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Kevin Costner & Whitney Houston: 7 Untold Secrets Of The Bodyguard, The Eulogy, And The Princess Diana Sequel

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The enduring, complex relationship between Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston remains one of Hollywood’s most compelling, tragic, and beautiful stories, nearly 13 years after her untimely passing. As of December 2025, Costner continues to speak about his deep love and respect for the late superstar, recently reflecting on their bond during promotional tours for his *Horizon* saga and in candid podcast interviews. His recent comments have brought to light fresh details about the intense pressure on Houston during the filming of *The Bodyguard* and the powerful promise he made to her that he fulfilled at her funeral.

This article dives deep into the true nature of their friendship, the little-known secrets behind their iconic 1992 film, and the shocking, almost unbelievable details of the sequel that was intended to star a real-life princess. The connection between the two stars was far more profound than a simple on-screen romance, a bond forged in mutual respect and Costner's unwavering belief in Houston's acting potential.

The Profiles: Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston

The two stars who defined a generation with *The Bodyguard* came from vastly different worlds but shared a monumental level of success. Here is a brief look at their professional lives:

Kevin Costner: The Hollywood A-Lister

  • Full Name: Kevin Michael Costner
  • Born: January 18, 1955 (Lynwood, California)
  • Key Career Highlights: Two-time Academy Award winner (Best Director and Best Picture for *Dances with Wolves*). Star of iconic films including *The Untouchables*, *Field of Dreams*, *Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves*, and the hit series *Yellowstone*.
  • Role in *The Bodyguard*: Frank Farmer, a former Secret Service agent turned elite private security specialist. Costner also served as a producer on the film.
  • Current Projects (2025): Directing, co-writing, and starring in the ambitious four-part Western epic, *Horizon: An American Saga*.

Whitney Houston: The Voice

  • Full Name: Whitney Elizabeth Houston
  • Born: August 9, 1963 (Newark, New Jersey)
  • Died: February 11, 2012 (Beverly Hills, California)
  • Key Career Highlights: One of the best-selling music artists of all time, with over 200 million records sold worldwide. She is the only artist to have seven consecutive No. 1 singles on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. Her debut acting role was in *The Bodyguard*.
  • Role in *The Bodyguard*: Rachel Marron, a global superstar and actress who needs protection from a stalker.
  • Legacy: Known globally as "The Voice." Her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" remains the best-selling single by a female artist in music history.

The Bodyguard Secrets: How Costner Fought for Houston and Her Iconic Song

The success of *The Bodyguard* was a global phenomenon, grossing over $400 million worldwide and launching Houston's acting career. However, the film's creation was fraught with tension and required Costner's intervention to secure its most iconic elements.

1. Costner’s Unwavering Fight to Cast an Unproven Actress

Hollywood studio executives at Warner Bros. were reportedly hesitant to cast Houston, an untested actress, in a lead role. Costner, who was also a producer, was adamant, delaying the film for a year to accommodate her touring schedule and standing firm against all other options.

He saw a unique quality in her that transcended her singing talent. He has since admitted that he "loved" Houston, not in a romantic sense, but for her talent and the light she possessed, a fact he has reflected on in recent interviews.

2. The Director Was Too Intimidated by "The Voice"

Houston was a global superstar, and Costner has revealed that director Mick Jackson felt intimidated by her presence on set. This led Costner to take on an uncredited, vital role as her mentor and "imaginary bodyguard" off-camera, guiding her through her first major acting role and building the necessary on-screen chemistry.

3. Costner Insisted on the A Cappella Intro for "I Will Always Love You"

The film's most enduring legacy is Houston's powerful cover of Dolly Parton's "I Will Always Love You." The original plan for the song was to have a musical introduction, but Costner personally intervened. He insisted that Houston should begin the song a cappella, without any instrumental backing, to showcase the raw power of her voice. This single creative decision is credited with turning the track into a monumental, record-breaking hit.

4. The Iconic Poster Isn't Even Whitney Houston

One of the most surprising, recently resurfaced facts about the film is that the iconic poster—where Costner's Frank Farmer is carrying Rachel Marron—does not feature Whitney Houston. The woman Costner is holding is actually her body double, a detail that has shocked fans for decades. The marketing team felt the image captured the essence of the film perfectly, regardless of the double's identity.

The Eulogy, The Promise, and The Unmade Princess Diana Sequel

The depth of Costner and Houston's bond became fully apparent only after her tragic death in 2012. Costner delivered a 17-minute eulogy that was broadcast live around the world, a speech filled with heart-wrenching, personal details, and a shocking revelation about a potential sequel.

5. The 17-Minute Eulogy That Defied CNN

When Costner was asked to speak at Houston’s funeral, he was initially hesitant, but Dionne Warwick urged him to do it. Costner then spent days crafting a deeply personal, 17-minute speech. Just before the service, CNN, which was broadcasting the event live, asked him to shorten it so they could run commercials.

Costner, recalling his promise to Houston to always be her protector, flatly refused. He told the network they could "take the commercial break when I’m done," ensuring his full, heartfelt tribute—which included a story about Houston’s unseen audition tape and his promise to shield her from the pressures of Hollywood—was heard by millions.

6. The Unseen Audition Tape and Costner's Protective Role

In his eulogy, Costner spoke about the early days of filming, describing how Houston was anxious about her acting debut. He promised her he would stand by her and not let her fail. He also spoke about the "unseen" audition tape, where Houston was clearly nervous, but Costner saw past the fear to the incredible talent, a memory he has reiterated in recent interviews.

7. The Bodyguard 2 Was Going to Star Princess Diana

Perhaps the most sensational revelation Costner has shared over the years is the plan for a sequel to *The Bodyguard*. The sequel was set to feature his character, Frank Farmer, protecting a new high-profile client: Diana, Princess of Wales.

Costner confirmed he had a "dignified, sexy, smart, funny" script written and had spoken to Princess Diana about the role. He received the final script draft the day before her tragic death in August 1997, a cruel twist of fate that permanently shelved the project. The unmade film remains a poignant "what if" in cinema history, further connecting Costner's life to the protection of global female icons.

A Legacy of Unbreakable Respect

The deep respect and genuine affection between Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston transcended their on-screen roles as Frank Farmer and Rachel Marron. It was a true, protective friendship that lasted until her final day. Costner's recent reflections, especially his refusal to compromise his eulogy for a television network, serve as a powerful testament to his commitment to her memory. Their story is a reminder that some of the most profound connections in Hollywood are often the quietest, built on trust and a shared moment in cinematic history.

kevin costner and whitney houston
kevin costner and whitney houston

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