Netflix has officially released the first trailer and poster for Guarding Stars, an upcoming holiday romantic comedy starring Leighton Meester and Jared Padalecki. The film premieres exclusively on the streaming platform on November 18, 2026, bringing a mix of festive romance, comedy, and action to the holiday season.
Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, the movie adapts Katherine Center’s 2022 bestselling novel, originally titled The Bodyguard. Richard Keith and Erin Cardillo wrote the screenplay. Production took place in Calgary, Alberta, and Vancouver, British Columbia, running from December 2025 through February 2026.
Plot and Premise of Guarding Stars
Leighton Meester stars as Hannah Brooks, a straight-laced, elite executive protection agent dealing with personal loss. Her security firm assigns her a high-profile job: protecting Hollywood action star Jack Stapleton, played by Jared Padalecki.
Jack has retreated to his family ranch following a scandal and ongoing threats from a stalker. To protect his ailing mother, Sally Stapleton-played by Andie MacDowell-from worry, Jack insists that Hannah pose as his girlfriend rather than his professional bodyguard. As they are thrust into close quarters during the holiday festivities, professional boundaries blur. This leads to unexpected romantic complications, action sequences, and family drama.
Cast and Production Details
Alongside Meester and Padalecki, the film features a robust supporting cast. Andie MacDowell stars as Jack’s mother, while country music star Walker Hayes appears as Sheriff Sanderson. Other notable cast members include Noah LaLonde as Jack’s brother Hank, Toby Sandeman as Robbie, Rachael Ancheril as Taylor, and WWE star Phil Brooks (CM Punk) as Doghouse.
Gina Matthews and Grant Scharbo produce the project through Little Engine Productions, alongside Readymade Productions, Tremblant Productions, and Jared and Genevieve Padalecki’s company, Living in the Asterisk. Netflix optioned Center’s novel in 2024 following the success of the author’s previous adaptation, Happiness for Beginners, which premiered in 2023.
Trailer Highlights
The newly unveiled trailer showcases the humorous dynamic between the lead characters. It features an iconic meet-cute where Hannah physically flips Jack onto his back. The footage also teases the fake-dating setup, holiday celebrations at the family ranch, and the developing romance between the elite bodyguard and the celebrity under her protection as they navigate mounting danger.
Guarding Stars will be available to stream globally on Netflix starting November 18, 2026.
