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Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, US News
Ali Condon
Topics: Film and TV, Celebrity, US News
It looks like a reboot of the iconic Baywatch TV show is officially in the works, over three decades after the original series aired.
I know what you're thinking: didn't they reboot Baywatch into a movie just a few years ago?
Yes, yes they did.
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In fact, it was down to the poor reception of that 2017 film, starring Dwayne Johnson and Zac Efron, that original plans to reboot the TV series were scrapped.
But now, six years after that film flopped at the box office, TV production company Fremantle is giving the classic beach drama another try.
Deadline reports that Fremantle is in talks with a number of broadcasters and streamers about the upcoming reboot.
Back in 2018, Fremantle's International COO Bob McCourt told Deadline that, although the 2017 film wasn't as successful as planned, they were still open to the idea of a series reboot in the future.
"I think we thought the film might have given us reason to reboot the TV series, but given the mixed reviews that didn’t happen straight away," he had said.
"I think if this remastered version is sold extensively and a new audience comes to Baywatch, then it will give us a real indication as to whether a new series could be successful.
"We would definitely think seriously about making a new series and maybe we’ll get approached by some broadcasters about making one."
As it's in such early stages, no names have been attached to the production just yet, so get working on your dream casting!
Carmen Electra, who played Lani McKenzie in the original series, has said she'd be 'down' for a reboot, if the team wanted her.
"I would do a reboot, absolutely. I’m down. I’m down to do it," she told Wendy Williams in a 2021 interview.
"It does get a little dangerous in those waters, though. I mean to be honest, we would shoot scenes and we’d jump in the water and the stunt coordinator would run over and say, ‘Listen, there are sharks in these waters, so just do your best.’ And we’re trying to swim, and I don’t know anyone who wants to necessarily randomly swim with sharks."
Though, Pamela Anderson, who played C.J Parker on the show, probably isn't so keen - and it's not down to the sharks.
Pam made a cameo appearance in the 2017 film, and didn't enjoy the process one bit.
"It was becoming really, really awful. They said they wanted me to do it as a favour," she told Variety.
"I said, 'I do favours for animals, not for Paramount.' There was just so much bullying to do it.
"They wanted me to do it for free, as an homage or something. I said, 'Come on, guys. I mean, really?'"
In another interview with Andy Cohen, she added that she wasn't a fan of the reboot.
"I didn’t like it. Let’s just keep the bad TV as bad TV. That’s what’s charming about Baywatch, you know?
"Trying to make these movies out of television is just messing with it."
So, although little is known about this reboot so far, I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Pamela to sign on to this one.