Livvy Dunne & Noah Beck Heat Up Baywatch Reboot Set in LA

The sun-drenched beaches of Los Angeles served as the backdrop this week for a playful scene from the upcoming Baywatch reboot, featuring social media stars Livvy Dunne and Noah Beck. The pair, amidst filming, were spotted sharing a lighthearted moment during a car wash sequence, sparking online chatter about the modern iteration of the iconic lifeguard drama. Dunne, a 23-year-old former gymnast with a substantial online following, and Beck, a 24-year-old internet personality turned actor, were both clad in the show’s signature red swimwear, channeling the spirit of the original series.

The scene involved the duo playfully scrubbing down a red pickup truck, with Beck at one point giving Dunne a piggyback ride. Dunne, visibly cheerful, was seen with a purple towel casually draped from her hand. Following the shoot, Dunne shared her enthusiasm on Instagram, posting beach footage and expressing her excitement for the project, tagging the official Baywatch account and adding a red heart and lifeguard safety ring emoji. This glimpse into the production has generated both anticipation and scrutiny, as the reboot navigates the challenge of updating a beloved franchise for a contemporary audience.

A Reboot Built on Influencer Power

The casting choices for the Baywatch reboot have been a significant talking point since their announcement. The inclusion of figures like Dunne, who boasts approximately 13 million social media followers, and Brooks Nader, another prominent influencer, alongside established actors like Stephen Amell (as Hobie Buchannon) and Shay Mitchell, signals a deliberate strategy to leverage the power of social media reach. Dunne, a former competitive gymnast for Louisiana State University, retired from the sport in April 2025 and has openly expressed her desire to pursue a career in film and television, reportedly taking acting lessons in preparation. Deadline reported on her recurring role as Grace, a “highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard.”

This approach, however, hasn’t been without its critics. Initial reactions to set photos and casting announcements have been mixed, with some expressing skepticism about the reboot’s potential success. Concerns center around whether the influencers’ established online personas will translate effectively to traditional acting roles and whether the series can capture the essence of the original Baywatch while appealing to a modern audience. Fans have voiced concerns online, calling the reboot a derivative idea with a plot destined for failure, as reported by MovieWeb.

From Hasselhoff to Hashtags: The Evolution of Baywatch

The original Baywatch, which premiered in 1989 and ran until 2001, became a global phenomenon, renowned for its slow-motion running scenes, dramatic rescues, and charismatic lifeguards. Starring David Hasselhoff as Mitch Buchannon and Pamela Anderson as C.J. Parker, the show captivated audiences worldwide, becoming the most-watched TV show in the world during its peak. Despite often receiving negative reviews from critics, its cultural impact was undeniable. The franchise attempted a cinematic revival in 2017 with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac Efron, but the film underperformed critically and commercially, grossing just under $180 million globally.

The new series, developed for the 2026-27 TV season on Fox, aims to recapture some of that magic while updating the formula for a contemporary audience. Filmmaker McG is directing the pilot episode, and the show will focus on the Baywatch division protecting the California beaches, training new recruits, and responding to beach-related emergencies. The reboot’s narrative centers around Hobie Buchannon (Stephen Amell), son of the legendary Mitch, who serves as a Baywatch Captain. The arrival of his daughter, Charlie (Jessica Belkin), adds a new dynamic to the storyline, as she seeks to continue the Buchannon family legacy.

The Production Process and California Locations

Filming for the Baywatch reboot is taking place in the California cities of Los Angeles and Venice Beach, leveraging the iconic coastal scenery that defined the original series. The production team is working to balance the nostalgia associated with the franchise with a fresh, modern aesthetic. The car wash scene featuring Dunne and Beck exemplifies this approach, incorporating a playful, lighthearted element that aligns with the influencers’ established online personas. Stephen Amell shared a photo of the director’s slate on Monday, signaling the official start of production, as reported by People.

Fox Entertainment and Fremantle are co-producing the series, with Matt Nix serving as showrunner and executive producer. The show is slated to consist of 12 episodes and is expected to premiere in September or October 2026. The production team is navigating the logistical challenges of filming on location, coordinating cast schedules, and ensuring the safety of the actors and crew.

Navigating Fan Expectations and Modern Storytelling

One of the key challenges facing the Baywatch reboot is managing fan expectations. The original series holds a special place in the hearts of many viewers, and any attempt to reimagine it will inevitably be subject to scrutiny. The producers are attempting to address this by incorporating elements of nostalgia while also introducing new characters and storylines that resonate with a contemporary audience. The inclusion of influencers like Dunne and Beck is a calculated risk, aimed at attracting a younger demographic and generating buzz on social media.

Dunne herself has expressed her enthusiasm for the project, emphasizing her long-held passion for acting and her desire to explore creative opportunities beyond her athletic career. She told Deadline that she had been taking acting lessons and planned to pursue film and TV after retiring from gymnastics. This commitment to her craft suggests a genuine desire to succeed in her new role, potentially mitigating some of the skepticism surrounding her casting.

What’s Next for the Baywatch Reboot?

As production continues, the focus will shift towards completing the remaining episodes and preparing the series for its fall premiere. The producers will likely continue to release promotional materials, including trailers and behind-the-scenes footage, to generate excitement among fans. The success of the reboot will depend on its ability to strike a balance between honoring the legacy of the original Baywatch and offering a fresh, compelling narrative that appeals to a modern audience. The show’s performance will also be closely watched by industry observers, as it could signal a broader trend of incorporating social media influencers into traditional television programming. The series will air on Fox, with Fremantle managing international sales, potentially expanding its reach to a global audience.