Andie MacDowell, Jared Padalecki, and Leighton Meester will be gracing High River as they star in Netflix’s forthcoming romantic-comedy film, The Bodyguard. Filming is set to take place on December 4, 5, and 6, coinciding with the town’s annual Santa Claus Parade on December 5.
Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, known for her work on Ginny & Georgia, The Bodyguard is adapted from Katherine Center’s 2022 novel of the same name. The plot centers around Hollywood heartthrob Jack Stapleton, played by Padalecki, who returns to his family’s Montana ranch for the holidays. After facing a dangerous stalker, he is assigned a bodyguard, Hannah Brooks (portrayed by Meester). To keep the situation from his ailing mother, Jack persuades Hannah to pretend to be his girlfriend.
While the specifics of MacDowell’s character remain undisclosed, organizers of the Santa Claus Parade are excited about the filming festivities. Ted Dawson, the parade organizer, mentioned that one of the stars will be performing on a parade float, although he has yet to reveal which actor it will be.
The filming will bring some changes to the parade, with snow cannons being installed at Snodgrass Funeral Home and the Museum of the Highwood to enhance the holiday atmosphere. However, attendees should prepare for road closures in the area, particularly on MacLeod Trail SW and 1 Street SW, following the parade as the crew conducts additional filming.
For residents looking to avoid traffic, Dawson suggested parking along the old CPR right-of-way or behind the United Church for easier access out of town. More information regarding specific road closures will be announced closer to the event. Additionally, there is a call for volunteers and float registrations, with interested parties encouraged to sign up at highriverchristmas.ca.
As the town prepares for this exciting filming event, the combination of celebrity guests and the festive spirit promises to create a memorable experience for the community.