Stephen Amell to Lead Fox's 'Baywatch' Reboot

The 'Arrow' star will play Hobie Buchannon, the wild child lifeguard captain, in the new 12-episode series.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Stephen Amell has landed the lead role in Fox's upcoming reboot of the classic lifeguard drama 'Baywatch'. Amell will play Hobie Buchannon, the 'wild child' son of the legendary Mitch Buchannon, who is now a Baywatch captain. The reboot, which was picked up for the 2026-2027 season, will see Hobie's world turned upside down when the daughter he never knew, Charlie, shows up wanting to join the Baywatch team.

Why it matters

The 'Baywatch' franchise has a long and successful history, with the original series becoming one of the most-watched shows in the world during its 11-season run. Casting a proven lead like Stephen Amell signals Fox's commitment to reviving the iconic brand for a new generation of viewers.

The details

This is the first confirmed casting for the 'Baywatch' reboot, which is set to begin production this spring in Los Angeles. Fox is hosting an open casting call on February 18 to fill out the rest of the ensemble. Amell is best known for playing the lead role in the hit CW series 'Arrow' for eight seasons, as well as roles in 'Suits LA' and 'Heels'. The new 'Baywatch' series will be executive produced by Matt Nix, McG, and others, with McG directing the series premiere.

  • Fox picked up the 'Baywatch' reboot in September 2025 for the 2026-2027 broadcast season.
  • Production on the 12-episode first season is set to begin this spring in Los Angeles.

The players

Stephen Amell

An actor known for playing the lead role in the hit CW series 'Arrow' for eight seasons, as well as roles in 'Suits LA' and 'Heels'.

Matt Nix

The showrunner for the 'Baywatch' reboot, who is also an executive producer on the series.

McG

An executive producer on the 'Baywatch' reboot who will also direct the series premiere episode.

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What they’re saying

“From the first conversation, Stephen Amell brought exactly what this new chapter of 'Baywatch' demands: heart, intensity, and that undeniable hero energy. He's the kind of lead who can sprint into danger, carry the emotional weight, and still make it feel fun. We're so excited to get started.”

— Matt Nix, Series Showrunner (Variety)

What’s next

Fox will host an open casting call for the 'Baywatch' reboot on February 18, with production set to begin this spring in Los Angeles.

The takeaway

The casting of Stephen Amell, a proven lead actor with a strong fanbase, signals Fox's commitment to reviving the iconic 'Baywatch' franchise for a new generation of viewers. The reboot will aim to capture the fun, high-stakes spirit of the original series while also exploring deeper emotional storylines.