Last month, Paramount handed out a May 20, 2017release datefor the long-awaitedBaywatchmovie, which is putting quite the cast together.Dwayne Johnsonis taking overDavid Hoff’s role of Mitch Buchannon from the original TV series, alongsideZac Efron, whose character hasn’t been confirmed as of yet. Today,Dwayne Johnsontook to hisInstagramto welcome the latest cast member,QuanticostarPriyanka Chopra, who is playing the main villain. Here’s whatDwayne Johnsonhad to say to his social media followers regarding the casting.
“She’s one of the biggest stars in the world. Insanely talented, relentlessly smokin' and extremely dangerous - perfect for #Baywatch. WelcomePriyanka Choprato our bad ass and incredibly dysfunctional family. Cue RATED R slo-mo running on the beach. We start shooting next week. World.. #WelcomeToBaywatch”
The actor’s statement not only confirms that production will begin next week, but also reiterates a statement he made back in August, that this project will beR rated. Of course, studios will likely be far less hesitant to aim for an R rating now, after the massive success ofDeadpool. The story follows a “by-the-book and very serious lifeguard,” played byDwayne Johnsonwho joins forces with a “young rule-flouting hothead” (Zac Efron) to try and save their beach from environmental destruction by an oil tycoon. While we don’t have specific details aboutPriyanka Chopra’s character yet, it seems likely she’s playing the oil tycoon.
She joins a cast that includesIlfenesh Haderaas Mitch’s love interest Stef, who could be Stephanie Holden, originally played by Alexandra Paul in the TV series.Alexandra Daddariowill be playing Summer Quinn, a character originally portrayed by Nicole Eggert, andKelly Rohrbachhas come aboard to playPamela Anderson’s beloved character C.J. Parker. It hasn’t been revealed yet ifZac Efronis playing a character from the original series or not. It has been rumored that roles were written for bothPamela AndersonandDavid Hoff, but it isn’t known if they will come aboard yet. While she wouldn’t officially comment on the rumors back in August,Pamela Andersonsaid that “no one appreciates the remakes.”
Seth Gordon(Horrible Bosses) is directing from a screenplay most recently written byDamian ShannonandMark Swift(Friday the 13th). Justin Malen (Bad Teacher 2) wrote the original draft of the script, withDwayne Johnsonalso producing alongsideBeau FlynnandIvan Reitman. Before starring in ABC’s hit first-year seriesQuantico, Indian actressPriyanka Choprawas considered one of the biggest stars of Bollywood, starring in hits likeKrrish, Don and Love Story 2050. Take a look at the Instagram video below with bothDwayne JohnsonandPriyanka Chopra
