The sun is about to shine on a new generation of lifeguards. Fox has officially found its lead for the highly awaited Baywatch reboot, and it is a face familiar to fans of superhero dramas. Stephen Amell, best known for spending eight seasons fighting crime as Oliver Queen in The CW’s Arrow, has signed on to star in the upcoming series. He will be trading his green hoodie for the iconic red swimsuit, stepping into the role of an adult Hobie Buchannon.
This casting news marks the first confirmed name attached to the project, which is scheduled to premiere during the 2026-2027 broadcast season . The show has been given a straight-to-series order for 12 episodes and is set to begin production this spring in LosAngeles.
Who is Hobie Buchannon? Stephen Amell’s Role Explained
In the original Baywatch, which ran from 1989 to 2001, Hobie Buchannon was the young son of the legendary team leader Mitch Buchannon, played by David Hasselhoff. The character was first portrayed by Brandon Call and later by Jeremy Jackson, often depicted as a “wild child” growing up around the beach patrol .
However, the reboot will jump forward in time. This new series will catch up with Hobie as an adult who has followed directly in his father’s footsteps. He is now a Baywatch Captain, leading his own team of lifeguards along the Southern California coastline.
The official character description reveals a compelling family drama at the heart of the action. Hobie’s world is turned upside down when Charlie, the daughter he never knew he had, shows up on his doorstep . She is eager to carry on the Buchannon family legacy and become a Baywatch lifeguard, working alongside her father. This father-daughter dynamic is expected to be a central emotional thread of the new series.
Stephen Amell Brings “Hero Energy” to the Role
Showrunner Matt Nix (Burn Notice, The Gifted) expressed his excitement about the casting, explaining why Amell was the perfect fit to lead the revival.
“From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter of Baywatch demands: heart, intensity, and that undeniable hero energy,” Nix said in a statement. “He’s the kind of lead who can sprint into danger, carry the emotional weight, and still make it feel fun. We’re so excited to get started” .
For Amell, this role keeps him in the broadcast television spotlight following his recent lead role in NBC’s Suits LA spinoff. He is widely recognized for his portrayal of Oliver Queen / Green Arrow across multiple DC superhero shows, a role that made him a household name among genre fans. His other recent credits include the Starz wrestling drama Heels and the sci-fi action films Code 8 and its sequel .
McG to Direct Premiere Episode
The creative team behind the camera is also shaping up to be a major draw. Acclaimed director McG (Charlie’s Angels, The Babysitter) has come on board to direct the first episode of the reboot. He will also serve as an executive producer through his Wonderland Sound and Vision company .
This marks a reunion for McG and Nix, who previously worked together on the Turner & Hooch series for Disney+ and True Lies for CBS . McG has a long history with Fox, having created the action-drama Fastlane and executive produced hits like The O.C..
The series promises to deliver the signature elements that made the original a global phenomenon. According to the official description, the new Baywatch will feature “adrenaline-fueled rescues, tangled relationships, complicated chemistry, and beachside heroics” . It will update the classic formula with contemporary challenges and a new cast wearing those famous red swimsuits.
Production and Casting News
Production on the Baywatch reboot is scheduled to begin in March 2026. Filming will take place on location at the iconic Venice Beach as well as on the historic Fox lot in west Los Angeles . The project recently secured a $21.1 million California tax credit, which helped keep the production rooted in the state .
Fox and Fremantle are also looking to find fresh talent to fill out the rest of the lifeguard tower. They are hosting an open casting call on February 18, 2026, at the Marina Del Rey Marriott in California . The network is looking for actors over 18 to play a wide range of roles, from lifeguards and love interests to beachgoers and rescue victims. Those attending are asked to come in wardrobe that “evokes a beach setting” .
Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, shared his enthusiasm for the talent search.
“The Baywatch Open Casting Call gives actors a rare opportunity to join the team of an iconic global sensation that celebrates the California spirit and helped define LA’s incomparable beach culture,” Thorn said. “We’re excited to discover fresh faces with authentic SoCal energy as we bring back Baywatch for a new generation of fans” .
The series is executive produced by a team that includes Matt Nix, McG, and original Baywatch creators Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz, ensuring a connection to the show’s roots .
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A Look Back at the Baywatch Legacy
The original Baywatch premiered on NBC in 1989. After being canceled following its first season, it found new life in syndication and became a worldwide juggernaut. At its peak, it was the most-watched television series on the planet, airing in over 200 countries and drawing more than a billion viewers weekly .
The show ran for 11 seasons and nearly 250 episodes, making stars out of its cast members, including Pamela Anderson, Yasmine Bleeth, Carmen Electra, and even a young Jason Momoa in its later Hawaii-based seasons . The franchise previously spawned a short-lived spinoff (Baywatch Nights) and a 2017 feature film reboot starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.
With Stephen Amell now leading the charge as the next generation of Buchannon, the new Baywatch is aiming to capture that same lightning in a bottle for a modern audience.
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