Over 1,000 Hopefuls Hit the Beach in Red Swimsuits for Baywatch Reboot Auditions
The iconic red swimsuits made a massive comeback on a breezy day in Marina del Rey as more than a thousand aspiring actors gathered for an open casting call for the upcoming Baywatch reboot on Fox. Despite recent stormy weather in Los Angeles, the skies cleared just enough for the event to proceed, drawing crowds to Mother’s Beach where hopefuls showed up ready to channel the classic lifeguard vibe. Many donned the signature red one-pieces or board shorts, along with visors and Baywatch-branded gear, creating a nostalgic scene straight out of the 1990s. The turnout was overwhelming, with around 2,000 performers actually taking part in live auditions while an impressive 14,000 applications had poured in beforehand.
This fresh take on the legendary series focuses on Hobie Buchannon, the son of original character Mitch Buchannon, who steps up as a Baywatch captain. His life changes dramatically when he discovers he has a daughter eager to join the team and carry on the family legacy of heroic rescues. Showrunner Matt Nix has described the project as a perfect moment for an unapologetically heroic story about people who genuinely care for one another and those they save. Executive producer Joseph McGinty Nichol, widely known as McG, is directing the first episode, bringing his energetic style to the revival.
The original Baywatch aired from 1989 to 2001 and became a global phenomenon, holding a Guinness World Record for the most-viewed weekly television series at one point. It launched careers for stars like Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, and David Hasselhoff while showcasing dramatic beach rescues mixed with sun-soaked drama. A 2017 movie starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron added a comedic spin, but this new television version returns to its Los Angeles roots, with filming set to begin in March on Venice Beach and at the Fox studio lot. The production even secured a $21-million state tax credit to support local filming and boost the entertainment industry in the area.
David Chokachi, who played Cody Madison in the classic series, is returning to reprise his role, calling the experience one of the most surreal moments of his life. New lead Stephen Amell steps into the role of Hobie Buchannon, bringing his own athletic presence to the iconic family line. Casting directors ran 20 rooms simultaneously to handle the volume, giving actors a chance to perform scenes specially written for the day by Matt Nix. Participants like Massiel Taveras expressed a deep sense of belonging, while others found the atmosphere surprisingly easygoing despite the competition.
Brittainy Roberts, Fox’s vice president of casting, highlighted the challenge of filling those big bathing suits with the right talent. The open call welcomed people of all ages, emphasizing local fresh faces alongside experienced performers. Some hopefuls even included familiar faces from reality television, adding extra buzz to the beachside frenzy. The event tapped into pure nostalgia while offering real opportunities in an era often dominated by self-tapes.
What do you think about the Baywatch reboot bringing back those classic red swimsuits and open auditions—share your thoughts in the comments.