Fox‘s reboot of “Baywatch” is bringing back original series star David Chokachi, Variety has learned.
Chokachi will reprise the role of Cody Madison in the Fox version, where he will appear alongside recently announced series lead Stephen Amell. Amell will play Hobie Buchanon, the son of legendary lifeguard Mitch Buchanon from the original show.
Per the official character description, Cody now runs “The Shoreline, the unofficially official Baywatch bar-and-grill, and still puts on the red trunks for the occasional shift saving lives. He’s a mentor to and a friend, providing a second home for his fellow lifeguards… and always offering free wings after a big save.”
Chokachi starred in “Baywatch” beginning with the show’s sixth season, staying with it through the ninth. He also starred in shows like “Witchblade” at TNT and the Noggin surf drama “Beyond the Break.” His film credits include “Atlantic Rim,” “Psycho Beach Party,” and “Soul Surfer.”
He is repped by LINK Entertainment and Singular Talent.
“Baywatch” was picked up for the 2026-2027 broadcast season by Fox back in September 2025 with a 12-episode order. Fox is set to host an open casting call for the show on Feb. 18, with production set to begin this spring in Los Angeles.
Matt Nix is the showrunner and an executive producer on the reboot along with McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto and Mike Horowitz. McG will also direct the series premiere episode. The series is co-produced by Fox Entertainment and Fremantle.
At its peak, “Baywatch” was the most-watched show in the world, airing in over 200 countries. The ensemble cast included David Hasselhoff as head lifeguard Mitch Buchannon and helped launch the acting careers of stars like Pamela Anderson, Jason Momoa, Yasmine Bleeth, and Carmen Electra. The show also spawned the short-lived spinoff, “Baywatch Nights,” and was rebooted as a feature film starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac Efron in 2017.