Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · September 22, 2025 · Entertainment

The Royal Almost-Star: Princess Diana and Kevin Costner's The Bodyguard II Saga

Kevin Costner first spoke about the axed Bodyguard sequel in 2012, saying the plot would revolve around him protecting Princess Diana's character

The Bombshell that Could Have Been: The Royal Romance That Never Was

In a shocking revelation, it has come to light that Princess Diana was on the verge of starring in a sequel to the hit 1992 film The Bodyguard alongside Kevin Costner. This explosive news has left fans and royal watchers alike reeling with curiosity.

According to Paul Burrell, Diana's former butler, who wrote about the incident in his book The Royal Insider, the Princess was approached by Kevin Costner through Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. It seems that the charismatic actor had a vision for a sequel where he would play the bodyguard to a royal character, with Diana as his leading lady.

After the immense success of the 1992 film The Bodyguard starring Costner and Whitney Houston,  rumours began to swell that a sequel featuring Princess Diana was on the cards

In a jaw-dropping twist, it appears that Diana initially expressed interest in the project, laughing and joking about her potential singing skills (or lack thereof). However, Burrell claims that she eventually declined the offer, citing that it was "entirely impossible."

But what really happened behind closed doors? Did Princess Diana truly decline the role or was there more to the story?

Kevin Costner's account of events paints a different picture. In a 2012 interview, he revealed that the plot for The Bodyguard II would have revolved around him protecting Diana's character from stalkers and paparazzi before their relationship turned romantic.

As impossible as this seemed, Costner confirmed that he spoke with Diana through Sarah Ferguson, expressing his interest in a sequel where he would build a film around her

Costner even claimed that Diana was initially on board with the film, telling him, "My life's about to change." He added that they had discussed a kissing scene in the second installment. The actor has always been known for his charm, but did he really have Princess Diana swooning over him?

The rumors of a potential sequel began circulating after a trip to China taken by Diana with Costner, Sarah Ferguson, and Hong Kong restaurant mogul David Tang. It's said that this chance encounter sparked the idea for the follow-up film.

In recent years, Kevin Costner has spoken candidly about his relationships with the Royal Family. He revealed on The Howard Stern Show that he was preparing to work with Diana on the sequel when it leaked out. As a result, the Royal Family allegedly turned against him, making things "uglier and uglier" in the process.

Diana's former butler, Paul Burrell, wrote in his 2025 book, The Royal Insider: 'Diana declined an offer to move into the professional sphere of her future daughter-in-law, Meghan, and become an actress

Costner also shared how he reached out to Sarah Ferguson for help, saying, "I finally called up Sarah, and said, 'Sarah, you need to tell me who is leading the charge there on this thing'." He recalled that she warned him off, telling him it was best to stay away from the Royal Family.

What's truly remarkable about this story is the human side of Kevin Costner. After the news broke, he revealed a heartwarming encounter with Prince William, who bluntly told him, "My mum kind of fancied you." This exchange shows that even years after Diana's passing, her sons still cherish their memories of her and those close to her.

When asked about the potential sequel, Costner humbly stated, "I could not replace Princess Di," acknowledging the magnitude of the project. The film was eventually abandoned due to Diana's untimely death in 1997.

Pictured: Actress Marlee Matlin with Kevin Costner and Sarah Ferguson in September 1996

In conclusion, this tantalizing tale of what could have been has left fans reeling with questions and curiosity. Did Kevin Costner really have a chance at romance with Princess Diana? Was there more to the story than meets the eye?

The world will never know for sure, but one thing is certain: this bombshell revelation has ignited a firestorm of gossip and speculation that's sure to captivate audiences for years to come.

Sources: The Royal Insider by Paul Burrell; various interviews with Kevin Costner.

Pictured: The promotional poster for the 1992 film The Bodyguard

Sarah Ferguson and Diana are pictured on the Buckingham Palace balcony in June 1991

The Bodyguard became the second-highest-grossing film of 1992 (Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner pictured in the film)

The idea for the film reportedly came about during this trip to China taken by Diana with Costner, the Duchess of York and Hong Kong restaurant mogul David Tang. Costner is pictured with Tang in September 1996