Baywatch Reboot Surges Forward With Acclaimed Director at the Helm

Okay, folks—it looks like we’ll be getting another round of slow-motion lifeguard drama. That’s right, Fox is officially rebooting Baywatch, and the details rolling in are honestly kind of wild. Here’s what’s new, who’s joining, and how you (yes, maybe you) could end up running across the sand in that iconic red suit.

Major Update: McG in the Director’s Chair

This new reboot isn’t just bringing back the swimsuits—it’s going big on the creative side, too. Fox has tapped McG—real name Joseph McGinty Nichol—to direct the first episode and oversee production as an executive producer. For anyone who missed it, McG is the guy behind those early 2000s Charlie’s Angels movies, Netflix’s The Babysitter (and its sequel), and 2024’s Uglies. Basically, he’s got the action-comedy thing down, which definitely makes sense for a show that's about 30% slow-mo beach running and 70% wild rescues and strange romantic subplots.

McG’s also worked with Fox before (he created the high-octane crime show Fastlane), so there’s already some history there.

Wanna Be a Lifeguard? Open Auditions Are Incoming

If you ever watched the original Baywatch and thought, "Hey, I could rescue somebody in Malibu," this might be your moment. Fox is holding a massive open casting call for the reboot, looking to fill all kinds of roles—not just lifeguards, but beachgoers, bar staff, best buddies, one-off crushes, folks needing a dramatic slow-mo save, you name it. They’re even leaving some parts up in the air, so if you’re over 18 and have at least a passing ability to look good in beachwear, get in line.

The open call goes down on February 18, 2026, at the Marina Del Rey Marriott out in (where else?) Marina Del Rey, California. Just show up "in wardrobe that evokes a beach setting," according to Fox—not exactly a stretch for a show that built a franchise on red swimsuits.

Fast-Tracked Timeline

So here’s the weird part: actual filming is scheduled to kick off in March. Yes, a month after the open call. If that sounds like a scramble, it’s probably because it is. Fox isn’t hiding the fact they want to find "fresh faces with authentic SoCal energy" (their words, not mine) to breathe new life into the show.

Michael Thorn, Fox’s Head of TV, says: "The Baywatch Open Casting Call gives actors a rare opportunity to join the team of an iconic global sensation that celebrates the California spirit and helped define LA’s incomparable beach culture. We’re excited to discover fresh faces... as we bring back Baywatch for a new generation of fans."

What to Expect: Classic Vibes, New Faces

• The Plot: Fox is promising the usual mix of adrenaline-pumping rescues, relationship drama, and behind-the-scenes lifeguard antics, all with an updated cast and a bit more 'modern' take (supposedly). So don’t expect David Hasselhoff running in to save the day, but do expect some new version of the same formula.
• The Cast: All roles are apparently up for grabs, so we haven’t heard anything about legacy actors coming back. If you’re expecting Pamela Anderson stepping back onto the sand, don’t hold your breath—at least for now.
• Legacy: For context, the original Baywatch ran on NBC for 11 seasons, had a pretty unforgettable cast (David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Erika Eleniak, etc.), spun off into Baywatch Nights, delivered three direct-to-video movies, and even spawned that 2017 comedy reboot with Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron.

So... Is This Weird?

Honestly, yeah—a little. Open auditions this close to production, a director who made his name swapping between action and camp, and a 2026 airdate all signal Fox is swinging for the fences. Whether that pays off, or whether we get a new generation of beachside cheese, is still up in the air.

I’ll keep you posted when we find out who’s strapping on the red floats this time.