On Wednesday, over 2,000 enthusiastic individuals donned red swimsuits at Mother’s Beach in Marina del Rey, all aiming for a chance to become lifeguards on TV’s iconic show.
The beloved “Baywatch” is making a comeback. An open casting call has been organized to discover the next wave of Hollywood beach stars.
Among the eager participants was Bridgian Davignon, a crime prevention specialist with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. He traveled five hours to Los Angeles, excited for this unique opportunity. “It’s surreal to be part of this cultural phenomenon, especially passing it on to a new generation,” he shared.
Davignon highlighted that while everyone associates “Baywatch” with its signature red bathing suits, the show’s narrative has deeply connected with viewers over the years.
With a background in working alongside first responders, he feels this experience could make his audition stand out. “We aim to represent all the dedicated lifeguards and responders who strive to keep everyone safe,” he commented.
The casting team operated 20 audition rooms simultaneously to manage the influx of talent, asking performers to act out scenes crafted by showrunner Matt Nix for this occasion. Interestingly, although slow-motion running wasn’t part of the audition, many actors took the opportunity to film TikToks on the beach.
Los Angeles-based actor Shelby Armstrong noted that this casting call was a rare chance to meet casting directors in person, especially in today’s prevalent self-tape landscape. “Why not give it a shot? It’s ‘Baywatch’ after all; what else would you rather do on a Wednesday?” she said.
Britteny Roberts, Fox’s senior VP of talent and casting, stated, “This is a return to how things used to be, and this concept fits perfectly with that. We’re revitalizing this legendary show.” She acknowledged the struggles the industry has faced post-COVID-19, but expressed enthusiasm about filming in Los Angeles and opening up this opportunity to a wide range of aspiring talent.
The original “Baywatch,” featuring David Hasselhoff, premiered in 1989 and became a worldwide sensation, catapulting the careers of actors like Pamela Anderson and Jason Momoa.
The reboot, set to air during Fox’s 2026-27 season, intends to present a contemporary interpretation of the show’s thrilling rescues and intricate relationships. Filming is expected to begin in March at the Fox Studio lot in Venice Beach and Century City. Those selected from Wednesday’s auditions could start production in a matter of weeks, portraying roles from lead lifeguards to those needing rescue.
As for what casting directors seek, Roberts mentioned it’s not easily defined. “It’s about visibility, something that draws you to the person. You could even say it’s the essence of star quality,” she added.
