Stephen Amell to Star in Fox’s “Baywatch” Reboot
Stephen Amell has officially been cast in the lead role for Fox’s upcoming reboot of the iconic series, “Baywatch.” The news was confirmed by Variety and marks the first major casting announcement for the highly anticipated revival.
The series was greenlit by Fox for the 2026-2027 broadcast season with a 12-episode order, with production scheduled to begin in Los Angeles this spring. An open casting call is set to take place on Feb. 18 to fill out the rest of the ensemble cast.
Amell will portray Hobie Buchannon, the rebellious son of legendary lifeguard Mitch Buchannon, who now holds the title of Baywatch Captain. The character description teases a dynamic storyline as Hobie’s world is turned upside down when his long-lost daughter, Charlie, arrives on his doorstep with aspirations of joining the Baywatch team.
Keeping Amell in the broadcast realm, this role follows his recent stint on NBC’s “Suits LA” spinoff and his iconic portrayal of Oliver Queen/Green Arrow in the CW series “Arrow.” His versatile acting credits also include the Starz drama “Heels” and the films “Code 8 Parts 1 & 2.”
Amell’s casting was met with excitement from series showrunner Matt Nix, who praised the actor’s ability to bring heart, intensity, and heroism to the role. Nix expressed eagerness to collaborate with Amell on this new chapter of the beloved franchise.
The original “Baywatch” series, which premiered in 1989 on NBC before transitioning to syndication, became a global phenomenon with over 200 countries tuning in to watch the adventures of the lifeguard team. The ensemble cast, led by David Hasselhoff, launched the careers of stars like Pamela Anderson and Jason Momoa.
Executive produced by Nix, McG, and a team of industry veterans, the reboot promises to capture the essence of the original while introducing fresh storylines and characters for a new generation of viewers. McG is also set to direct the series premiere, adding his creative vision to the project.
With Amell at the helm and a talented production team behind the scenes, the “Baywatch” reboot is poised to make a splash on Fox’s lineup and reignite the passion of fans who fondly remember the iconic series.
