Pamela Anderson has no interest in returning for the upcoming reboot of Baywatch.

The 58-year-old star, who became one of the most recognisable faces of 1990s television through her portrayal of CJ Parker in the lifeguard drama, is said to have already declined an approach from producers working on the returning series.

Filming is under way in California for the 2026-2027 season of the Fox reboot, which is being developed as a modern reimagining of the original hit show.

“Pamela was approached – and she passed. She’s done with that chapter. She’s focused on where she’s going – not where she’s been. That era doesn’t define her anymore,” a source close to production said.

The rebooted Baywatch was confirmed in September last year.

It was noted at the time that Anderson would still be busy with other projects, including the upcoming Barb Wire TV series. That is the first project for And-Her-Sons Productions, a company Anderson has formed with sons Brandon Thomas Lee and Dylan Jagger Lee.

Both of Anderson’s sons have appeared in her reality series Pamela’s Garden of Eden and Pamela’s Cooking with Love.

Producers of the new Baywatch will instead introduce a fresh cast and updated storyline to bring the franchise into a new era, rather than relying on original stars for nostalgia-driven appearances.

The original Baywatch, which ran from 1989 to 2001, became one of the most-watched television series in the world. It launched Anderson and co-stars such as David Hasselhoff (Mitch Buchannon) and Carmen Electra (Lani McKenzie) into international fame and defined a generation of ’90s pop culture.

Despite the enduring popularity of the franchise, Anderson has previously spoken about stepping away from Hollywood’s image-driven expectations, instead focusing in recent years on personal projects, activism, and selective acting roles.

Her decision not to return reflects a broader trend among legacy television stars who are choosing to distance themselves from reboot culture, even as studios increasingly revisit successful formats from past decades.

The new Baywatch project is expected to feature a younger ensemble cast and a more contemporary approach to lifeguard life, though plot details remain tightly under wraps.

While speculation continues around possible cameo appearances from original cast members, Anderson’s position appears firm, with insiders suggesting she has “no intention” of revisiting the role in any capacity.

Meanwhile, the Baywatch universe continues to expand with more familiar faces returning to the shoreline. Erika Eleniak will reprise her role as Shauni McClain in the upcoming Fox sequel series, marking a nostalgic return.

In the new series, McClain is reintroduced as a former lifeguard who has gone on to become a Santa Monica city councilwoman, before heading back to the beach to take part in the annual Beach Games alongside a new generation of lifeguards.

The revival, which will air as part of Fox’s 2026-2027 lineup, also features Stephen Amell in a leading role, alongside a new ensemble cast including Shay Mitchell, Brooks Nader and Noah Beck.

Influencer Livvy Dunne has a supporting role as a junior lifeguard.

-with AAP