The new "Baywatch" series casting call drew scores of TV hopefuls in Marina del Rey, California on February 18, 2026. Jonathan Alcorn for CA Post I’ll be honest: I don’t know much about “Baywatch.” I first learned about the series through David Hasselhoff’s memorable cameo in the 2004 masterpiece, “The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie,” and never really bothered to learn anything more. (It’s about beautiful people running in slow motion, right?)
But it seems I’ll have to brush up on my lifeguard lore soon, since Fox’s “Baywatch” reboot series is set to start production this March in Los Angeles — including on the Fox Studio Lot that P6H calls home.
Ahead of filming, Fox and Fremantle were already leaning into the throwback vibes by hosting a giant open casting call (remember those?) in Marina del Rey, attracting thousands hoping for instant stardom.
The hit series Baywatch, starring David Hasselhoff (center back), aired from 1989-2001. Courtesy Everett Collection I made my way to Mothers Beach bright and early on Wednesday to catch a glimpse of the crowd — and they didn’t disappoint. For the ladies, the series’ signature red one-piece proved to be the most popular attire, while most men wore red board shorts and showed off their many abs. Of course, there were outliers, like one attention-seeker decked out in head-to-toe pink rhinestones, and a gentleman wearing a very un-Californian 10-gallon hat, but most everyone else tried to dress the part.
Attendees were next corralled to a lifeguard tower for some group photos, with many sprinting down the beach so they could secure an extra-visible spot in the front of the pack. While I’m used to chatting up publicists in hopes of speaking with actors, this was a totally different ballgame: several hopefuls, spotting my press badge, approached me directly and asked to be interviewed, vying for their big breaks.
The crowd then descended upon the nearby Marriott, where they were ushered into one of 20 audition rooms to get some coveted face time with the casting directors. (I’m sure hotel guests felt incredibly safe, being surrounded by so many lifeguards.)
The only casting that’s been announced so far is the return of OG star David Chokachi, along with “Arrow” alum Stephen Amell playing Hobie Buchannon, son of Hasselhoff’s Mitch Buchannon.
“I think that LA should be proud of the production. Your production should be here,” Amell says, adding that he doesn’t fault other series that can’t afford LA. He’s had numerous conversations with showrunner Matt Nix, who was personally affected by last year’s devastating wildfires, about the importance of highlighting local heroes in LA County. “This show wants to showcase and honor and shine a spotlight on first responders.”
So has Amell asked the Hoff for advice? He laughed, adding, “Nobody’s handing out David’s number.”
