Stephen Amell's 37-Year Reboot Official Legacy Character Recast Is A Rare TV Feat

Published Nov 3, 2026, 11:15 AM EST

Ben is a Senior Writer on the New TV team at Screen Rant. He graduated from the University of Central Lancashire with a First Class B.A. Degree in English Literature and History.

Born and raised in Ireland, Ben has always had a love for storytelling in all forms of media and operates multiple projects under the name Benjamin Blogs. Ben is a comic book writer and podcast host, in addition to his work as an entertainment journalist. He has worked as both a writer and editor for Screen Rant, Collider, and other media outlets across various departments, including features, news, reviews, and interviews.

Stephen Amell's latest series reboot revives one of the most popular stories on TV, while also changing out a core character thanks to a recast. Amell has had an impressive career in TV shows and film playing a series of well-defined characters, from the broody Oliver Queen in Arrow, to Garrett in the Code 8 films.

In addition, Stephen Amell has recently been cast in a handful of reboots and spin-offs, having played the central role as Ted Black in Suits LA, and now tackling the role of a grown-up Hobie Buchannon in the new Baywatch series. And while Suits LA came to an untimely end as the series was canceled after it's debut season, Baywatch appears to be gaining a lot more traction ahead of its premiere season in January 2027.

That said, the series is making some notable modifications that will no doubt result in a response from the original fanbase. However, as with any other reboot, Baywatch needs to find a way to connect with new audiences, not just bring older fans back, which is just one part of the reason why a recasting for a pivotal character could make sense for the new series.

Fox's Baywatch Reboot Is Recasting Gayle Buchannon

In the original Baywatch, which ran from 1989 until 2001, Mitch Buchannon was played by David Hasselhoff, and the series very much revolved around this character. Throughout the show's 11 seasons, audiences got to learn more about not only the Baywatch lifeguards and the lives that they saved, but also about the family and friends of Mitch, which added layers to the story and an emotional anchor.

So it makes perfect sense that the new Baywatch series has shifted the focus to Mitch's son, Hobie, after he has become the lead lifeguard. And the new show also continues to explore important family dynamics as they introduce Charlie, Hobie's daughter, who appears to be an integral part of the reboot.

Further building on the family dynamics, the new Baywatch will also see Gayle Buchannon return, though the character is now being portrayed by Mary McDonnell, not Wendie Malick who appeared in the earlier series. As much as it may be an adjustment to see the character played by a new actor, this recast could make a lot of sense for this revived series.

Why The Baywatch Reboot Can Get Away With Recasting Gayle

While Gayle's role as Mitch's ex-wife and Hobie's mother is evidently an important part of the wider family dynamics explored in both shows, Gayle only appeared in seven episodes during the initial 242-episode run. As such, the character is not firmly established for audiences, and it could make sense to slightly alter their role in the new series.

This is especially true because Gayle and Mitch's relationship ended due to his work as a lifeguard. With Gayle having a more established presence in the new series, and her connection to her son and granddaughter being at the heart of the story, it makes sense to have them shift their views and support their family in pursuing the work that gives them purpose.

It's also possible that Malick's schedule is already full due to her having notable roles in a handful of currently streaming shows, and she may not feel a deep connection to the series considering how infrequently she appears on the show.

Ultimately, while it is a shame Malick is not returning to reprise the role of Gayle Buchannon and offer audiences a clearer continuity, Mary McDonnell is a twice Oscar-nominated actress who is sure to deliver a stunning performance as Gayle that will help to raise the entire reboot up in terms of quality. And now the ongoing story of the Baywatch reboot could give Gayle a chance to make a more enduring impression.

Cast

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  Stephen Amell

  Hobie Buchannon

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  Jessica Belkin

  Charlie

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  Thaddeus LaGrone

  Brad

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  Nat