Photo: Jared Padalecki (left) and Leighton Meester (right)
Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester will star in Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, star guard, Which is confirmed for release on November 18, 2026. Padalecki will play a movie star who, after being stalked, is assigned a bodyguard, played by Meester, and must pretend to be his girlfriend when he returns to his family’s farm for the holidays. Here’s everything you need to know about him Guarding the stars On Netflix.
Star Guard (formerly The Bodyguard) It is a Netflix original romantic comedy film directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum (Jenny and Georgia) Written by Grant Sharbaugh, Richard Keithand Erin Cardillowhich is adapted from the novel of the same name by Katherine Center, first published in 2022.
The project has been afoot for some time, with Netflix picking up the novel in 2024. This marks Netflix’s second major adaptation after that. 2023 Happiness for beginners, Which featured Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes.
Jenna Matthews (13 going to 30) She produces through her production company Little Engine Productions. Readymade Productions and Tremblant Productions are also producing the film. Genevieve Padalecki (supernatural) It is also listed as a producer.
When is the Netflix release date? Guarding the stars?
While Netflix initially confirmed the film was set for release in late 2026, it has now confirmed it Guarding the stars will be released November 18, 2026.
To find out where the film fits into the festive schedule and to read about other holiday movies coming your way, be sure to check out our complete guide to Netflix 2026 Christmas movies list.
What a plot Guarding the stars?
The plot is as follows:
“When executive security agent Hannah Brooks suffers the breakup and death of her mother, her Houston-based security company assigns her an unusual job: guarding Hollywood’s hottest star, Jack Stapleton. Once the world’s favorite action star, Jack has retreated to his family’s ranch in Montana after a scandal and tragedy have left him wary of the public eye. Jack doesn’t want his ailing mother, Sally Stapleton, to know about a stalker threatening him, so he insists that Hannah pretend to be his girlfriend instead of his bodyguard. Personality. “Drived to close quarters, Hannah must reconcile her professional instincts with the warmth of Jack’s family — and the kindness of the man she’s supposed to protect. As danger mounts and secrets emerge, Hannah must decide whether to keep her heart locked or risk everything for a man who may be more than just a client.”
It is worth noting that the plot location was changed for the adaptation, as the novel takes place in Texas and the film takes place in Montana.
Image: Amazon
Who are the cast members? Guarding the stars?
The two main cast members included in the film are Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester.
Jared Padalecki He will be played by Jack Stapleton. He is best known for starring as Sam Winchester, among many other characters, on The CW’s beloved fantasy drama Supernatural series. He is also set to star alongside fellow Supernatural star Jensen Ackles in the fifth and final season of Supernatural Amazon Prime Boys. Padalecki is also known for his role as Cordell Walker on The CW series Crime drama Walker.
Image: Jared Padalecki in Supernatural (left), Walker (center), and Fire Country (right)
Leighton Meester She will play the role of Hannah Brooks. The actress played the lead role in the CW romantic drama series gossip girl. She has starred in shows like Orville, Good cop/bad copAnd recently, Pirates. For Netflix, she previously voiced Sasha My father’s dragon It will also appear in the future Season two of Nobody wants this.
Photo: Leighton Meester
The rest of the film team members are:
- Andie MacDowell (Groundhog Day).
- Toby Sandman (royal family).
- Siobhan Williams (quarry) Like Ella May.
- Noah Lalonde (My Life with Walter Beuys).
- CM Punk (The girl on the third floor) Like a dog house.
- Zoe Kosovic (The Broken Machine) as Clementine.
- Rachel Ancheril (Star Trek: Discovery).
- William Kosovic (acute angle) Like Young Drew.
- Giles Banton (The Man in the High Castle) Like Jesse.
- Ryan Mah (Avatar: The Last Airbender) Like Avram.
- Greg Lawson (dawn anna) As Glenn.
- Ava Max (Scoop!).
- Annabelle Beams (fault line) Like a cowgirl.
- Phil Brooks (Go girls).
- Walker Hayes (paranormal)
What is the production status? Guarding the stars?
development
The filming date has been set
Filming continues
Post production
Photography for Guarding the stars It began in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on December 4, 2025, and was officially finished by February 17, 2026. Post-production on the film began on March 13, 2026.
Filming also took place in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Are you looking forward to watching? Guarding the stars On Netflix? Let us know in the comments below!