Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has found the love of his life in Paramount Pictures‘ upcoming “Baywatch” reboot.
According to the “Furious 7” actor, “Show Me a Hero” star Ilfenesh Hadera has been cast in the reboot to star as the love interest of The Rock’s character.
However, it is unclear if Hadera is playing a new character or an iconic character that appeared in the original cult TV series.
As we previously reported, model-turned-actress Kelly Rohrbach will play C.J. Parker, an iconic character that was portrayed by Pamela Anderson in the TV series while The Rock’s “San Andreas” co-star Alexandra Daddario will be playing Summer, a character that was played by Nicole Eggert.
“Quantico” breakout star Priyanka Chopra is reportedly in talks to play a villain in the reboot, but The Rock has yet to confirm the casting. He did, however, confirm Hadera’s casting on his Instagram:
The original “Baywatch” TV series premiered on NBC from 1989 to 1999. It starred David Hasselhoff (the one and only), Parker Stevenson, Shawn Weatherly, Billy Warlock, Erika Eleniak, Peter Phelps, Brandon Call, and Holly Gagnier.
Although it was cancelled after its first season, it survived a setting change and large cast overhaul and became hugely successful – especially internationally. The American action drama show also led to a spin-off, “Baywatch Nights”, and a reunion movie, “Baywatch: Hawaiian Wedding”.
Plot details about the reboot remain scarce, but sources close to the project said that Paramount is taking a comedic route with the movie.
The reboot will have little to do with the original show as it will centre on a by-the-book and very serious lifeguard (played by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson) who is forced to team up with a young rule-flouting hothead (played by Zac Efron) in order to save their beach from environmental destruction at the hands of an oil tycoon.
While it’s not verified, parts were reportedly being written for both Anderson and Hasselhoff to reprise their respective roles.
Best known for his work on “Horrible Bosses” and “Identity Thief”, Seth Gordon is directing this reboot based on a script written by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon.
Johnson will produce it with his partner Dany Garcia through their Seven Bucks Productions banner. Beau Flynn and Ivan Reitman will also serve as producers alongside Michael Berk, Douglas Schwartz, and Greg Bonann.
Filming will begin in February 2016 as the movie is slated for release some time in 2017.
Source: Coming Soon.
