Los Angeles, CA – Stephen Amell, best known for his role as Green Arrow in the Arrowverse, has landed the lead in Fox's highly anticipated reboot of the classic lifeguard drama Baywatch, and fans are buzzing about potential cameos from original stars like Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff. Amell, 44, addressed the speculation during an exclusive interview with Us Weekly on Wednesday, February 18, at a red carpet event in Marina Del Rey, California, following an open casting call on the beach for prospective actors.
"Of course we could [have them]," Amell told Us Weekly, hinting at the possibility without confirming any involvement from the iconic duo who helped make the original series a cultural phenomenon. The reboot, announced by Fox in September 2025, promises a "reimagined" take on the show that originally aired from 1989 to 2001, focusing on the high-stakes world of lifeguards patrolling California's beaches – and later Hawaii's – amid disasters like earthquakes, shark attacks, and even serial killers.
Amell, cast as Hobie Buchannon – the son of the original lead character Mitch Buchannon, played by Hasselhoff – explained his decision to stay in the dark about potential surprises on set. "I specifically told them not to tell me," he said. "I’ve learned that over time because I will have a lot of things flooding the zone that is my brain." By keeping details under wraps, Amell aims to avoid being overwhelmed as production ramps up. "So in order to not be completely and totally overwhelmed, I just allow myself to be surprised with the script," he added.
The original Baywatch series underwent numerous cast changes during its 12-season run, but it became synonymous with a ensemble of memorable characters. Standouts included Anderson as C.J. Parker, Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon, Nicole Eggert as Summer Quinn, Carmen Electra as Lani McEvoy, Billy Warlock as Eddie Kramer, Alexandra Paul as Shawn Weatherly, David Chokachi as Cody Madison, Jeremy Jackson as Hobie Buchannon, Traci Bingham as Jordan Tate, and Erika Eleniak as Shauni McClain. These actors not only patrolled the sands on screen but also turned the show into a global hit, with slow-motion running scenes and dramatic rescues captivating audiences worldwide.
While Amell remained coy about Anderson and Hasselhoff, one returning face has already been confirmed: David Chokachi, who played Cody Madison in the original, is set to appear in the reboot. According to Fox's announcements, the new series will center on Hobie's life being upended when "the daughter he never knew comes knocking on his door, sending his world into upheaval as she aims to find her place in the Buchannon family legacy and become a lifeguard." This family-driven plot marks a fresh angle for the franchise, blending personal drama with the action-packed lifeguard duties fans remember.
"We haven’t filmed anything yet so I’m not entirely sure [what is to come]," Amell noted during the Marina Del Rey event. He credited the project's momentum to creator Matt Nix, who joined to develop the first season's storyline. The reboot has been in development for years, Amell said, but Nix's vision brought it to life. "This was a project that was in development for a long time and it really got off the ground when [creator] Matt Nix came aboard with his idea for the first season," he explained.
Teasing the tone, Amell promised a mix of nostalgia and innovation. "A lot of the familiar tropes that you come to expect with Baywatch," he said, but emphasized that "the beginning of our story is really focusing on a family story." This shift could appeal to both longtime fans eager for callbacks to the original and a new generation discovering the series through streaming platforms or revivals.
Beyond the cameos and plot, Amell expressed personal excitement about filming in Los Angeles, where the original show was largely shot. In an Instagram post after booking the role, he wrote, "I’m fully aware that Baywatch is iconic — and at its heart, it’s entertainment. It’s big, fun, and unapologetically larger than life. But filming it here in Los Angeles adds a deeper layer of meaning. These beaches aren’t just a backdrop; they represent a city that has endured so much and continues to stand tall. If this new chapter can bring people joy while quietly honoring the first responders, the families rebuilding, and everyone who has carried this city forward, then that’s something I’m incredibly proud to be part of."
During his Us Weekly interview, Amell elaborated on his connection to the location. "I’ve lived in California for 16 years and I say all the time that we do not spend enough time at the beach," he said. "I’m excited to just continue our California adventure." The open casting call in Marina Del Rey, a picturesque spot along the Pacific Coast Highway, drew hopefuls vying for roles in what could become another beachside staple.
The reboot arrives amid a wave of television revivals, from Gilligan's Island spin-offs to modern takes on Full House and Will & Grace. Baywatch's enduring popularity stems not just from its action but from its portrayal of heroism and community, themes that resonate in today's world of natural disasters and emergency response. Fox's decision to reimagine the series in 2025 reflects a broader industry trend toward leveraging IP from the '80s and '90s to draw in viewers nostalgic for simpler escapist fare.
Baywatch, which ran from 1989 to 2001, centered around the lives of lifeguards who worked on California (and Hawaii) beaches while dealing with a variety of situations including earthquakes, shark attacks and serial killers.
This description from Us Weekly underscores the show's blend of soap opera elements and high drama, which kept it topping ratings charts for years. The original finale in 2001 drew over 1.1 billion viewers worldwide, according to Nielsen data, cementing its status as one of television's most-watched programs.
As production gears up, questions linger about how the reboot will handle the original's more controversial aspects, such as its emphasis on physicality and sex appeal. Amell, with his action-hero background from Arrow, seems well-suited to lead, but the involvement of Anderson and Hasselhoff remains a tantalizing unknown. Fans have speculated online since the announcement, with social media posts flooding platforms like Twitter and Instagram calling for the OGs to return for even brief appearances.
David Chokachi's confirmed role adds legitimacy to the project, bridging the gap between eras. Chokachi, who appeared in 58 episodes from 1996 to 1998, told entertainment outlets in recent interviews that he's thrilled to revisit the franchise. "It's like coming home," he reportedly said, though details of his episode or arc are scarce.
Looking ahead, the Baywatch reboot could premiere as early as late 2026, depending on filming schedules and network slots. Amell's enthusiasm suggests a commitment to honoring the source material while updating it for modern audiences. As Los Angeles' beaches prepare to host another wave of lifeguard adventures, the city – and its viewers – eagerly await what surprises the scripts hold.
In the meantime, Amell's comments have sparked renewed interest in the original cast's whereabouts. Pamela Anderson, now 57, has focused on advocacy work and memoirs, while Hasselhoff, 72, continues acting and producing. Whether they don the red swimsuits again remains to be seen, but Amell's openness to the idea keeps hope alive for a full-circle moment in television history.