Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester will star in Guarding Stars, the new Netflix romantic comedy arriving on the platform on November 18, 2026. In the story, Padalecki plays a movie star who, after being the victim of a stalker, is protected by a bodyguard played by Meester and must pretend she is his girlfriend when he returns to the family ranch for the holidays.
The film, previously known by the working title The Bodyguard, is directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, who helmed episodes of Ginny & Georgia, and written by Grant Scharbo, Richard Keith, and Erin Cardillo. The screenplay adapts the novel of the same name by author Katherine Center, published in 2022.
Netflix acquired the rights to the book in 2024, making Guarding Stars the second major adaptation of a Katherine Center work for the platform, following Happiness for Beginners, released in 2023 with Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes in the lead roles.
Who is producing Guarding Stars
The production is led by Gina Matthews, known for 13 Going on 30, through her company Little Engine Productions. Readymade Productions and Tremblant Productions are also involved in the production. Genevieve Padalecki, linked to Supernatural, is also listed as a producer on the project.
Guarding Stars Netflix release date
Netflix had initially confirmed that Guarding Stars would arrive in late 2026, and has finally set the premiere for November 18, 2026. The platform has already released the official trailer for the film, which joins the rest of the holiday releases scheduled for that year in the Netflix catalog.
What is the plot of Guarding Stars
The official synopsis describes the plot as follows: Hannah Brooks is an executive protection agent who, following a breakup and the death of her mother, receives an unusual assignment from her Houston-based security firm: to protect Jack Stapleton, the most famous heartthrob in Hollywood.
Jack, a former action movie star, has retreated to his family's ranch in Montana after a scandal and a tragedy that have made him wary of public exposure. Not wanting his ailing mother, Sally Stapleton, to find out that he is being threatened by a stalker, Jack insists that Hannah pose as his girlfriend instead of introducing her as his bodyguard.
Forced to live in close quarters with him, Hannah must balance her professional instincts with the warmth of Jack's family and the unexpected kindness of the man she is tasked to protect. As the danger escalates and secrets come to light, Hannah will have to decide whether to keep her heart safe or risk it all for a man who could mean much more than just a client.
A striking detail of the adaptation is the change of setting: while the original novel takes place in Texas, the film moves the action to Montana.
Guarding Stars cast
The two lead roles go to Jared Padalecki and Leighton Meester.
Jared Padalecki as Jack Stapleton
Jared Padalecki brings Jack Stapleton to life. The actor is widely known for playing Sam Winchester in The CW's fantasy drama series Supernatural. He will soon be part of the fifth and final season of Amazon Prime Video's The Boys, alongside his former Supernatural co-star Jensen Ackles. Padalecki is also recognized for his role as Cordell Walker in the crime series Walker, also on The CW.
Leighton Meester as Hannah Brooks
Leighton Meester plays Hannah Brooks. The actress rose to fame as the lead in the hit romantic drama series Gossip Girl on The CW. Since then, she has participated in productions such as The Orville, Good Cop/Bad Cop, and, more recently, The Buccaneers. In the Netflix catalog, she previously provided the voice for Sasha in My Father's Dragon, and she will soon appear in the second season of Nobody Wants This.
Rest of the cast
The cast of Guarding Stars is completed by the following performers:
- Andie MacDowell (Groundhog Day).
- Toby Sandeman (The Royals).
- Siobhan Williams (The Quarry), as Ella Mae.
- Noah LaLonde (My Life with the Walter Boys).
- CM Punk (Girl on the Third Floor), as Doghouse.
- Zoe Kosovic (The Smashing Machine), as Clementine.
- Rachael Ancheril (Star Trek: Discovery).
- William Kosovic (Sharp Corner), as Young Drew.
- Giles Panton (The Man in the High Castle), as Jesse.
- Ryan Mah (Avatar: The Last Airbender), as Avram.
- Greg Lawson (Dawn Anna), as Glen.
- Ava Max (Scoob!).
- Annabel Beams (Faultline), as Cowgirl.
- Phil Brooks (Go Girls).
- Walker Hayes (The Paranormals).
Production and filming status
Filming for Guarding Stars began in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, on December 4, 2025, and officially concluded on February 17, 2026. Scenes were also filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia. The film's post-production phase began on March 13, 2026.
Frequently asked questions about Guarding Stars
When is Guarding Stars released on Netflix?
Guarding Stars premieres on Netflix on November 18, 2026, after having been initially confirmed for a release late that year.
Who are the stars of Guarding Stars?
The lead roles are played by Jared Padalecki, as Jack Stapleton, and Leighton Meester, as Hannah Brooks.
What book is Guarding Stars based on?
The film adapts the novel of the same name by author Katherine Center, originally published in 2022, although it changes the setting from Texas to Montana.
Is Guarding Stars the first Katherine Center adaptation on Netflix?
No. It is the second adaptation of a Katherine Center work for Netflix, following Happiness for Beginners, released in 2023 with Ellie Kemper and Luke Grimes.
Where was Guarding Stars filmed?
Filming took place primarily in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, between December 2025 and February 2026, with additional scenes filmed in Vancouver, British Columbia.
