Warner Bros studio is preparing to remake their successful 1992 romantic thriller, The Bodyguard, reports Deadline.
Originally developed in 1976, Lawrence Kasdan’s first screenplay was supposed to star Steve McQueen and Diana Ross, but negotiations fell through. The script languished as numerous pop stars were considered for the role, until 1992, when Kevin Costner took on the role of Frank Farmer, the bodyguard who reluctantly agrees to protect – and eventually falls in love with – a popular singer (Whitney Houston) threatened by a stalker. The Bodyguard went on to become a huge success, earning nearly $411 million in worldwide box office.
Two writers, Jeremiah Friedman and Nick Palmer, have been chosen to script an updated version. The new version will be similar, but this time the bodyguard will be an Iraq war veteran attempting to provide personal security in a world where Twitter, Google Maps and TMZ make access to celebrities easier than ever.
Producers want the new film to serve as a springboard for a popular young singer, much the way it did for Houston and her mega-hit soundtrack. Although it’s anyone’s guess who might play the diva – Rihanna? Britney? Katy? – moviegoers will have to wait for more information about casting and production dates.