Baywatch Reboot Casting Call Draws Thousands in Los Angeles
Thousands of aspiring actors descended on Marina Del Rey in Los Angeles on Wednesday for a chance at landing a role in the upcoming Baywatch reboot. The soapy drama, which followed a group of lifeguards in LA, became one of the most-watched shows globally during its original run from 1989 to 2001, launching stars such as Pamela Anderson, David Hasselhoff, and Carmen Electra.
Open Casting Call in a Post-Pandemic Era
The open casting call, an uncommon event in the post-pandemic era dominated by self-tape auditions, attracted numerous local actors seeking their big break. Many hopefuls arrived wearing the iconic red swimsuit made famous by the original series, while others showcased their figures in white cut-out bathing suits and colorful bikinis paired with denim shorts.
Actor Stephen Amell, who will have a lead role in the reboot, was present at the casting call, alongside David Chokachi, who played Cody Madison in the original show. The high demand necessitated the casting team to run 20 audition rooms simultaneously to accommodate all participants.
Executive Insights and Production Details
Brittainy Roberts, Vice President of casting at Fox, told the Los Angeles Times that the open casting was 'an opportunity to really get people in the room in a large-scale way' and to provide 'people an opportunity that maybe they aren't getting in this new landscape of auditioning.' Speaking to the New York Post, she added, 'Our business has certainly struggled since Covid and strikes and fires, and we're so excited to be shooting in LA.'
The new version of Baywatch will air for 12 episodes on Fox during the 2026-27 television season, produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle. Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, stated to Variety, 'In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to an iconic status. Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback.'
Christian Vesper, CEO of global drama for Fremantle, emphasized, 'Baywatch has always been a treasured asset in Fremantle's portfolio and remains one of the most iconic series in television history globally. We have found the perfect partners in Fox to help us maintain this legacy.'
Legacy and Global Impact
Despite consistently negative reviews from critics, Baywatch was a massive hit with viewers, becoming the most-watched TV show in the world at its peak, with 1.1 billion viewers across over 200 countries. For its final two years, the show was retitled Baywatch: Hawaii, featuring future movie star Jason Mamoa. The franchise was previously revived as a feature film in 2017 starring Dwayne Johnson, Zac Efron, and Priyanka Chopra.
In a 2019 interview with The New York Times, Pamela Anderson revealed she still owns the iconic red swimsuit she wore on the show, underscoring the enduring cultural impact of the series.
