Stephen Amell Joins the Cast of Fox's 'Baywatch' Reboot as Captain Hobie Buchannon
Stephen Amell, known for his roles in 'Arrow' and 'Heels', is the first actor to be cast in the highly anticipated 'Baywatch' reboot for Fox. He will portray the iconic character Hobie Buchannon, a role previously played by Brandon Call and Jeremy Jackson. In this reimagined version, Hobie is now the Baywatch Captain, following in the footsteps of his legendary father, Mitch, played by David Hasselhoff in the original series.
The story takes an intriguing turn when Charlie, Hobie's long-lost daughter, appears on his doorstep, eager to join the family legacy as a Baywatch lifeguard. This unexpected twist adds a layer of complexity to Hobie's life, as he navigates the challenges of fatherhood and the responsibilities of leading a team of lifeguards. Executive producer Matt Nix expressed his enthusiasm for Amell's casting, praising his ability to bring heart, intensity, and a unique hero energy to the role.
The reboot promises to capture the adrenaline-fueled rescues, complex relationships, and beachside heroics that defined the original series. With a fresh cast donning the iconic red swimsuits, the show will explore contemporary themes, tensions, and challenges while maintaining the mission to protect Southern California's shoreline. The 12-episode series received a straight-to-series order from Fox in September, after years of development. Production is set to begin on Venice Beach and the Fox Studio Lot in Century City this spring.
The original 'Baywatch' series, which debuted in 1989 and was canceled by NBC after one season, became a global phenomenon, attracting over a billion viewers weekly at its peak. It launched the careers of numerous actors, including Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and Yasmine Bleeth. The new 'Baywatch' is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, with Nix, McG, Michael Berk, and other renowned producers behind the scenes. Amell's diverse portfolio includes leading roles in 'Arrow', 'Heels', and 'Suits: LA', as well as notable appearances in films like 'Code 8' and 'Lighthouse On Little Lorraine'. His talent agency includes UTA, Leverage Management, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern.
