writing, “Is Borderlands the worst film of the year? It’s definitely in contention—so laughably bad, in fact, that it feels like being catapulted back to a time when video game adaptations were a byword for mediocrity.”

Adding insult to injury, Deadline projects that Borderlands —which is being released by Lionsgate—will only make $15 million in its opening weekend. The film, Deadline added, had a production budget of $120 million to $130 million with an additional $30 million spent on prints and advertising costs.

Rated PG-13, Borderlands opens Friday in theaters nationwide.

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Analysis: High-wire diplomacy on possible Iran retaliation in the Israel-Hamas war draws in world

FILE - Iranians follow a truck, center, carrying the coffins of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his bodyguard during their funeral ceremony at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)

FILE - The Israeli Iron Dome air defense system fires to intercept an attack from Lebanon over the Galilee region as seen from the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

FILE - An Israeli shelling hits an area in Lebanon next to the Israeli-Lebanese border at the Galilee region as seen from the Israel-annexed Golan Heights, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa, File)

FILE - A boy holds a toy machine gun, as Hamas fighters, right, carry a mock coffin of Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh who was killed in an assassination in Tehran, during a symbolic funeral in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

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DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s threatened retaliatory strike on Israel over the assassination of Hamas official Ismail Haniyeh drew major world powers into a high-wire act of diplomacy Tuesday.

Halting or limiting an Iranian strike in some eyes could bolster a monthslong effort to reach a cease-fire in a war that’s devastated the Gaza Strip and killed nearly 40,000 Palestinians, according to the territory’s health ministry. It could also free the Israeli hostages who remain captive there since Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel that killed 1,200 people and began the conflict.

Failure to do so could see Iran launch a complex drone-and-missile attack in tandem with Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia, now separately aggrieved over Israel’s killing of one of its top commanders , straining the ability of Israel’s missile defenses and its allies to defend against the assault. Widespread losses could push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-line government into its own direct attack on Iran — and drag the wider Middle East into a regional war.

That fear has prompted a flurry of diplomacy in the region. France, Germany, and the United Kingdom on Monday urged Iran and its allies to “refrain from attacks that would further escalate regional tensions and jeopardize the opportunity to agree (to) a cease-fire and the release of hostages.”

In a call, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned Iran’s new reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian that there was “a serious risk of miscalculation and now was the time for calm and careful consideration.”

Pezeshkian rebuffed the message.

“A punitive response to an aggressor is a right of nations and a solution for stopping crimes and aggression,” Pezeshkian said.

The new Iranian president also has been called by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s secretary of state, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz over the retaliation threat.

Pezeshkian has acknowledged he will follow the orders of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who already said Israel “paved the way for a severe punishment upon itself with this action.”

Iran has been repeatedly targeted by suspected Israeli assassinations and sabotage campaigns, increasing the pressure on its theocracy to act to maintain its leadership position in its self-declared “Axis of Resistance” with militias it arms in the region. But it also has faced years of widespread protests, economic woes and other domestic challenges embrittling the public’s support of the government. Its first complex attack on Israel in April caused little damage, raising the risk of it needing to go larger this time in response.

The United States, Israel’s main backer, has called repeatedly on Iran not to retaliate. It also has backed efforts mediated by Egypt and Qatar to reach a cease-fire in the wider war. However, it’s also prepared militarily in the Mideast in case things do escalate.

The U.S. military has instructed the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to sail more quickly to the area. America also has ordered the USS Georgia guided missile submarine into the Mideast, while the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier strike group has been in the Gulf of Oman. Additional F-22 fighter jets have flown into the region, while the USS Wasp, a large amphibious assault ship carrying F-35 fighter jets, is in the Mediterranean Sea.

It’s not just Western powers that have been involved in recent weeks. Russian officials under President Vladimir Putin have engaged in discussions with Iran. The secretary of Russia’s national security council, Sergei Shoigu, visited Tehran and described the assassination of Haniyeh as “tragic” and something that was “impossible to bypass” in talks with Iran’s government.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov separately said Moscow was “calling on everybody to refrain from escalating the situation from turning into a disaster for all regional players,” according to the state-run Tass news agency.

