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Jared Padalecki is stepping away from supernatural adventures and into holiday romance in Netflix’s upcoming film Guarding Stars. Starring alongside Leighton Meester, the Supernatural actor plays a movie star caught in an unexpected fake relationship with the bodyguard assigned to protect him. Based on Katherine Center’s bestselling novel The Bodyguard, the romantic comedy brings a festive twist to the story, with a Christmas-season setting and plenty of romantic tension.
Set to premiere on Netflix on November 18, 2026, the film follows Hannah Brooks, played by Meester, a professional bodyguard who receives an unusual assignment: protecting popular action star Jack Stapleton, portrayed by Padalecki.
The trailer introduces Jack as “everyone’s favorite movie star” before showcasing his first encounter with Hannah. When Jack questions whether she can take him down, Hannah swiftly proves her skills by pinning him to the ground. Her boss then reminds her to “be nice to the client.” Despite her impressive abilities, Hannah admits that celebrity protection jobs are among her least favorite assignments.
Jack’s need for security stems from a stalker who poses a threat while he visits his family in Montana. Hoping to keep the situation a secret from his loved ones, he comes up with an unconventional solution and asks Hannah, “Would you, Hannah Brooks, be my pretend girlfriend?”
Hannah agrees to play along, setting the stage for a holiday filled with awkward moments, family introductions, and increasingly complicated feelings. After getting a festive makeover, she joins Jack and his family, where maintaining their convincing romantic act becomes part of the job.
However, pretending to be a couple proves easier said than done. When Jack suggests they hold hands, Hannah points out that couples usually do so because they actually like each other. Their playful exchanges add humor to the story, while Hannah’s growing connection with Jack’s family makes it increasingly difficult to keep their arrangement strictly professional.
As the holiday festivities unfold, the chemistry between the two becomes harder to ignore. The trailer reaches a romantic high point during a gathering beneath the mistletoe, when Jack leaves the next move up to Hannah. Her response is direct: “Kiss me.”
The preview closes with more teasing banter between the unlikely couple, hinting that their pretend romance could turn into something real.
Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, Guarding Stars also features Andie MacDowell, Noah LaLonde, and country singer Walker Hayes. With its mix of holiday charm, celebrity antics, and a fake-dating storyline, the Netflix film is set to bring a festive romantic comedy to screens this November.
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