A royal correspondent has emphatically dismissed the rumors suggesting that Meghan Markle might feature in a sequel to the 1992 blockbuster film "The Bodyguard," which originally starred Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston. Speculations have been rife about Markle potentially resuming her acting career through a role in this sequel, purportedly at Costner's behest.
Kinsey Schofield, the host of the "To Di For Daily" podcast and renowned royal commentator, refuted these claims during an appearance on TalkTV's "Jeremy Kyle Live." She expressed disbelief in the credibility of this rumor, initially reported by a magazine.
Schofield articulated her skepticism saying, "The boldness of such a rumor is astonishing. Some source reportedly informed a magazine that Meghan Markle might replace Princess Diana in Kevin Costner's 'The Bodyguard' sequel. This rumor, in my opinion, is utter nonsense... It's beyond belief that someone would kick-start such a rumor. There's no chance whatsoever that Kevin Costner is reaching out to Meghan Markle with an offer to feature in this iconic sequel."
Schofield further suggested that Markle's brand is currently experiencing a downturn and made unverified claims about Markle being on a Hollywood "no-hire list." She commented, "Presently, she is on the 'no hire list' for everyone. Her brand is undoubtedly toxic."
She also touched on Costner's original intent for the role in the potential sequel. "Costner had designed that role for Princess Diana. At the time of her death, they were negotiating over a nude scene, with her trying to have it removed. This story is so iconic that it's truly offensive to even imagine the Meghan team attempting to appropriate it by casting Meghan in the sequel," said Schofield.
Costner revealed in a 2019 interview with People that Princess Diana had shown interest in starring in a sequel to "The Bodyguard," which would have marked her cinematic debut. However, there were reservations on her part.
Costner reminisced, "I recall her being incredibly sweet on the phone, and she inquired, 'Will there be a kissing scene?' She voiced her concern quite respectfully. She was apprehensive due to her highly regulated life. I reassured her, 'Yes, there will be a bit of that, but we can make it comfortable too.'"
In a 2012 conversation with Anderson Cooper, Costner indicated that the sequel would have seen Princess Diana in a role parallel to Houston's from the original film. Costner's character, Frank Farmer, would protect Princess Diana's character from paparazzi and stalkers, eventually leading to a romantic liaison.
Costner claimed to have received the sequel's script in August 1997, just a day before Princess Diana's tragic death in Paris.
Despite Markle's recent contract with premier Hollywood talent agency WME, Variety asserts that a return to acting is unlikely for the Duchess, focusing instead on film and TV production projects.
