Stephen Amell talks chasing the 'Baywatch' reboot role and preparing for life on the beach

Amell emphasised sustainability over extreme training while talking about preparing for the physically demanding role

Stephen Amell is no stranger to high‑stakes roles, but even he admits he had to chase down his part in Fox’s upcoming Baywatch reboot. Amell will star as Hobie Buchannon, the son of David Hasselhoff’s Mitch Buchannon, in the reimagined series from showrunner Matt Nix, with McG executive producing and directing the pilot.

Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Amell recalled the chaotic open casting call at the Marina del Rey Marriott, where more than 2,000 actors gathered, many decked out in red swimsuits and carrying rescue cans.

“No matter how hard I work, we are going to cast someone in their early 20s on this show and they’ll be able to roll out of bed with an eight-pack and there’s not a thing I can do about it. I’ll focus on having other strengths. I’m the veteran, the old guy,” said the Arrow star.

Amell shared that the pursuit of the role was deliberate. “Oh yeah. I heard wonderful things about Matt Nix. That’s first and foremost for all of my jobs in television. My closest and most important relationship outside of the cast has been with the showrunner, and I’ve been blessed in my career to have a bunch of great ones. All the reports that I got about Matt were terrific,” he said.

He added that a conversation with director friend Jessica Lowrey in December helped push him to audition. “She said, ‘So what about Baywatch?’ I said, ‘What do you mean?’ That was in December. I did a tape and put myself in the mix. The rest is history.”

On preparing for the physically demanding role, Amell emphasised sustainability over extreme training. “The prep is to think about sustainability. I don’t want to trick my body into looking a way that I can’t deal with, especially if I’m having to get in the Pacific Ocean in March when it’s like 58 degrees or something. The big thing for me at this age is nutrition, really nutrition and then consistency in the gym,” he explained.

Reflecting on finally landing the role, Amell described the moment as a mix of excitement and responsibility. “Once you actually get the job, you have a moment where you go, ‘F---, what am I going to do now?’ All of this stuff kind of helps. No pun intended, but I’m now dipping my toes in the water, so to speak,” he said.

The reboot will follow Hobie’s world being turned upside down when Charlie, the daughter he never knew, arrives to continue the Buchannon family legacy and join Baywatch alongside her father. Amell’s approach blends experience with humility, promising a fresh but grounded take on the iconic lifeguard franchise.