“Political ways out of the existing problems must be found,” it quoted Bogdanov as saying.

For Iran, Russia remains one of the few international suppliers of advanced weaponry willing to do business with it even as its nuclear program enriches uranium at nearly weapons-grade levels. Iran for years has asked for Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets. Tehran has also sought Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missile defense system, a possible deterrent for the American-made F-35 fighter jets flown by the U.S. and Israel.

It’s not just Iran, though, that needs weapons. Putin has relied increasingly on Iranian-made bomb-carrying drones in his war on Ukraine, which has escalated in recent days with Kyiv marching into Russia’s Kursk region as a means to pressure Moscow as it makes gains in eastern Ukraine’s Donbas region.

Putin also hosted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas on Tuesday in Moscow.

Then there’s China, which has tried quietly to assert more influence in the Mideast without devoting the same amount of military power as the United States. China last year mediated a deal between Iran and Saudi Arabia that saw the countries reach a détente , though Riyadh continues to eye Tehran warily.

In July, China also hosted the signing of a deal between Hamas and Fatah , the main force in the U.S.-backed Palestinian Authority that administers parts of the occupied West Bank. While the agreement calls for the factions to form a joint government, previous deals fell apart between the rivals, calling into question whether this one would be any different.

China also has begun criticizing Israel more directly amid the war, rather than following its typical pattern of calling for restraint on all sides.

Responding to questions from The Associated Press, China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday said Beijing had “on many occasions appealed to the international community for an early end of the Gaza conflicts and prevention of the continuous expansion of the spillover effect, and has been playing a positive role in easing the regional tense situation.”

“China supports all efforts that are conducive to achieving permanent all-round cease-fire in Gaza and is willing, together with the international community, to promote the cooling down of the regional situation, so as to avoid the further escalation of the conflicts,” the ministry said.

EDITOR’S NOTE — Jon Gambrell, the news director for the Gulf and Iran for The Associated Press, has reported from each of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Iran and other locations across the world since joining the AP in 2006.

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Peggy moffitt dies: iconic ’60s model, cultural influencer & actress who appeared in antonioni’s ‘blow-up’ was 86, brec bassinger leading supernatural thriller ‘the evilry’.

By Jesse Whittock , Max Goldbart

EXCLUSIVE: Brec Bassinger , who is starring in the upcoming sixth Final Destination movie, is leading The Evilry , a supernatural coming-of-age thriller.

Elena Kampouris ( My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3) has boarded alongside Bassinger, with the pair joining Dylan Walsh ( Blue Bloods, Superman & Lois ), Marissa Reyes ( Ganymede ), Evan Ross ( The Loneliest Boy in the World ), Tony Pierce ( The Bodyguard ) and Teri Polo (the Meet the Parents franchise).

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The Evilry is directed by Alexander Garcia from his own script. Garcia is producing under his Multi-Valence Productions banner with his producing partners Joanna Quezada, Mike Nease, and Chris Bradds. Anne Stimac, Fabian Alomar, David Bertolino, and Jason Baker are also producing. Executive producers include Scott Huneryager of ZaZa Rev Motion Pictures and William Day Frank. 

Principal photography is set to begin this September in Louisiana. 

Bassinger is repped by Paradigm, Industry Entertainment, and Work Management, Kampouris by Impression Entertainment, Walsh by Independent Artist Group and McGowan Rodriguez Management. Reyes is with Stewart Talent and The Michael Abrams Group, Ross is with Vault Entertainment and Myman Greenspan Fox Rosenberg Mobasser Younger & Light. Pierce is repped by Quezada Management, Polo by Gersh and McGowan Rodriguez Management.

