Actor Stephen Amell said that filming the Baywatch reboot required standing in freezing-cold ocean water despite the sunny appearance of the show.
Amell's comments highlight the disconnect between the curated aesthetic of television productions and the physical hardships actors endure to achieve those visuals. The revelation provides a behind-the-scenes look at the logistical challenges of recreating a tropical atmosphere in less-than-ideal climates.
Speaking with E! News on May 11, 2026 [1], during the FOX Upfronts 2026 press event in Los Angeles, Amell said the disparity between the on-screen environment and the actual temperature. He noted that viewers often assume a warm environment based on the imagery of sun and surf.
"When you see the sun and the surf, you think that it's 84 [2] on the beach and 82 [3] in the ocean," Amell said. "It's not. And no one wants to hear that."
Amell said that getting into the freezing water is simply part of the job. He said the filming process was "very physically challenging" due to the combination of cold water and demanding stunts [4].
The actor, known for his lead role in "Arrow," said that the physical toll of the production was a necessary trade-off for the visual style of the reboot. The contrast between the perceived heat and the actual cold served as a primary point of discussion during the press event, an occasion designed to showcase upcoming content for the network.
“"The water is freezing cold."”
This disclosure underscores the use of cinematic artifice to simulate specific climates, revealing how production design can mask environmental discomfort. By highlighting the physical toll on the cast, Amell draws attention to the labor-intensive nature of action-heavy reboots where the visual brand of 'sun and surf' must be maintained regardless of actual weather conditions.
