«Baywatch» adapted to the big screen

Sculptural women in red swimming suits run in slow motion on a long white-sanded beach. That's the first image «Baywatch» brings to mind. Notwithstanding it is the most watched TV series in the world, with over a billion viewers.

Now, ten years after that notorious Playboy documentary on the «Babes of Baywatch», Hollywood is attempting an adaptation of the cult 90's series. Jeremy Garelick, a little-known screenwriter who's only penned one film so far, «The Break-Up» with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn, is not only tackling the story, of which he's already written the plot and the first act, but is also tapped for the director's cap. At first glance, Garelick may very well be the ideal candidate: he was script doctor on «The Hangover», comedy aimed at «older» male teenagers – those between 25 and 40 years of age – which clearly consolidates his credibility as a filmmaker for this target group.

In order to turn this laugh-at rather than laugh-with series into a tongue-in-cheek comedy, Garelick has imagined a pair of «unlikely lifeguard candidates trying to catch on alongside the buff bodies that will be as abundant in the film as they were in the TV series.» David Hasselhof and Pamela Anderson, who owe their celebrity status to the series, will likely get small parts in the adaptation.

After video games («Max Payne», «Hitman»), board games («Jumanji»), toys («Transformers») and other gadgets (a work-in-progress adaptation of Fischer-Price's beloved View-Master!), Hollywood is seeking inspiration in vintage TV programs. But cult 80's series «Miami Vice» fell through: adapted by its original producer, Michael Mann, the film was a flop, not even earning half of its $135 million budget. However, one could imagine red swimming suits cut high on the thigh and low on the cleavage will bring in more audience – and cash – than a couple of Miami cops struggling to sound cool by calling each other «pal».