Arrow to Red Trunks: Stephen Amell Boards the Baywatch Reboot

Forget the vigilante hood and the tailored suits; Stephen Amell is trading Star City for the sandy shores of Malibu. In a move that feels slightly unhinged, Fox has officially tapped the Arrow alum to lead its high-stakes Baywatch reboot. Because if there is one thing television was missing in 2026, it’s slow-motion running and the return of the world’s most famous red swimsuits.

From Vigilante to Lifeguard Captain

Amell isn't just playing some random lifeguard with a whistle and a dream. He’s taking on the mantle of Hobie Buchannon, the son of the legendary Mitch Buchannon. In this reimagined universe, Hobie has grown up, moved past the "wild child" phase we saw in the 90s, and leveled up to Baywatch Captain.

The premise sounds like a classic Fox procedural cocktail: Hobie is managing the chaotic life of a beachfront commander when his world is rocked by the arrival of Charlie, the daughter he never knew existed. Naturally, she wants to join the family business of saving tourists from riptides and looking incredible while doing it. It’s a "daddy issues meet jet skis" drama that only Matt Nix (Burn Notice) could cook up.

Why Amell Fits the Vibe

Stephen Amell has spent the better part of a decade proving he can maintain a six-pack. After a stint in the wrestling world with Heels and a brief layover in the courtroom for Suits: L.A., Amell returning to a high-octane, shirtless-heavy franchise feels like a homecoming.

Fox has ordered 12 episodes straight-to-series, banking on the nostalgia of the original global phenomenon and Amell’s dedicated fanbase. With McG, the king of stylized, high-energy action set to direct the pilot, we can expect the cinematography to be as glossy as the SPF 50 on the cast's shoulders.

What We Know So Far

The series is slated to begin production this spring in Los Angeles, aiming for a 2026-2027 premiere. While Amell is the first big name on the call sheet, the search is on for his supporting cast. Fox is even hosting an open casting call on February 18, 2026, in Marina del Rey, proving that the network is looking for fresh faces to fill those iconic swimsuits.

This isn’t the 2017 movie’s attempt at meta-humor; the buzz suggests a more grounded, dramatic tone or at least as grounded as a show about elite lifeguards fighting crime and waves can be.

The Verdict (Before the Pilot)

You're here for the nostalgia or just to see if Amell can out-bro David Hasselhoff, the Baywatch reboot is shaping up to be the guiltiest of pleasures. If the writing stays sharp and the action matches the Arrow star's physical intensity, Fox might just have a hit on its hands.

Are you ready to see Stephen Amell trade the bow for a buoy? Keep it locked to The TV Cave for more updates as the casting call results roll in.