After her divorce from Prince Charles, Princess Diana was reportedly presented with an unexpected chance to explore acting, a shift that remains surrounded by uncertainty. This opportunity linked closely to a project in the 1990s involving Kevin Costner, inspired by his hit movie The Bodyguard.
The idea for a sequel to the 1992 film emerged after its large success, where Costner played a bodyguard protecting Whitney Houston’s character, a famous singer. In the proposed follow-up, Costner’s character would guard a princess besieged by stalkers and relentless paparazzi, a clear parallel to Diana’s own experiences.
Kevin Costner’s Proposal to Princess Diana
Kevin Costner revealed in a 2024 interview on The Howard Stern Show that he developed the idea of The Bodyguard 2 with Princess Diana specifically in mind, facilitated through Diana’s former sister-in-law, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York. Costner recounted approaching Diana directly in 1996, a time when she was preparing for her official divorce from Charles, seeking new directions in her life.
I said, ‘Look, I’m going to do Bodyguard 2 and I think I can build this around you. Would you be interested?’
he recalled telling her (per Good Morning America).
And she said … she goes, ‘Yes.’
Costner described the conversation as open and hopeful, with Diana asking about the presence of an intimate scene between their characters. He answered positively, and she agreed.
She goes, ‘My life’s about to change,’
Costner said.
She said, ‘Is there going to be a kissing scene?’ And I said, ‘Do you want there to be one?’ And she said, ‘Yeah.’ And I said, ‘Then we’ll do that.’
A Missed Chance and Confirmation from Prince William
The anticipated film project was never realized, especially following Princess Diana’s tragic death in a 1997 car accident. Costner decided to abandon the film, feeling that no one could replace her in the role.
I never made that movie because I could not replace Princess Di,
Costner shared during the 2024 interview.
Years later, Costner said he spoke with Diana’s eldest son, Prince William, who provided a tender confirmation that the late princess had admired the actor.
He looked at me and he said, ‘My mom fancied you,’
Costner recalled.
And it was the sweetest, gentlest thing.
Paul Burrell’s Account of Diana’s Response
Despite Costner’s enthusiastic portrayal of Diana’s interest, others suggest she was flattered but never seriously committed to acting. Paul Burrell, Diana’s former butler, offered his perspective in his book The Royal Insider, revealing details of Diana’s reaction to the offer.
She was approached to appear in The Bodyguard II alongside Kevin Costner,
Burrell wrote (per The Daily Mail).
I put the call from Mr. Costner through to her in the sitting room and heard fits of giggles with her saying, ‘But I can’t sing! What would I be expected to do? I’m not sure but yes, OK, send it and I promise I will have a look.’
Burrell confirmed that Diana spoke with Costner after the initial contact, acknowledging his genuine involvement in inviting her to star in the movie.
She told me at the end of the call that he had offered her the lead role in a follow-up to the smash hit which had starred Whitney Houston as the lead,
Burrell wrote.
She was to play a princess and Kevin would be her bodyguard and save her life. He promised it would be tastefully done and he would look after her.
However, Burrell emphasized that Diana never took the proposal seriously and politely declined, highlighting a mix of amusement and incredulity.
Diana chuckled. ‘He was so charming but he cannot be serious,’
Burrell shared.
But he was extremely serious, and the script arrived for The Bodyguard II. I’m not sure that she ever read it but she was flattered. She politely declined the opportunity, saying, ‘It is entirely impossible.’
The Significance of the Film Offer for Diana’s Life Story
The story of Kevin Costner Princess Diana collaboration serves as a rare glimpse into the possibility of Diana stepping into a public role beyond royalty and charitable causes. It highlights a period when she was eager to redefine herself after the upheaval in her personal life. This unrealized project also underscores the complicated intersection between her real-life challenges with media intrusion and a fictional narrative built around similar pressures.
While the film never came to fruition, the episode illustrates how Diana’s image and experiences continued to resonate deeply with those around her, including Hollywood stars like Kevin Costner. It leaves open questions about what direction she might have taken had she chosen to pursue acting and how that might have affected her legacy.
