Key Takeaways:
– Kevin Costner rocked the industry in the late '80s with films like ‘The Untouchables' and ‘Field of Dreams.'
– He was a major influence in casting Whitney Houston in the unforgettable love story, ‘The Bodyguard.'
– There were plans for ‘The Bodyguard 2' with Princess Diana as the female lead.
– Tragically, Princess Diana's demise led to the project's cancellation.
– Costner's decision to cast Houston in ‘The Bodyguard' was a controversial one for the industry.
Kevin Costner and His Journey in Hollywood
Kevin Costner, the legendary actor known for his movies like ‘Bull Durham,' ‘The Untouchables,' and ‘No Way Out,' remains an unforgettable part of Hollywood. He made waves in the media not just with his acting but also by directly influencing the production of his movies.
A significant part of his legacy in Hollywood is his directorial debut, ‘Dances With Wolves.' After which he continued making hits like ‘JFK' and ‘The Bodyguard.'
Planning for ‘The Bodyguard 2'
Costner's box-office hit, ‘The Bodyguard,' is among his most cherished movies. Costner played the role of a bodyguard, Frank Farmer, hired to guard a famous singer, played by Whitney Houston. The movie was an instant hit, earning $411 million against a budget of $25 million. This success prompted Costner to consider creating a sequel.
In a recent interview, Costner revealed that he was planning ‘The Bodyguard 2.' Astonishingly, it was going to have none other than Princess Diana as the female lead. He was in serious discussions with the Princess about her potential Hollywood debut in the movie.
Collaboration with Princess Diana: The Untold Story
Costner managed to get in touch with Princess Diana about her interest in the sequel through Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. To his delight, she agreed to be part of the film. She even suggested having a kissing scene with Costner, which was enthusiastically approved by him.
Upon discussing the potential role, Costner mentioned, “I said, ‘Look, I'm going to do The Bodyguard 2, and I think I can build this around you. Would you be interested?' And she goes, ‘Yes. My life's about to change.' ”
This fresh revelation from Costner added a new dimension to both his and Princess Diana's personalities for their fans.
But, the sudden and tragic passing of Princess Diana led to the cancellation of the sequel. Even though fans missed out on what could have been a fascinating collaboration, Costner remembers his conversations with the princess fondly.
Whitney Houston's Casting Controversy
Costner was not just a co-star but also a co-producer of ‘The Bodyguard,' and it was he who insisted on casting Whitney Houston. Despite challenges from industry insiders, who were hesitant about casting a Black woman, Costner was determined. He believed that the character needed a talented singer, irrespective of her color.
He expressed in an interview, “I just thought she was the perfect choice. It didn't matter if she was Black or white.”
His confidence in her talent paid off, as ‘The Bodyguard' further catapulted Whitney Houston into fame, turning her into one of the world's biggest stars.
Summing Up
Kevin Costner's disclosure about Princess Diana's intended role in ‘The Bodyguard 2' has taken the fans by surprise and added another layer of intrigue to the iconic actor's career. Even though the project never materialized, it's a testament to Princess Diana's charm and charisma that renowned actors like Costner wanted to share the screen with her.
Despite the controversies surrounding his casting decisions, Costner's successful career remains a testament to his talent and insightful decision-making. His work stands on its own, proving that choosing the right people based on talent alone reaps enormous rewards. His insightful revelation about Princess Diana has added another feather to his already overflowing cap, proving him as not just an actor, but also a visionary filmmaker.
