Matthew Lopez to pen THE BODYGUARD film reimagining

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 1:15pm

https://variety.com/2021/film/news/the-bodyguard-remake-whitney-houston-matthew-lopez-1235065438/

Matthew López, the Tony-nominated playwright of “The Inheritance,” has been hired to write a reimagining of the iconic Whitney Houston film “The Bodyguard” at Warner Bros.

The new project will be inspired the 1992 romantic drama, which starred Houston and Kevin Costner. The original grossed over $400 million at the worldwide box office and has what is considered the bestselling movie soundtrack of all time, with several chart-topping original songs from Houston.

Lawrence Kasdan of Kasdan Pictures, and Dan Lin and Jonathan Eirich of Rideback are producing the new film. Rideback’s Nick Reynolds will executive produce. Kasdan was the writer-producer of the original. Lin has been attached to the property since 2011, which has seen delirious speculation over the potential lead cast for years. Combos from Chris Hemsworth and Tessa Thompson to Channing Tatum and Cardi B have been floated. No cast has been set for López’s script at this stage.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 1:25pm

I hope it’s Cardi B and they call it The Bootyguard.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 1:40pm

Jordan Catalano said: "I hope it’s Cardi B and they call it The Bootyguard."

Okurrrrrrrrrttttt

[Roscoe]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 1:48pm

A project worthy of Lopez's talents.  Such as they are.  Will it be six hours long?

[Tag]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 2:01pm

This feels like one of those announcements that will never actually materialize.  Because why?

[Kad]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 2:05pm

The fact that no director or star is attached yet is probably not the best sign. This doesn't seem like a project you would issue a press release for based solely on the screenwriter.

Updated On: 9/15/21 at 02:05 PM

[jlindsey865]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 2:07pm

Tag said: "This feels like one of those announcements that will never actually materialize. Because why?"

Exactly.  I'm not typically someone who bemoans film adaptations (even the live-action Disney musical announcements get me excited), but this feels about pointless.

I don't even really understand why the movie was adapted into a stage show.  Wasn't it panned by critics?  I feel like it's only saving grace was Whitney Houston and that  incredible voice of hers that she lent to the soundtrack.

[Borstalboy]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 2:18pm

Methinks this won't see the light of day.  The original was famous for its soundtrack, not its quality.

 

And what star is going to put themselves out there as the one who is "stepping into Whitney Houston's role"?

[Melissa25]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 2:41pm

Erivo

[VintageSnarker]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 3:01pm

Step 1: Less Kevin Costner

Watched the movie for the first time this year and it's so heavily weighed down by the focus on his (incredibly boring) character. 

[Plannietink08]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 3:03pm

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck, please.

[Bettyboy72]

Posted: 9/15/21 at 4:44pm

This is really embarrassing if you ask me. I mean work is work, but c'mon. First, there's a press release by his agent I assume before there is even a creative team assembled. Very thirsty. Producers have been attached since 2011. This might wind up on Lifetime with Deborah Cox at this point. 

The movie was a phenomenon because of Whitney. Her voice and the songs propelled it into the stratosphere. The movie and its script is B-movie drivel, I don't think any diva worth her salt would touch this. 

I though his play was terrible and overwritten, but good luck doctoring this turd for Cardi B.