Shay Mitchell Films Baywatch Reboot in Redondo Beach in Iconic Red Bikini
Shay Mitchell was spotted working on the highly anticipated Baywatch reboot in the Los Angeles area on Monday, specifically in Redondo Beach. The 38-year-old actress showcased her fit and toned physique in the show's instantly recognizable red bikini, which features a daring low-cut neckline and a high-cut bottom half.
New Cast Members and On-Set Action
Mitchell, whose casting was announced just a few weeks ago, filmed scenes alongside her new castmates Stephen Amell, Thaddeus LaGrone, and Jessica Belkin. Her long, dark hair was parted neatly down the middle and cascaded down her back in a tousled, beach-ready texture during the shoot. Mitchell will portray Trina, a former lawyer who left a prestigious top-tier firm to pursue a full-time career as a lifeguard.
The actress first rose to widespread fame playing Emily Fields in the popular mystery thriller drama series Pretty Little Liars, which aired successfully from 2010 to 2017. Other notable stars confirmed for the upcoming Baywatch show include Brooks Nader, Livvy Dunne, and Hassie Harrison.
Embracing the Reboot Amid Fan Backlash
Earlier this month, Brooks Nader confirmed her involvement with the series in a dedicated Instagram post. She shared multiple photos taken next to a trailer on a studio lot, flipping through an official script with her name printed prominently on it. Another image showed her reviewing highlighted lines while traveling via private jet.
In her caption, Nader wrote passionately, 'I believed in this long before it made sense. Never give up, chase your dreams no matter how wild they are!!!!!' She tagged the official accounts for @baywatchtv and @foxtv, adding 'LETS GO! ❤️'
Despite the cast's enthusiasm, when first-look photos recently surfaced online, some fans criticized the reboot harshly. They labeled it a derivative idea, featuring influencers in lead roles and a plot they predicted was destined for failure.
Cast Responds to Criticism and Defends the Project
Nader directly addressed the naysayers in an exclusive statement to Daily Mail, stating, 'I think that the times are different and everyone is so multi-hyphenate now, and you can be both an actor and an influencer and have influence. And that's the beauty of the culture that social media has created.'
On set, Jessica Belkin flashed her toned abs in a vibrant multicolor crop top paired with jeans, while Thaddeus LaGrone displayed his chiseled chest and abs modeling red swim trunks. Stephen Amell, a key cast member, was also present and active during the filming sessions.
Details of the Upcoming Baywatch Reboot Series
The new Baywatch iteration is scheduled to air for a total of 12 episodes. The original series, which ran from 1989 to 2001, followed the lives of a group of lifeguards patrolling the beaches of Los Angeles County. It starred David Hasselhoff in the lead role of Mitch Buchannon and catapulted Pamela Anderson to stardom as C.J. Parker.
Although Baywatch consistently received negative reviews from critics, it became a massive hit with global audiences and was the most-watched television show in the world during its original run. For its final two years on air, the show was retitled Baywatch: Hawaii, featuring future movie star Jason Momoa in the cast.
Network Executive Comments on the Revival
In a statement to Variety last fall, Michael Thorn, President of Fox Television Network, expressed his vision for the reboot. He said, 'In its first run, Baywatch defined an entire era of beach life and elevated lifeguards to an iconic status. Now, with our partners at Fremantle, this television juggernaut is set for a modern-day comeback.'
Thorn added, 'Together, Fox and Fremantle, along with Matt Nix and original co-creator Greg Bonann, will bring the California dream to a whole new generation of fans with fresh stories, rising stars and all the spectacle that make the Baywatch franchise a global sensation.'
The reboot will focus on Hobie Buchannon, played by Stephen Amell, as he steps into the role of a Baywatch Captain, following in the footsteps of his iconic father Mitch.
