Movies: Dwayne Johnson Anchors “Baywatch” With Boundless Personality

Superstar Dwayne Johnson rocks the beach as lifeguard hero Mitch Buchannon in Paramount Pictures' big-screen adaptation of Baywatch (in Philippine cinemas May 31, 2017).

In Emerald Bay, no one looms larger than legendary lifeguard, Lieutenant Mitch Buchannon. As the leader of the Baywatch team, Mitch has become something of a local folk hero.

“Mitch’s singular goal on any given day is to protect his beach and the people who come there to enjoy it,” Johnson explains. “He cares deeply about the people of Emerald Bay and they love him for it, to the point that the locals have created their own mythology around him. ‘Did he create Google?’ ‘Did he help launch the first rocket to the moon, even though he’s in his early forties?’ He’s shrouded in mystery.”





“No one else on the planet could have played this role like Dwayne,” says producer Beau Flynn. “I like to think of him as Poseidon, God of the Ocean. He’s so at home in the water, and he fills the screen with the vibe and energy he brings.”

“Baywatch is The Avengers of the beach,” Johnson declares. “Everyone is highly proficient at what they do, and has their own area of expertise.”

The film follows devoted lifeguard Mitch Buchannon as he butts heads with a brash new recruit (Zac Efron). Together, they uncover a local criminal plot that threatens the future of the Bay.

“Baywatch is just about the most successful television show of all time,” says Johnson. “So I was drawn to the challenge of reintroducing a beloved property to a new audience who might not have grown up with it.”

“Obviously, there was a lot about the original show that worked,” he adds. “So we wanted to keep some of the core elements in place while raising the stakes for a feature film. The stunts are bigger, the action is more intense, but we’re not taking ourselves as seriously as the show. We worked hard to find the right balance. As badass as the action in this movie is, we’re all in on the joke. We’re all having fun. We’re laughing with Baywatch, not at Baywatch.”

This summer, Baywatch will provide the world with a refreshing beach getaway, free of sunburns, swimmer’s ear and sand in their shoes. Johnson sums up: “The number one thing you can expect when you see Baywatch is FUN. We’re talking next level, life-changing, filthy, awesome fun. You’re going to laugh your ass off.”



Baywatch is distributed in the Philippines by United International Pictures through Columbia Pictures.