After years spent running around the development beach, it appears that Baywatch might finally be getting its moment in the movie sun. Dwayne Johnson is locked in to star in the film version and, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Zac Efron is in negotiations to join him in swimsuit city{
Seth Gordon is aboard to call the shots on what has long been described as a comedic take on the sun-drenched, melodramatic series that captivated audiences in the 1900s with its lissom cast, OTT water events and The Hoff’s chest hair keeping things under control.
And now we know some of the basics of the plot for the film, which was most recently rewritten by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift: Johnson will be the by-the-book veteran lifeguard who must team up with a rule-breaking younger man (Efron) to save their beach from an environmental disaster that might result if a scheming oil tycoon gets his way. All being well, Gordon should be rolling the cameras in February next year. Oh, and according to Johnson, it will be rated R, which is an odd choice for Baywatch.
Efron feels like a good fit for the film – he’s proved he can do comedy (most recently in** Bad Neighbors**, and is on for the sequel, which is in pre-production to shoot this year) and he can look good in a swimsuit. Though for once his chiselled frame has some competition in the shape of The Rock. He’ll next be seen in We Are Your Friends on August 27, followed by Dirty Grandpa on March 18 next year, then Bad Neighbors 2 (likely subtitled Sorority Rising) on May 6, and Mike And Dave Need Wedding Dates on August 19.