‘This Whole Thing Is Not Normal’: Inside the ‘Baywatch’ Reboot Casting Call With 2,000 Wannabe Lifeguards

Fox's reboot of 'Baywatch' drew 2,000 actors, models and aspiring lifeguards to a Los Angeles marina casting call on February 26, 2026, after two days of rain finally cleared to allow hopefuls to showcase their physique in the iconic red swimsuits. The massive turnout created a spectacle as hopefuls, many of whom had waited through the downpour, eagerly lined up for their chance to join the new iteration of the classic beach rescue drama. The article captures the chaotic yet exciting atmosphere as thousands of wannabe lifeguards descended on the marina, stripping down to their swimwear under the suddenly clear California sky. The casting call represents the continued trend of nostalgia-driven reboots in Hollywood, with Fox betting on the enduring popularity of the original 'Baywatch' which ran from 1989 to 2001 and became a global phenomenon. The article notes the unusual nature of the event, with one observer commenting, 'This whole thing is not normal,' highlighting the surreal spectacle of thousands of hopefuls vying for roles in a television reboot.