Fox’s Baywatch reboot is pulling another fan favourite back onto the sand, and this returning lifeguard has traded the red swimsuit for a very different kind of uniform. The casting move reunites the sequel series with one of its earliest stars, bridging the franchise’s past and present in an unexpected way.
Erika Eleniak to reprise Shauni McClain role in Baywatch reboot
Erika Eleniak has joined the Fox Baywatch reboot in a guest-starring role (via Variety). The actress will reprise her character Shauni McClain from the original series, marking another familiar face returning to the franchise.
Eleniak appeared in the first few seasons of the original Baywatch. She exited the show later, and her comeback reconnects the reboot to the early years of the property. In the sequel series, Shauni serves as a Santa Monica city councilwoman. The former lifeguard heads back to the beach to help Hobie Buchannon launch the annual Beach Games.
Stephen Amell plays Hobie Buchannon in the lead role. David Chokachi also returns as Cody Madison, joining Jessica Belkin as Charlie, Shay Mitchell as Trina, Hassie Harrison as Nat, Thaddeus LaGrone as Brad, Brooks Nader as Selene, Noah Beck as Luke, and others.
Fox Entertainment and Fremantle are co-producing the series. Matt Nix serves as showrunner and executive producer alongside McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, and Doug Schwartz, among others. McG will direct the premiere episode.
California awarded the reboot a state tax incentive to film in Los Angeles. In February, Fox invited new talent to an open casting call.
The original Baywatch premiered in 1989 and aired in more than 200 countries. The show reached over a billion viewers each week at its peak and launched the careers of David Hasselhoff, Pamela Anderson, Carmen Electra, Jason Momoa, and Yasmine Bleeth. Baywatch will premiere on Fox during the 2026-2027 season.