Kevin Costner, the respected actor, recently divulged an unheard tale about his intention to feature Princess Diana in a follow-up to his successful 1992 film, “The Bodyguard.” Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, was pivotal in orchestrating the project which unfortunately did not materialize due to Princess Diana’s tragic death.
During an episode of PeopleTV’s “Couch Surfing,” Costner talked about this unrealized project. He stated that the idea surfaced in the mid-1990s, with Sarah Ferguson playing a significant role. “Sarah was really important,” Costner remarked. “She set up the conversation between me and Diana and supported the idea.”
The planned sequel would have seen Costner’s character, Frank Farmer, protecting the character of Diana from paparazzi and obsessed followers, ultimately leading to a romantic storyline. Diana displayed interest, even inquiring about a kissing scene with a blend of apprehension and curiosity. Costner remembered, “She was very respectful and a little nervous because her life was governed. Despite her nervousness, Diana was ready to take on the challenge of acting in a Hollywood movie.”
The initiative was abruptly put on hold following Diana’s fatal car crash in August 1997 at the age of 36, just one day after Costner received the screenplay for the sequel. Subsequently, Costner had a private meeting with Diana’s son, Prince William, during which Prince William shared a personal revelation. “The first thing he said was, ‘You know, my mom kind of fancied you,'” Costner recalled. He responded modestly, “I know.”
Costner held a great deal of respect for Prince William, characterizing their meeting as pleasant. “We talked for about half an hour,” Costner disclosed. “I’ll never say what we talked about, but it was a lovely thing.”
Looking back at the unrealized film, Costner indicated how close it had been to becoming a reality and expressed his admiration for both Princess Diana and the assistance from Sarah Ferguson.
Although the movie was never produced, Costner’s recollection provides an intriguing insight into what could have been an extraordinary intersection between Hollywood and royalty.