Move over, Hoff. There’s some new buff bodies in town looking to run down the beach in agonizingly slow motion, destined to introduce a whole new generation to the daily drama that comes with being a lifeguard in southern California. Zac Efron and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson are reportedly in talks to star in a new Baywatch movie from Paramount, based on the popular ‘90s show, reports Variety.
As ‘90s kids know, the Baywatch crew was led by David Hasselhoff, but the show also made stars out of the buxom Pamela Anderson, along with Yasmin Bleeth, David Charvet, and Jason Momoa, among others. It was also a follow-up show for Nicole Eggert following her days on ‘80s sitcom Charles in Charge.
Related: Can’t get enough Wet Hot American Summer? The documentary is now on Netflix
The original Baywatch launched in 1989, and was actually canceled after one season, only to be resurrected and become a staple of ‘90s TV programming. Who, after all, could resist a group of hot, young California women in bathing suits and male babes showing off their ripped abs? In fact, images of a shirtless “Hoff” have become iconic, and many a ‘90s kid had pics of Anderson wearing that signature red bathing suit on their wall.
This version, however, may be more spoof than anything. While there aren’t many details, the film will reportedly be more of a comedy than an action-drama like the original. Indeed, both actors have experience in that genre, Efron with films like Neighbours and 17 Again and Johnson in films like Tooth Fairy and, of course, his memorable Saturday Night Live character “The Rock” Obama, who rears his ugly head when President Barack Obama gets angry.
The Baywatch comedy movie will be directed by Seth Gordon and produced by Gordon along with his partner Dany Garcia. The flick will be ritten by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift.
Production will begin next year, but a release date has not yet been confirmed. It is bound to be terrible. But given the success of movies like Sharknado, that just might translate to terribly good. And given that both actors have been having box office successes of late, this could just be a hit. Looks like someone is ready to hassle the Hoff.
