Can Taylor Swift Replace Whitney Houston on ‘The Bodyguard’?

On a recent episode of Taste of Taylor, host Taylor Strecker and her guest Maddie Ryan got into the weeds about their party drama, expired IDs, and booze deliveries—but tucked between the chaos was a little tidbit that truly made us pause: Tyra Banks wants Taylor Swift to star in a reboot of The Bodyguard.

Yes, The Bodyguard. The 1992 cultural touchstone that gave us Whitney Houston in her acting debut and Kevin Costner at peak brooding. The one that delivered the cover of “I Will Always Love You”—a song so iconic, even the Dolly of Parton agrees it belongs to Whitney now. The film turned a cheesy plot into a box office smash because Whitney didn’t just sing her way through it—she embodied the diva she played.

So naturally, the idea of Taylor Swift stepping into that role gave the Taste of Taylor crew pause. As Maddie Ryan joked in the episode, “What is she doing? Anybody want some foie gras? It’s like, no. Just get me some vodka, weirdo.” Which, sure, was about someone else—but it might as well apply here, too.

Why The Bodyguard mattered

The original film cast Whitney as Rachel Marron, a pop superstar facing threats to her life who falls in love with her bodyguard. Sure, it was a romantic thriller, but it also showcased Houston’s star power, vocal range, and presence. And even when the acting got a little wooden (it was her first time!), you forgave it because she felt like a superstar and sold that vulnerability.

The movie grossed over $400 million worldwide and is still the best-selling movie soundtrack ever. This wasn’t just a film; it was a cultural reset.

So…Taylor Swift?

We get it. Taylor Swift is a generational talent. She’s conquered nearly every domain she’s entered. But The Bodyguard demands something specific: Charisma, raw vulnerability, and pipes that can bring the house down without autotune or a studio sheen.

Sure, Taylor can act. And yes, she’s a household name with a fanbase that can mobilize like The Avengers. But Maddie Ryan said it best: “She’s a billionaire because her dad invented the concept, the visual imagery of Santa Claus.” In other words, she’s been polished, packaged, and presented to us with care. And that’s fine for a stadium tour—but it’s not enough to carry the emotional weight of The Bodyguard.

Why it doesn’t work

Taylor Swift excels at many things, but she is too self-aware. Too controlled. Too curated. There’s no grit, no messiness, no danger. You will never forget that you’re watching Taylor Swift. Whitney, on the other hand, disappeared into the role—even when she wasn’t technically “good” at acting yet. She felt real. Taylor feels like she’s in a Vogue spread, even when she’s supposedly crying.

Also, who exactly is going to play opposite her? No one’s buying Harry Styles in the Kevin Costner role. And no, we’re not ready for a Jake Gyllenhaal redemption arc, either.

So, who should do it?

If we’re going to do a remake—and we’re not saying we should—here are a few names that make sense:

• Jazmine Sullivan: Vocals? Check. Presence? Check. That rare combo of vulnerability and strength? Double check.
• Keke Palmer: Charismatic, can sing, and proved she can carry a thriller (Nope, anyone?).
• Janelle Monáe: A performer with range, mystery, and genuine acting chops.
• Coco Jones: Rising star alert. She’s got the pipes and she’s already killing it as Hilary in Bel-Air.

Even someone like Lady Gaga, who has already done the emotional pop star thing in A Star Is Born, would be a better fit — at least she brings chaos and edge, which makes Rachel Marron work as a character.

Taylor Swift may rule the charts and sell out stadiums, but The Bodyguard requires something she doesn’t have—and that’s not shade. It’s just the truth. Some roles aren’t about star power. They’re about the soul. And no offense, Taylor, but this one’s still Whitney’s.

Let’s leave it that way.