Stephen Amell Joins Fox’s ‘Baywatch’ Reboot as Hobie
Stephen Amell has officially joined the cast of Fox’s upcoming Baywatch reboot. The series, spearheaded by Matt Nix, highlights Amell’s role as Hobie Buchannon, a character from the original 1990s series.
Stephen Amell Takes on the Role of Hobie
In the new adaptation, Hobie Buchannon embraces a critical role as a Baywatch Captain. This character follows in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mitch Buchannon, originally portrayed by David Hasselhoff. The storyline takes an intriguing turn when Hobie’s daughter, Charlie, who he never knew existed, arrives to pursue her dreams of becoming a lifeguard, continuing the Buchannon legacy.
Executive Producer’s Vision
Matt Nix, the show’s executive producer and showrunner, expressed confidence in Amell’s ability to bring the character to life. “From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter of Baywatch demands: heart, intensity, and that undeniable hero energy,” Nix stated. He emphasized Amell’s capacity to handle both action-packed scenarios and emotional scenes.
Production Details for Baywatch Reboot
Fox has ordered a total of 12 episodes for the Baywatch reboot, which has been in development since winter 2024. Production is set to start in the spring, with filming locations including Venice Beach and the Fox Studio Lot in Century City.
Legacy of the Original Series
The original Baywatch series premiered in 1989 but was canceled by NBC after only one season. However, it rebounded to become a global phenomenon, reaching over one billion viewers weekly at its peak and airing in more than 200 countries. The original show helped launch the careers of numerous stars, including Pamela Anderson and Jason Momoa.
Behind the Scenes
The reboot will feature a fresh cast adorned in the iconic red swimsuits, with new storylines that involve adrenaline-filled rescues, complex relationships, and beachside heroics. The series is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, with McG serving as the director for the premiere episode.
- Original character: Hobie Buchannon
- Father: Mitch Buchannon (David Hasselhoff)
- New character: Charlie, Hobie’s daughter
- Production start: Spring 2024
- Filming locations: Venice Beach, Fox Studio Lot
- Episodes ordered: 12
- Initial development: Winter 2024
Stephen Amell’s Background
Stephen Amell is renowned for his role in the CW series Arrow, where he portrayed the titular character, and is currently featured in the Starz series Heels. Other notable television credits include roles in HBO’s Hung and Fox’s New Girl. He has also made waves on the film circuit with projects such as Code 8 and Lighthouse On Little Lorraine.
Film distributors Fox Entertainment Global will handle all domestic distribution, while Fremantle will manage international sales. As production gets under way, fans eagerly await a modern take on the classic Baywatch legacy.
