Jessica Belkin joins the Baywatch reboot as Charlie Vale, the fearless daughter Hobie Buchannon never knew. Watch her prove herself as a lifeguard in 2026.
- March 29, 2026
AceShowbiz - Jessica Belkin is the newest addition to the cast of the upcoming Baywatch reboot, set to air on Fox in the 2026-27 season. She will play the role of Charlie Vale, a series regular character who is the biological daughter of Baywatch captain Hobie Buchannon.
Charlie Vale's character is described as a fearless and passionate young woman raised in Texas. She is the child Hobie Buchannon, son of the original series’ legendary Mitch Buchannon, never knew existed. Leaving behind a complicated life in Galveston, Charlie arrives unexpectedly at her father’s doorstep with a clear mission to prove herself as a Baywatch lifeguard.
The character is portrayed as someone with the potential to become a Buchannon legend but still has much to learn. The father she never met may serve as the mentor she has always needed, shaping her into a true Baywatch hero.
Jessica Belkin is also set to star in the Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, and recently appeared in the first season of The Hunting Wives as a young version of Malin Akerman’s character, Margo. Her upcoming projects include the Jake Szymanski-directed film Bad Day, featuring Cameron Diaz.
The reboot of Baywatch has already announced Stephen Amell as Hobie Buchannon, with David Chokachi reprising his original role as Cody Madison from seasons six through nine of the classic series. The show will consist of 12 episodes and is a joint production between Fox Entertainment and Fremantle, the rights holder of the original series.
Production is scheduled to begin this spring, with filming taking place at the iconic Venice Beach in Los Angeles as well as the historic FOX Studio Lot in Century City. The reboot aims to bring fresh energy to the beloved franchise while honoring its legacy.
Showrunner and executive producer Matt Nix, known for his work on Burn Notice and The Gifted, leads the creative team. Other executive producers include McG, Michael Berk, Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. McG is also set to direct the series premiere episode.
Recently, The Hollywood Reporter covered an extensive open casting call held in Marina del Rey, where over 2,000 hopefuls attended after more than 14,000 submitted headshots and resumes, underscoring the high interest in joining this iconic franchise reboot.
Jessica Belkin is represented by Paradigm, Brillstein Entertainment Partners, Schuller Talent Management, and Stewart Brookman, positioning her well for this significant new role in a highly anticipated television event.
