Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Costner plans for The Bodyguard sequel included Princess Diana.
– The actor-director stated he believes in showcasing strong female characters in his movies.
– Horizon: An American Saga, Costner's current project, is now in theaters.
The Power of ‘What Could Have Been': Kevin Costner and Princess Diana
Did you know that actor Kevin Costner had plans to make a sequel to 1992's hit film The Bodyguard? In a recent interview on The Howard Stern Show, Costner dropped a bombshell. He was considering casting none other than the late Princess Diana for a pivotal role in the sequel.
The Bodyguard, directed by Mick Jackson, was hugely successful at the box office, despite mixed reviews from critics. Alongside Costner, it starred big names like Whitney Houston, Gary Kemp, Bill Cobbs, and Ralph Waite.
Initial Planning for The Sequel
Costner recalled how he approached Princess Diana about the role. “I said, ‘I'm going to do Bodyguard 2 and I think I can build this around you. Would you be interested?' She goes, ‘Yes. My life's about to change.' I thought I understood what she's saying: ‘I'd like to open my life. I think I would like to do this”, the actor narrated.
It seems Princess Diana was open to the idea of being on the silver screen. She even asked Kevin if the role required a kissing scene. Costner had everything planned for the movie. Unfortunately, following Princess Diana's tragic demise in a car accident, he had to abandon his plans for the sequel. He asserted that he could never replace her.
Costner's Stand on Strong Female Characters in His Movies
Apart from his revelations on The Bodyguard's sequel, Kevin Costner spoke about his belief in creating films with strong female leads. In an episode of Josh Horowitz's Happy Sad Confused podcast, he admitted, “I make movies for men. But, I won't make a movie unless I have strong women characters.” He was adamant about his commitment to represent women as strong characters in his films.
Horizon: An American Saga, His Passion Project
Currently, Costner is engrossed in his self-financed project, Horizon: An American Saga. The Yellowstone star seems passionate about this four-part movie series. He revealed that the idea has been brewing in his mind since the '80s. After decades of waiting, it's finally hitting theaters.
Horizon: An American Saga sees Costner wear multiple hats – writer, director, and lead actor. His dedication to create a cinematic universe that portrays strong women characters is evident in his latest work as well.
In closing, Costner's revelation about Princess Diana's almost casting certainly spurs the imagination. What would it have been like to have a member of the royal family gracing Hollywood screens? While we can only speculate now, one thing is certain. Kevin Costner is committed to creating films with substantive roles for women, a legacy that will continue with his future projects.
