Baywatch Reboot Trailer Sparks Online Backlash
New trailer for the upcoming Baywatch series faces criticism for perceived lack of acting talent and similarity to Hallmark movies.
The trailer for a new Baywatch reboot series has generated a wave of negative reactions on social media, with many viewers criticizing the cast and overall tone.
The reboot, scheduled to premiere on Fox in January, stars Stephen Amell as Hobie Buchannon, the son of original series character Mitch Buchannon. Other cast members include Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, and Brooks Nader.
Many online commenters expressed skepticism about the reboot's viability, with one X user predicting it would be "canceled after 1 season." Others questioned the necessity of a new Baywatch adaptation, with some comparing the trailer unfavorably to a "Hallmark movie."
Particular criticism has been directed at TikTok influencer Noah Beck, with viewers commenting on his perceived lack of acting ability. One user wrote, "he is hot and all but really can’t act to save his life his persona online still seems like NOAH."
The plot reportedly centers on Hobie's long-lost biological daughter, Charlie, played by Jessica Belkin, who seeks to work with him. The trailer features nods to the original 1990s series, including slow-motion beach runs and cast members in swimsuits.
[IMAGE3]Arrow heartthrob Stephen Amell stars as Hobie Buchannon, the grown son of the David Hasselhoff character from the original series.
The original Baywatch series ran for 11 seasons after being revived in syndication after its initial cancellation on NBC in 1989. The franchise has previously spawned a sequel series, Baywatch: Hawaii, a spin-off, Baywatch Nights, and several direct-to-video films. A 2017 film adaptation starring Dwayne Johnson received mixed critical and commercial reviews.
Burn Notice creator Matt Nix is serving as showrunner for the new series. Some actors from the original series, including Erika Eleniak, Mary McDonnell, and Kelly Packard, are expected to reprise their roles. Michael Bergin, who also appeared in the original, is also returning. The trailer also included a cameo by Megan Thee Stallion.
Despite the largely negative online reception, some viewers expressed cautious optimism, with one commenter noting the reboot looked "way better than the movie they came out with a few years ago."
[IMAGE2]Influencer Livvy Dunne is also part of the cast of the new series, along with Tall Girl actor Luke Eisner and The Young and the Restless alumnus Blair Redford.