‘Baywatch’ casting call brings back ’90s with in-person auditions, red suits and ripped bods

by

Even with the recent storms in Los Angeles, the weather improved on Wednesday, allowing thousands of actors to audition for the new “Baywatch” series on a Marina del Rey beach.

Fox’s open casting call aimed to recapture the spirit of old Hollywood by searching for fresh, local talent in Los Angeles, much like how the original cast of “Baywatch” was found, according to Brittainy Roberts, Fox’s VP of casting.

This popular drama series, which first aired in 1989 and lasted for 11 seasons, centered around the personal and professional lives of lifeguards working on the beaches of Los Angeles County and later, Hawaii. The show was a huge hit not just in the United States, but around the world, becoming the most-watched program globally during its run. A movie based on the series, starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, came out in 2017. Although critics didn’t love it, the film did well at the box office, suggesting continued interest in the franchise.

According to casting director Roberts, they’re looking for a lot of talented people to fill the roles. The show has a history of launching stars – Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra both began their careers there, and it significantly boosted David Hasselhoff’s popularity.

In a time when most auditions happen through self-taped videos, these open, in-person auditions were a big draw. Actors eager to land a role came out, as did local residents hoping for a memorable experience. Many attendees dressed the part, with some wearing “Baywatch” visors and sweaters, and others sporting the show’s iconic red swimsuits. According to Roberts, it was a chance to connect with actors on a large scale and offer an opportunity they might not get with today’s typical audition process.

The casting team saw live auditions from about 2,000 “Baywatch” hopefuls, and about 14,000 applications were submitted, said Joseph McGinty Nichol, known as McG, the reboot’s executive producer who will direct the first episode. His past projects include the “Charlie’s Angels” movie and “The O.C.”

Hopeful actors came and went from a Marriott hotel in Marina del Rey for auditions held in person. Director McG said the all-day casting call captured the exciting spirit of Hollywood.

Bri Ana Wagner, 29, of Los Angeles, has been trying to make it as an actress for about ten years. She said the recent open casting call proved that the Hollywood dream is still possible.

McG described the atmosphere as a return to a better past, saying that a visit to a Marriott in Marina del Rey could be truly transformative – a chance to completely reinvent yourself.

Hopefuls try to catch a break

Before landing a role on “Baywatch” in the 1990s, David Chokachi didn’t have a lot of acting experience. The show’s creators, Douglas and Deborah Schwartz, had already seen around a thousand actors try out for the part of Cody Madison. None of them felt quite right for the role until David Chokachi came in for an audition.

“It’s incredibly strange and unlike anything I’ve experienced,” said Chokachi, who is the only actor from the original show returning for the new version.

Actors auditioning on Wednesday were hoping for a career boost like the one Kim Delgado Chokachi received years ago. According to Roberts, casting for the show’s revival started late last year, and since then, many people have expressed interest, even contacting her directly through social media.

Filming in Los Angeles has definitely created excitement among agents and managers, who are eager to get their clients involved in the production, according to Roberts.

The casting director hoped Wednesday’s auditions would uncover a group of skilled actors they could use throughout the show’s production.

Massiel Taveras, who won Miss Dominican Republic in 2007, has since built a career as an actress, particularly within the Latino entertainment industry. She recently arrived at the Marriott hotel wearing a vibrant red athletic outfit—a sports bra and leggings—and a large fur coat to stay warm by the beach.

Taveras expressed deep enthusiasm for the show, calling it a classic that appeals to everyone. She feels a strong personal connection to it, saying she’s a part of its community and truly feels like she belongs.

Dominique Lopez, a broadcast student from Monrovia, had never auditioned before, but her actor boyfriend, Colin Bolick, encouraged her to go to a casting call with him. She described the audition as relaxed and personal as she left the room.

Lopez, 25, believes this is revitalizing the industry and encouraging people to take risks and try new things. She says simply being a part of it makes her feel good and empowered, as she stepped outside her comfort zone and experienced something different.

Could ‘Baywatch’ could help revive Hollywood?

Marko Dobrasinovic, a 24-year-old who traveled from Chicago for an audition, unexpectedly ran into a former high school classmate, Alyssa Frey, while waiting to register. Interestingly, both Marko and Alyssa went to the same high school as David Hasselhoff, famous for his role as Mitch Buchannon in the popular series “Baywatch.”

Frey described the unexpected reunion as a special, almost destined moment. Having moved to Los Angeles around two years ago to become an actress, she arrived to find Hollywood at a standstill due to the actors’ and writers’ strikes. She explained that Wednesday’s audition was a rare chance to actually meet with casting directors.

A major production nearly moved out of Los Angeles, with Australia as a potential new location. However, Governor Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers stepped in with California’s film and TV tax incentive program in November, securing the project along with 16 others. Hollywood has been working to regain its position as a leading production hub following the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic and the strikes of 2023. Adding to the challenges, early 2023 wildfires and studio budget cuts further threatened the film and TV industry in Los Angeles.

I recently caught up with Chantal Groves, a really compelling actress who made a bold move a couple of years back. She traded in a secure career in international relations for a shot at her dream in Los Angeles. Originally from the Dominican Republic, the 25-year-old confessed acting has always been her true calling. While she’s finding the work incredibly rewarding, she’s also been honest about how tough it is to break into this industry – and stay afloat!

As a movie buff, it really struck me what casting director Groves said – it all comes down to simple economics. There just aren’t a ton of opportunities out there right now, and not many projects are even holding auditions. Basically, if you’re trying to break into the industry, it’s a seriously tough time.

The recent “Baywatch” remake benefited from a $21 million tax credit designed to boost California’s film and television industry.

Councilmember Traci Park, representing District 11, explained that securing the tax incentive was crucial for keeping this globally recognized brand based in Los Angeles. She emphasized that the city has the skilled workforce, facilities, and resources necessary to support these productions, and that’s why they’re working so hard to retain them here.

A love letter to Los Angeles

Matt Nix, the showrunner for “Baywatch,” was battling a wildfire threatening his home in Altadena when he received the offer to lead the reboot. Thankfully, his house was spared, and he felt a lighthearted show like “Baywatch” was just what the community needed after experiencing such a devastating event.

According to Nix, the show is about a perfect beach setting and the lifeguards who maintain it. He believes ‘Baywatch’ has a genuinely hopeful and uplifting core, focusing on heroes who look out for one another and the people they save.

Many people feel the same way. Ava Cherlyn, a 19-year-old from Newport Beach, said “Baywatch” was exactly her kind of show. Having grown up as a lifeguard and a competitive water polo player, and recently moving to Hollywood to pursue acting, she especially connected with it.

Cherlyn admitted she was surprised to feel calm while posing for pictures in a red swimsuit.

Nix explained that the show’s popularity stemmed from its relatable characters – people facing challenges, but with compelling stories – combined with its ability to feel like a relaxing escape for viewers.

The show will still capture that familiar, heartwarming feeling. According to creator Garrett Nix, the new season isn’t a complete restart, but rather a continuation of the original. It will center around Hobie Buchannon, Mitch’s son – a character viewers may remember from the original series – and will be played by Stephen Amell, known for his role in “Arrow.”

Hobie’s life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers he has a 21-year-old daughter, Charlie, whom he never knew. Charlie wants to follow in the family’s footsteps and become a Baywatch lifeguard. As a Baywatch captain himself, Hobie will deal with these new family challenges throughout the season, according to Nix.

I’m not suggesting ‘Baywatch’ will solve global problems, but I do think it’s a great moment for a show that’s purely about heroes who genuinely care for others and the people they rescue.

Read More

2026-02-20 14:34