David Hasselhoff seems set to renew his acquaintance with the franchise that made him a household name around the world, with the announcement via social media of his intention to feature in the new “Baywatch” movie. The bombshell was dropped by Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson on his Facebook page, as the wrestler turned actor showed him Face-timing ‘The Hoff’ on the topic.
Star of the original series
The ebullient Hasselhoff – who starred in the original 90s Television series as Mitch Buchannon – was delighted to state that: “I was born ready!” when asked about his potential appearance on the new movie.
With Johnson stepping into his previous lead part in the Film, Hasselhoff seems likely to take on a more senior role this time around, perhaps even as the screen father of ‘The Rock’.
High-energy action
The new project certainly has a tough act to follow, with millions of eager fans tuning in to the original show featuring the high-energy exploits of LA County lifeguard station head Buchannon and his team. Photogenic stars such as Pamela Anderson, Erika Eleniak, Yasmin Bleeth and Billy Warlock added to the glamour of the popular show.
Hasselhoff certainly saw the potential big business opportunity from Baywatch and was also the TV show’s producer for a decade. After a shaky start, with the show being originally cancelled after the first series, the actor and singer determined to make it a success.
His judgement proved to be sound and the re-launched show went on to become one of the most watched programmes globally, with a spin-off “Baywatch Nights” also being made.
The legendary ‘Hoff’
‘The Hoff’ – now 63-years-old – became a familiar face to TV fans in the 80s and 90s, not only through his “Baywatch” appearances but also as the lead on the “Knight Rider” series.
His UK fans renewed their relationship with Hasselhoff in recent years when he became a judge on “Britain’s Got Talent” in 2011, although sadly he lasted just one series before being axed from the light entertainment show.
Filming has begun
With filming for the new movie having already started in Florida, Johnson has been keen to keep the anticipation going ahead of the expected release in May next year.
His regular posts via his social media accounts are a key means to keep fans abreast of the latest news and gossip.
Fresh faces in the cast
To give the movie its youthful vibrancy this time around, a host of current fresh faces are to star alongside Johnson. Zac Efron needs little introduction after bursting into the headlines in “High School Musical”, and the 28-year-old will be joined by the talents of Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, Priyanka Chopra and Hannibal Buress.
Efron may need own life guard
It appears that Efron – who plays Matt Brody - may be struggling though with one of the key skills of being a life guard. Insiders suggest that he may not be as proficient a swimmer as first believed.
Former star of the Baywatch TV series David Chokachi, who played Cody Madison (but is not expected to feature in the new reboot of the hugely popular 90s TV series) let it slip that “he’s having a little trouble, let’s put it that way.”
