Gossip Girl‘s Blair Waldorf and Supernatural‘s Sam Winchester in a fake-dating Christmas rom-com? The internet was always going to lose it. The trailer has already crossed millions of views, and millennials everywhere are calling it the crossover they didn’t know they needed.
Here’s everything we know about Guarding Stars, from the story to the cast and the book it’s based on.
| Movie | Guarding Stars (formerly The Bodyguard) |
| Platform | Netflix |
| Release date | November 18, 2026 |
| Director | Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum |
| Writers | Grant Scharbo, Richard Keith, Erin Cardillo |
| Based on | The Bodyguard by Katherine Center (2022) |
| Leads | Leighton Meester, Jared Padalecki |
| Genre | Holiday romantic comedy |
What Is Guarding Stars About?
Hannah Brooks (Meester) is an executive protection agent at a Houston security firm, still recovering from a breakup and her mother’s death. Her new job: guard Jack Stapleton (Padalecki), a former action star who has retreated to his family’s Montana ranch after a scandal and a tragedy.
Jack is being stalked, but he doesn’t want his ailing mother, Sally, to know. So he asks Hannah to pose as his girlfriend instead of his bodyguard. As the danger grows, Hannah has to decide whether to protect her heart or risk it.
Guarding Stars Cast
Leighton Meester plays Hannah Brooks and Jared Padalecki plays Jack Stapleton. Andie MacDowell also stars (reportedly as Jack’s mother), and the cast also includes Siobhan Williams as Ella Mae, wrestling star CM Punk as Doghouse, Toby Sandeman, Noah LaLonde, Rachael Ancheril, singer Ava Max and country star Walker Hayes.
The Book: Katherine Center’s The Bodyguard
The film adapts Katherine Center’s 2022 bestseller The Bodyguard, which Netflix optioned in 2024. One big change: the book is set in Texas, while the movie moves the family ranch to Montana, which is perfect for snowy Christmas scenery.
Behind the Scenes
Ginny & Georgia director Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum is behind the camera. Filming began in Calgary, Alberta, on December 4, 2025, and wrapped by February 2026, with more shooting in Vancouver. Jared’s wife, Genevieve Padalecki, is among the producers.
Is Guarding Stars Worth Watching?
If fake dating, a grumpy-meets-tough romance and a snowy ranch at Christmas sound like your thing, this is probably the most fun Netflix rom-com of the season. Fans of Gossip Girl and Supernatural are already planning watch parties. See where it might land in our Netflix Christmas movies 2026 rankings.
FAQs
When is Guarding Stars on Netflix?
November 18, 2026.
Who stars in Guarding Stars?
Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki, with Andie MacDowell and CM Punk.
Is Guarding Stars based on a book?
Yes. It’s based on Katherine Center’s 2022 novel The Bodyguard.
Where was Guarding Stars filmed?
In Calgary, Alberta, and Vancouver, Canada.
Who plays the bodyguard in Guarding Stars?
Leighton Meester plays bodyguard Hannah Brooks.
