Tyra Banks Champions Taylor Swift for ‘The Bodyguard’ Remake

New York, NY — More than three decades after the iconic film The Bodyguard made its mark on Hollywood, a remake is in the works, drawing attention from fans and celebrities alike. Tyra Banks, guest-hosting on a recent episode of Today With Jenna & Friends, has voiced her strong belief that Taylor Swift should take on the role of Rachel Marron, originally played by Whitney Houston.

Warner Bros. announced earlier this month that a revamped version of The Bodyguard is under development. Banks, who has long been a fan of the classic film, expressed her enthusiasm: “I’m so beyond excited. That movie is everything!”

When co-host Jenna Bush Hager asked for her thoughts on the casting, Banks replied, “I think Taylor Swift, because business, commerce, art.” She added, “She would freaking sell like crazy.” Banks’ excitement continued as she suggested a pairing for Swift, envisioning British actor Idris Elba as the titular bodyguard. “Okay, I’m just gonna be real. I’m a Black girl. It was Whitney Houston as a Black girl and Kevin Costner as a white man. What if we flipped it, and it was Taylor Swift and Idris Elba?” she proposed, emphasizing how appealing that duo would be.

The original The Bodyguard, directed by Mick Jackson and released in 1992, marked Houston’s first leading role in a film, following her ascent as a top pop artist. The film’s soundtrack remains among the best-selling of all time, featuring Houston’s chart-topping rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.”

While the casting details for the upcoming remake are yet to be revealed, Banks highlighted Swift’s experience in film, which includes roles in The Giver (2014), Cats (2019), and Amsterdam (2022). Additionally, the project will be directed by Sam Wrench, who also helmed Swift’s recent concert film, The Eras Tour.

Banks elaborated on her vision for the project, saying, “We’re like WhatsApp friends right now. I’m like, ‘Are you down?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, Banks.’ I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m gonna make this happen.’” When asked if she would consider starring in the film, Banks dismissed the idea, stating, “Hell no. We need somebody that can really sing.”

As anticipation builds for the casting process, no official announcements have been made yet. However, following the success of Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour, all eyes will be on who ultimately lands the leading roles in this highly anticipated remake.