Why Whitney Houston beat Julia Robert for The Bodyguard

Kevin Costner can’t imagine making “The Bodyguard” with anyone other than Whitney Houston.

Reflecting on her experience starring in and producing the 1992 romantic drama, the Horizons actor and filmmaker told Howard Stern on Tuesday that Houston beat out Michelle Pfeiffer and Julia Roberts because she was the one who knew sing.

“It could have been Michelle Pfeiffer, it could have been Julia Roberts, it could have been anyone, but when I looked at it I thought, ‘No, it should be Whitney Houston,'” said the star of “Yellowstone.” on Stern’s SiriusXM show from the Grammy winner, who had never acted in a film at the time. “For me, it was so easy to say, ‘Well, she’s the most beautiful girl, she’s the one who can sing.’ That’s the girl.’

Costner chose Houston and director Mick Jackson to helm the project. He was proud to guide young Houston on her first Hollywood set.

“I said, ‘If you’re not sure about anything, Whitney, look at me and tell me and we’ll walk around and I’ll make it right for you.'” Costner said of his relationship with the musician. on the tray.

People were shocked by his decision to cast the film’s lead role in a green newcomer, rather than Hollywood superstars, but Costner didn’t think it was “that big of a deal.”

The studio wanted to go in a different direction, highlighting stars with “better acting skills.”

“I like to think that’s what it was,” Costner said of why the studio didn’t want to cast the young black rising star in an interview with CBS Sunday Mornings. “I didn’t see it as a risk at all.”

“What I saw was that Whitney was the one,” he said. “I didn’t think it was so brave. I think going back would have been cowardly.

It was also Costner’s idea to have Houston begin her iconic cover of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” a cappella. He thought it would help signify the love his character had for him and her courage in admitting it.

Costner delivered a 17-minute eulogy at the star’s funeral in 2012, which was broadcast nationally. He said there was a five-day period where he regretted accepting the offer, but ultimately he was glad he did to honor his legacy.