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The ceiling’s pretty low on the action comedy category — a genre whose biggest hits tend to pepper anemic shootouts with wisecracks from former “Saturday Night Live” stars. With Prime Video entry “ Jackpot! ,” director Paul Feig switches up the formula, crafting stunt-intensive set-pieces where the action itself makes you laugh. That could mean anything from Awkwafina hiding out among the wax figures of a tacky Hollywood museum to the sight of ex-wrestler John Cena taking on a room of black belts with the “Crazy Rich Asians” breakout strapped to his back.

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The comic plays it equal parts ornery and oblivious as Katie Kim, a former child actor who’s not crazy about having to perform again, but has no other choice after her deadbeat stage dad ran off with all her earnings. During her first (amusingly humiliating) audition, she discovers the winning ticket in her pocket, accidentally activates it with her thumb, and the next thing she knows, she’s become an instant celebrity: the most valuable person in all of L.A.

There are traces running all through “Jackpot!” of a more pointed Hollywood satire, as if Yescombe or Feig or someone along the way wanted to skewer Americans’ obsession with becoming rich and famous. Weirdly enough, Katie doesn’t want either. She didn’t buy the ticket, but found it in a borrowed pair of gold lamé sweatpants. Stranger still, the movie seems to have landed on the word “weird” at the same moment that VP candidate Tim Walz made it the insult du jour, adding an unexpected resonance to some of the movie’s weaker jabs.

“Jackpot!” demands a trickier kind of physical comedy than Awkwafina’s been asked to deliver before, and even though her character is supposed to read as clumsy and incompetent, it takes considerable skill to pull off the routines that action choreographer James Young has in store for her. Given his WWE background, Cena is far more accustomed to making fake fighting seem entertaining, but once again reminds of his good-sport sense of humor (as the scene-stealer did earlier this year in “Ricky Stanicky”).

Thirteen years ago, Feig struck comedy gold with the Judd Apatow-produced “Bridesmaids,” but he’s subsequently been hit-and-miss, trying to edge his way into other genres (most recently with YA fantasy flop “The School for Good and Evil”). Fitting neatly between “The Heat” and 2016’s “Ghostbusters” reboot, “Jackpot!” finds the dapper director squarely in his comfort zone, falling back on some of the tricks that worked so well in “Bridesmaids,” minus the underlying relatability of that film’s brilliant screenplay.

The most obvious of those strategies comes in casting, which he entrusts to secret weapon Allison Jones, who’s been unearthing funny people for him and Apatow as far back as “Freaks & Geeks.” (It was Jones who brought Seth Rogen and Melissa McCarthy into the mix.) Here she delivers half a dozen diverse, laugh-out-loud supporting comics to the ensemble, from Katie’s insensitive/homicidal Airbnb host (Ayden Mayeri) to the shady leader of the Lottery Protection Agency (Simu Liu), who’s looking to steal Noel’s fee for himself. She even enlists Machine Gun Kelly, who proves a self-deprecating good sport in playing a panic-room-ready version of himself.

The “Jackpot!” script is full of twists, few of which will come as a surprise, so why spoil them here? Meanwhile, that puts the burden on how well Awkwafina and company can punch up their scenes. “Jackpot!” winds up being one of those movies where you can tell the actors tried dozens of jokes and the editor went with the best ones, although the outtake-loaded end credits suggest funnier options often existed. In a way, it’s fitting that Katie’s survival depends on how well she can think on her feet, considering how heavily the film also relies on improvisation. It’s that very skill that stands to make Awkwafina a millionaire.

Reviewed on Flow Capture, Aug. 14, 2024. MPA Rating: R. Running time: 104 MIN.

• Production: A Prime Video release of a TK production. Producers: Laura Fischer, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Joe Roth, Paul Feig. Executive producers: Zack Roth, Michelle Morrissey, Rob Yescombe, John Cena.
• Crew: Director: Paul Feig. Screenplay: Rob Yescombe. (Outside the Wire). Camera: John Schwartzman. Editor: Brent White. Music: Theodore Shapiro.
• With: Awkwafina, John Cena, Simu Liu, Ayden Mayeri, Donald Elise Watkins, Seann William Scott, Dolly De Leon, Machine Guy Kelly, Leslie David Baker, Murray Hill.

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