Brooks Nader, a 29-year-old model and actress, is poised to take on a significant role in the eagerly anticipated reboot of the iconic series, Baywatch. Nader’s preparation for her role has involved meaningful connections with original cast members, notably Carmen Electra, who is celebrated for her portrayal of Lani McKenzie in the 1990s series. Nader recently shared her excitement about meeting Electra during the 2026 Fox Upfront in New York City on May 11, describing the interaction as invaluable.
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Nader expressed admiration for Electra, labelling her as “so sweet and kind,” while highlighting the supportive comments Electra made regarding the reboot and its new cast. “She’s really excited for it,” Nader commented, emphasising the significance of receiving encouragement from such a well-respected figure in the entertainment industry. Electra, now 54, has been vocal about her openness to returning to the Baywatch universe, even teasing the possibility of reprising her role, albeit with a humorous caveat about running in slow motion.
At the same event, Nader took the opportunity to discuss her rapport with her fellow cast members, which includes a mix of established names and emerging talents such as Livvy Dunne, Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, Stephen Amell, Jessica Belkin, Hassie Harrison, Thaddeus LaGrone, and David Chokachi. She described a strong camaraderie among the cast, noting, “The girls and I are all so close. It’s like a little sorority.” This sense of unity has been instrumental in creating a positive work environment, aiding the collaborative spirit essential for a successful production.
In the new series, Nader will portray the character Selene, characterised as the “sharp-tongued Captain of the Zuma beach lifeguards.” Her role is not without its complexities, as the character’s relationship with Baywatch Captain Hobie Buchannon is fraught with tension. According to Nader, their opposing styles in lifeguarding create a continuous source of conflict. The narrative promises to delve into deeper issues as their rivalry evolves, particularly when family dynamics are introduced with the inclusion of Hobie’s daughter.
Nader’s commitment to authenticity in her role has led her to undertake rigorous lifeguard training, which she described as essential preparation. “You have to take it seriously,” she insisted, recounting how she was motivated by a founder of the original Baywatch series, who emphasised the franchise’s profound impact on viewers’ lives, particularly in relation to CPR awareness. “We’ve received countless letters from people saying they saved lives because they learned CPR from Baywatch,” she revealed, underscoring the responsibility that comes with such a role.
During her training, Nader learned important CPR skills that she hopes to demonstrate accurately on-screen. “You really don’t know who you could be saving—someone watching at home could be in a position to help because of what they see on the show,” she remarked, reinforcing the importance of her preparation.
In a lighter moment, Nader joked about the transformative experience, claiming that she can now “only run in slow-mo,” reflecting on the iconic visual associated with the original series. Her long-standing passion for acting is evident, as she stated, “I’ve been ready for this since I was two years old. I’m like, ‘I got this.'” She mentioned her preparation involved intensive observation of performances from legendary Baywatch actresses such as Pamela Anderson and Electra, further highlighting her commitment to the revival.
Outside her work on Baywatch, Nader is also known for her reality series, Love Thy Nader, which has garnered a second season following its premiere on Freeform in August 2025. Additionally, she showcased her dancing abilities in the latest season of Dancing with the Stars, where she achieved a commendable ninth place alongside professional dancer Gleb Savchenko.
The new iteration of Baywatch consists of 12 episodes and is expected to premiere later this year or early next year, making it one of the most anticipated shows in the upcoming television schedule. As the release date approaches, fans of the original series and newcomers alike are eager to see how Nader and her cast bring a fresh perspective to this beloved franchise.