Horrible BossesandIdentity ThiefdirectorSeth Gordonhas signed on to direct Paramount’smovie adaptationof the hit TV seriesBaywatch, which hasDwayne Johnsonset to star. The actor has been attached to the project since October, when, ironically,Horrible Bosses 2filmmakersSean AndersandJohn Morriswere set to direct. It is unclear at this point when production may begin, but the studio has been trying to get this project off the ground for many years.
TheBaywatchmovie has been in the works since July 2009, whenJeremy Garelicksigned on to write and direct. A slew of writers have worked on the project between now and then, including Brian Gatewood & Alessandro Tanaka,Peter Tolanand Justin Malen. The writing team ofDamian ShannonandMark Swiftwrote the most recent draft of the screenplay, which the studio is moving forward with.
The originalBaywatchTV series ran from 1989 to 2001, spanning 243 episodes. The series starredDavid Hasselhoff,Pamela Anderson,David Chokachi, Yasmine Bleeth and Gena Lee Nolin, centering on the personal and professional lives of a group of lifeguards. No specific plot details were given, butVarietyclaims that the studio wants to go “the comedic route” with this adaptation.
Dwayne Johnsonwill star in and produceBaywatchalongsideBeau FlynnandHiram Garcia, but no production schedule was given. The actor is attached to star in the movie remake of the 1980s classicBig Trouble in Little China, thevideo gameadaptationRampage, and he is currently shootingCentral Intelligence, set for release next summer. He is also slated to reprise his role as Hobbs inFast & Furious 8.
Seth Gordonwas originally set to make Sony’sUncharted, beforedropping outof the action-adventure last month.Seth Gordon’s other directorial credits includeFour Christmasesand the documentariesThe King of Kong: A Fistful of QuartersandFreakonomics. Do you thinkSeth Gordon’s involvement will finally getBaywatchmoving in the right direction?
