The upcoming Baywatch reboot on Fox has found its young lead. Jessica Belkin, known for her role in Netflix’s The Hunting Wives, has joined the cast as Charlie Vale, the long-lost daughter of Stephen Amell’s character. The 23-year-old actress will play a series regular in the new show, which is scheduled to premiere during the 2026-2027 broadcast season .
Belkin’s character arrives in California with a clear mission. She wants to earn a spot as a Baywatch lifeguard and connect with the father she never knew. The casting news arrived on March 3, 2026, confirming the newest member of the Buchannon family .
Who Is Jessica Belkin’s Character Charlie Vale?
The official character description reveals Charlie grew up in Galveston, Texas, with a complicated home life . She is described as fearless, passionate, and occasionally reckless, carrying the classic Buchannon family traits . Her decision to leave Texas and show up on Hobie Buchannon’s doorstep sets the main drama of the series in motion.
Charlie has one goal: to prove herself and become a lifeguard just like her father . But she still has a lot to learn about the job, the ocean, and the family legacy. The storyline suggests her father, the man she never met, might become the exact mentor she has always needed .
Belkin brings recent momentum to the role. She played young Margo in The Hunting Wives and will appear in the upcoming Legally Blonde prequel series Elle on Prime Video . She also wrapped filming for the Netflix action-comedy Bad Day, playing the daughter of Cameron Diaz’s character .
Stephen Amell Leads As Hobie Buchannon
Stephen Amell, famous for his years as the star of Arrow, takes on the role of Hobie Buchannon. In the original series, Hobie was the young son of Mitch Buchannon, played by David Hasselhoff. Now grown up, Hobie serves as the Baywatch Captain, following in his legendary father’s footsteps .
The showrunner Matt Nix explained why Amell was the right choice for the role. “From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter of Baywatch demands: heart, intensity, and that undeniable hero energy,” Nix said . “He’s the kind of lead who can sprint into danger, carry the emotional weight, and still make it feel fun.”
Amell admitted he actively pursued the role after hearing positive things about the creative team. He spoke about preparing for the physical demands of the show, focusing on sustainability rather than extreme training . “The big thing for me at this age is nutrition, really nutrition and then consistency in the gym,” Amell explained to The Hollywood Reporter .
David Chokachi Returns To The Beach
The reboot brings back original cast member David Chokachi, who will reprise his role as Cody Madison . Chokachi played the character during seasons six through nine of the original series. In the new version, Cody runs The Shoreline, a bar and grill that serves as a hangout for the lifeguards .
He still puts on the red trunks for occasional rescue shifts and acts as a mentor to the younger guards . His character provides a direct link between the original series and the new generation, offering free wings and advice after big saves .
What To Expect From The New Series
Fox has ordered 12 episodes for the first season . Production is scheduled to begin this spring, with filming taking place on Venice Beach in Los Angeles and on the historic Fox Studio lot . McG, who directed the 2017 Baywatch movie, will direct the premiere episode and serve as an executive producer .
The show promises all the elements that made the original famous. Viewers can expect adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry, and beachside heroics . The new cast will wear the show’s signature red swimsuits while facing contemporary challenges along the Southern California shoreline .
Matt Nix serves as showrunner and executive producer. The creative team also includes original series creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz, ensuring the reboot honors the legacy while updating it for today’s audience.
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Jessica Belkins Rising Career
Beyond The Hunting Wives and Elle, Belkin continues to build an impressive resume. She appeared in AMC+/Shudder’s Last Straw and has credits in American Horror Story: Hotel, Pretty Little Liars, and The Orville . She also holds a recurring role in the Paramount+ series The Dutton Ranch, the Yellowstone spin-off .
The casting of Belkin opposite Amell sets up the central father-daughter relationship that will drive much of the drama in the new Baywatch. Her character’s arrival turns Hobie’s world upside down, forcing him to confront his past while training the next generation of lifeguards .
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Stay tuned to VvipTimes for more casting updates and exclusive details on the Baywatch reboot as production begins this spring.
