Get ready to trade in your superhero capes for sunscreen because Stephen Amell is ditching Star City for the sandy shores of 'Baywatch'! Yes, you heard that right. The man who brought Oliver Queen to life in Arrow is now stepping into the iconic red swimsuit as Hobie Buchannon, the lead lifeguard in Fox's highly-anticipated Baywatch reboot. But here's where it gets controversial: can Amell fill the shoes—or rather, the trunks—of a role that’s become synonymous with David Hasselhoff’s Mitch Buchannon? Only time will tell.
Confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter, the 12-episode series is set to make waves in the 2026-27 season, produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, the rights holders to the original show. And this is the part most people miss: while Amell is no stranger to leading roles, his recent stint in Suits LA ended abruptly when NBC canceled the show before its season one finale. Will Baywatch be his redemption arc? We’re all ears—and eyes.
Executive producer and showrunner Matt Nix didn’t hold back his enthusiasm: “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.” Bold words, but do they hold water? Let’s dive in.
Production is set to kick off this spring in the sun-soaked Venice Beach and on the Fox studio lot in Century City. Nix, known for Burn Notice, The Gifted, and True Lies, will helm the show alongside a star-studded team of executive producers, including McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. Speaking of McG, the director behind The O.C., Charlie’s Angels, and Terminator Salvation will also direct the pilot episode. Talk about a splashy debut!
For the uninitiated, the original Baywatch premiered in 1989 and quickly became a global phenomenon, airing in over 200 countries. It wasn’t just a show—it was a cultural tidal wave, launching the careers of Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, and Jason Momoa. But here’s the question: in an era of gritty reboots and reimagined classics, can Baywatch recapture its magic? Or will it drown in the waves of nostalgia? We’re not just talking about saving lives on the beach—we’re talking about saving a legacy.
Amell is repped by UTA, Leverage Management, and Sloane, Offer, Weber & Dern. As for the rest of us? We’ll be counting down the days until 2026. But before you go, let’s stir the waters: Do you think Stephen Amell is the right choice for Hobie Buchannon? Or should they have gone with someone else? Sound off in the comments—we want to hear your take!
