Actor Stephen Amell has unveiled the first trailer for a Baywatch reboot airing on Fox. He will portray Hobie Buchanon, the son of the original series' lead, with a premiere scheduled for January 2027.

Stephen Amell and Jessica Belkin lead the Buchanon family legacy

The new series centers on the next generation of the Buchanon line, focusing on familial duty and professional ambition. According to the report, Stephen Amell portrays Hobie Buchanon, who is stepping into the shoes of his father, the legendary Mitch Buchannon .. Joining him is Jessica Belkin as Charlie Vale, Mitch's biological daughter, who is driven to enter the family profession as a lifeguard.

This familial focus suggests a shift toward a legacy-driven narrative rather than a simple remake of the original plot. By positioning the characters as descendants of the original lead, Fox is attempting to bridge the gap between the nostalgia of the 1990s and a modern audience that values multi-generational storytelling.

A January 2027 debut on Fox

While the first trailer has already surfaced via Stephen Amell's X account, viewers will have to wait a significant amount of time before the show officially airs. The reboot is slated for a January 2027 release on Fox, indicating a long production cycle under creator Matt Nix.

The trailer highlights the visual hallmakrs of the franchise, specifically the iconic red swimsuits. As reported, the footage features Stephen Amell, Olivia Dunne (playing Grace), and Brooks Nader (playing Selene) in the signature attire, maintaining the aesthetic that made the original series a global phenomenon.

Moving beyond David Hasselhoff's 1991-2001 era

The original Baywatch ran for a decade from 1991 to 2001, with David Hasselhoff serving as the face of the franchise. The reboot's decision to cast the son of Mitch Buchannon allows the production to honor the original's history without needing to replicate the exact dynamics of the 90s cast.

The "slow-motion beach run," a staple of the original series, remains a central part of the new production's identity. By leaning into these tropes,Matt Nix and Fox are signaling that the reboot will embrace the camp and glamour of the original rather than attempting a gritty, realistic reimagining of beach patrol.

From Oliver Queen to the red swimsuit

Stephen Amell is well-known for his eight-season tenure as Oliver Queen in the series Arrow. In sharing the trailer on X, Amell explicitly referenced this transition, captioning the post "I love playing superheroes," which frames his new role as a different kind of "hero" for the Fox network.

The casting of Stephen Amell brings a built-in fan base from the CW's superhero era to the Baywatch brand. However, the success of the show will likely depend on whether the chemistry between Amell, Jessica Belkin, and the rest of the cast can replicate the magnetism of the original series.

Which roles remain uncast in Matt Nix's vision?

While the trailer introduces Grace (Olivia Dunne) and Selene (Brooks Nader),the full scope of the lifeguard team remains unclear. The report does not specify the full ensemble or the primary antagonists the Buchanon family will face, leaving the narrative stakes of the 2027 premiere open to speculation.

Furthermore, it remains to be seen how the show will handle the transition of the "Mitch" mantle. While Stephen Amell plays the son, the report does not mention if David Hasselhoff will make a cameo or appear in a recurring capacity to pass the torch officially.