Baywatch is getting a nostalgia boost. According to Deadline Hollywood, the new Fox continuation series has locked in returning stars Michael Bergin and Kelly Packard to reprise their original roles from the '90s series.
Bergin will return as Jack "J.D." Darius, while Packard returns as lifeguard April Giminski. The duo played characters who were in rookie class together, and have remained best friends—meaning their on-screen chemistry is already established.
The casting brings back actors from the original series rather than relying solely on fresh faces. Fox is betting that reuniting the original cast will draw longtime viewers.
Bergin and Packard are described as playing lifeguards with real storylines, not cameos. Their characters will have substantive roles in the new iteration.
The move is part of Baywatch's gradual approach to announcing its cast. By spacing out casting news, the network maintains fan interest without flooding the press cycle.
With original cast members returning, speculation has begun about who else from the original run might appear.
