Over a Thousand People in Red Swimsuits Show Up for New “Baywatch” Audition
Thousands of aspiring actors flocked to Marina del Rey on Wednesday to try their luck at the open casting call for the new “Baywatch” series. The sunny day arrived just as storms had cleared the skies over Los Angeles, giving hopefuls a chance to audition in person on the beach and nearby venues.
The event was organized by Fox and aimed to find fresh, local talent for the upcoming show, according to Brittainy Roberts, Fox’s vice president of casting. “It’s an opportunity to really get people in the room in a large-scale way,” she said, explaining that the open auditions gave aspiring actors a chance they might not otherwise have.
Executive producer McG, who directed the first episode and is known for projects like “Charlie’s Angels” and “The O.C.,” said around 2,000 people auditioned in person, with roughly 14,000 applications submitted overall. The auditions took place at a Marriott hotel near the beach and ran late into the night, creating an atmosphere of excitement and possibility. “It’s like the way it used to be and the way it should be,” McG said. “You can come to a Marriott in Marina del Rey and change your life and blow it wide open.”
TMZ was at the new "Baywatch" casting call to capture all the chaos as the beach filled with L.A.'s finest! 🤩 https://t.co/d66izbFOwH pic.twitter.com/hiTpxbGwkx
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 19, 2026
Several auditioning actors shared their experiences. Bri Ana Wagner, an LA-based actress, said the event reminded her that the Hollywood dream is still alive. Massiel Taveras, Miss Dominican Republic 2007, expressed her enthusiasm while wearing a red sports bra and leggings, saying, “I just feel it. I belong to the show.” Dominique Lopez, a broadcast student, called the experience “super easygoing” and said it encouraged her to put herself out there.
The reboot faced challenges before landing in LA. Filming had been considered for Australia, but California’s film and TV tax incentive secured its local production. Councilmember Traci Park, who helped push the incentive, emphasized the importance of keeping such iconic projects in the state.
“We have the talent, we have the resources, we have the sets … it is exactly why we are fighting so hard to keep these productions in Los Angeles,” she said.
Showrunner Matt Nix said the reboot is more of a continuation than a remake, centering on Hobie Buchannon, Mitch’s son from the original series, who discovers he has a 21-year-old daughter ready to follow the family’s Baywatch legacy. “I think it’s a good time for an unapologetically heroic show about people who care about each other and the people that they’re trying to save,” Nix added.
The event was more than just auditions. For many, it was a celebration of Hollywood and the chance to be part of something nostalgic. Ava Cherlyn, a 19-year-old from Newport Beach, said she was excited to step into a red Baywatch swimsuit and relive part of the show’s legacy.
The casting call shows that even decades after the original series, “Baywatch” still captures attention and brings excitement to aspiring actors. The show’s return is not just about nostalgia—it’s a chance to highlight new talent while honoring the series’ classic heroism.
Events like this remind us how important in-person auditions can still be, even in today’s digital world. It’s great to see aspiring actors get a real shot at an iconic role. What do you think about the reboot and these open casting calls? Share your thoughts in the comments.
