Tyra Banks has shared her vision for the highly anticipated remake of The Bodyguard, suggesting Taylor Swift and Idris Elba as the perfect leads. The supermodel made the pitch during an appearance on Today with Jenna & Friends, sparking widespread discussion among fans and media outlets. The original 1992 film, starring Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, remains a cultural touchstone, and Warner Bros. is now reviving it with Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour director Sam Wrench at the helm .
Tyra Banks’ Casting Suggestion
During her guest co-hosting stint, Banks passionately advocated for Swift and Elba to take on the iconic roles of Rachel Marron and Frank Farmer.
“I think Taylor Swift, ’cause business and commerce, art—she would freakin’ sell like crazy,” Banks said. “But, okay, I’m just gonna be real, I’m a Black girl, it was Whitney Houston as a Black girl, Kevin Costner as a White man. What if we flipped it and it was Taylor Swift and Idris Elba? Hot!” .
Banks emphasized Swift’s commercial appeal and Elba’s star power, noting their previous collaboration in Cats (2019). Jenna Bush Hager enthusiastically endorsed the idea, calling it “good” and agreeing that the pairing would be “so hot” .
The Bodyguard Remake Development
Warner Bros. confirmed the remake, with Sam Wrench directing and Jonathan A. Abrams (Juror #2) writing the script. The original film, a box office smash, earned $411 million worldwide and featured Houston’s legendary soundtrack, including I Will Always Love You .
Wrench’s involvement adds credibility, given his success with Swift’s Eras Tour film, which grossed $261.7 million globally. His expertise in music-driven projects makes him a fitting choice for the remake .
Taylor Swift’s Connection to Whitney Houston
Swift has long admired Houston, calling her “relatable” and praising her spirit in a 2012 interview. Both artists share record-breaking careers, with Swift now mirroring Houston’s crossover success in music and film .
After the critical failure of Cats, Swift may see this as a chance to redeem her acting career. Meanwhile, Elba, who worked with Swift in Cats, has already expressed admiration for her work ethic .
Fan Reactions and Industry Buzz
Fans are divided. Some support Banks’ idea, citing Swift’s star power and Elba’s charisma. Others argue no one can replace Houston’s legacy, with online debates suggesting alternatives like Ariana Grande, Zendaya, or Jennifer Hudson .
Kevin Costner, the original Frank Farmer, is a Swift fan himself. He attended her Eras Tour in 2023 and declared himself an “official Swiftie” on Instagram .
Challenges Ahead
The remake faces high expectations, particularly around its soundtrack. Houston’s vocals set an unmatched standard, and any new lead must deliver equally powerful performances. The script’s direction—whether it follows a modern pop star or shifts to a different demographic—remains unclear .
Tyra Banks is already pushing for her dream casting, joking about texting Elba to secure his involvement. Whether Warner Bros. takes her suggestion seriously is yet to be seen .
