'Baywatch': Stephen Amell to Lead Fox Reboot of Lifeguard Drama

Variety

by Joseph Otterson

February 14, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Stephen Amell has been cast in the lead role of Hobie Buchannon in Fox's upcoming "Baywatch" reboot. The character, described as a wild child from the original series who becomes a Baywatch Captain, will navigate a changed life when his unknown daughter, Charlie, joins him as a lifeguard. This marks Amell's return to the broadcast scene after his role in NBC's short-lived "Suits LA." Known for playing Oliver Queen in "Arrow," Amell brings a mix of hero energy and emotional depth, as praised by series showrunner Matt Nix. The reboot aims to revitalize the iconic 1989-2001 series, which starred David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon. The original show was a global hit, airing in over 200 countries and launching careers for stars like Pamela Anderson and Jason Momoa. A feature film reboot in 2017 featuring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron also attempted to reinvigorate the franchise. This new version seeks to honor the legacy while introducing fresh elements. Production is set to begin this spring in Los Angeles, with an open casting call scheduled for February 18. The series, produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, features a star-studded creative team, including director McG. With Amell's popularity from "Arrow" and his current projects like "Heels," the reboot has high potential to attract a diverse audience. The significance of this reboot lies in its ability to

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Originally published on Variety on 2/14/2026