Are Taylor Swift and Idris Elba The Perfect Casting for ‘The Bodyguard’ Remake?

While co-hosting TODAY With Jenna & Friends, Tyra Banks didn’t hold back when asked who she’d cast in a remake of The Bodyguard. The supermodel and media mogul offered up Taylor Swift for the lead role of “Rachel,” made famous by the late Whitney Houston.

“I think Taylor Swift, because business, commerce, art—and she would frickin’ sell like crazy,” Banks said, citing the global impact and commercial clout of the chart-topping artist. When it came to Swift’s on-screen counterpart, Banks proposed Idris Elba—flipping the original film’s racial dynamic while keeping the interracial romance intact. “It was Whitney Houston as a Black girl [and] Kevin Costner as a White man,” she explained. “What if we flipped it, and it was Taylor Swift and Idris Elba?”

Originally released in 1992, The Bodyguard was a box office phenomenon. Directed by Mick Jackson and written by Lawrence Kasdan, the film grossed over $400 million worldwide and helped launch one of the most commercially successful soundtracks of all time. Houston’s rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” became a global hit, topping charts for weeks and solidifying her status as a pop icon. Despite initial lukewarm reviews from critics, the film’s blend of romance, drama and music helped turn it into a cult classic.

Still, the idea of rebooting The Bodyguard has long lived in a creative gray area. Some argue it’s best left untouched—a cinematic time capsule showcasing the singular chemistry between Houston and Costner. Others point to the success of remakes like A Star Is Born, which has been reimagined several times to acclaim and box office success, as proof that music-fueled romance dramas can resonate across generations—if the casting and storytelling land.

If Hollywood does greenlight a modern take, here’s a look at who could carry the torch, balancing star power, vocal chops and on-screen presence:

Chlöe Bailey & Michael B. Jordan 

Bailey, known for her roles in Praise This and Swarm, brings a fresh, daring energy with her powerhouse vocals and stage presence. Jordan’s charisma and action pedigree, showcased in films like Creed and Sinners, could anchor the emotional weight of the film.

Coco Jones & Damson Idris

Jones’ breakout year as both a singer and actress, notably in Bel-Air, makes her a compelling lead. Idris’ emotional range and sharp screen instincts, demonstrated in Snowfall and Outside the Wire, round out a rising star pairing that feels perfectly timed.

Ayra Starr & Jonathan Majors 

Afrobeats sensation Ayra Starr is set to make her Hollywood debut in the upcoming adaptation of Children of Blood and Bone. Paired with Majors’ dramatic weight, as seen in The Last Black Man in San Francisco and Creed III, this cross-continental coupling could introduce a bold, globally minded retelling.

Taylor Swift & Idris Elba

Tyra’s top pick brings global star wattage and unexpected chemistry. Swift, fresh off a record-shattering tour and with acting credits like Cats and The Lorax, and Elba, whose poise balances strength and sensitivity in roles such as Luther and The Harder They Fall, could generate massive buzz.

Teyana Taylor & Chris Evans

Taylor’s fearless screen presence, highlighted in A Thousand and One, and Evans’ leading man charm, known from his role as Captain America and romantic comedies like Before We Go, make for a bold, genre-defying duo. Their contrast could ignite a new kind of on-screen tension.

Victoria Monét & Jacob Elordi

Monét, while primarily known for her music career, has appeared in projects like grown-ish. Paired with Elordi’s moody heartthrob appeal, seen in Euphoria and The Kissing Booth, this duo would skew younger and sexier, perfect for a Gen Z reintroduction of the classic.

SZA & Austin Butler

SZA’s mystical vibe and emotional depth, with acting roles in One of Them Days and aspirations to play Storm in a Marvel origin story, would meet Butler’s brooding intensity, acclaimed in Elvis and Dune: Part Two. It’s unconventional, sure—but so was the original.

Hailey Kilgore and Jay Ellis

Raising Kanan‘s Kilgore, who just dropped the video for her single “Dange,” has the vocal chops honed on the many Broadway stages she’s graced. Jay Ellis would bring a quiet intensity to Costner’s original interpretation. EBONY hears that Kilgore has heard people are talking and is honored.