Last week, Fox officially announced that former LSU Tigers gymnast Livvy Dunne has been cast in their upcoming Baywatch reboot, marking her professional scripted television debut. Dunne will take on the recurring role of Grace, described as “a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard.” She joins a star-studded ensemble that includes Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, and Brooks Nader.
The announcement comes after Dunne hinted at her burgeoning acting career earlier this year. In January, she shared with her followers that she had been reading scripts and attending auditions. “I’ve been getting a lot of auditions. I’ve been playing someone that’s not myself. It’s different because I’ve always played Olivia Dunne,” she revealed, suggesting that her casting was a natural progression.
The Making of a Lifeguard
Before Dunne’s involvement, Brooks Nader, a 29-year-old three-time Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover model, had already been cast as Selene, the sharp-tongued captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards. Nader has been rigorously preparing for the role, working with a swim coach twice daily for three weeks and recently completing her first open ocean training session to meet the physical demands of the part.
Filming for the reboot commenced last Tuesday in Los Angeles. Social media buzzed with photos of Dunne in a bright blue one-piece swimsuit adorned with a white floral pattern, thin straps, and a high-cut leg, complete with a small cutout on the back. Nader, meanwhile, was seen in an all-black outfit. Both were captured running into the water and diving, with Dunne describing the lifeguard training scenes as “all smiles.”
Public Reaction and Social Media Buzz
Their beach attire quickly drew massive attention online. Admirers flooded social media with comments like, “I’m in love…” and “I’m definitely watching this movie.” Another fan remarked, “This actually looks like it’s gonna be fun, like not too serious but still entertaining 🌊✨.” However, not all reactions were positive, with some typical social media negativity surfacing. One detractor commented, “She built like Bobby Hill.”
The move represents a significant career shift for Dunne, who retired from gymnastics to explore new opportunities. Her transition from athletics to acting is reminiscent of other athletes who have successfully made similar shifts, such as Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Ronda Rousey.
Reviving a Classic
The Fox reboot is scheduled to air during the 2026–2027 season. It focuses on a new generation of lifeguards led by Stephen Amell, who plays a grown-up Hobie Buchannon, now a Baywatch Captain. The storyline kicks off when a daughter he never knew, Charlie Vale, portrayed by Jessica Belkin, arrives wanting to join the team and carry on the family legacy.
Baywatch, originally a 1989 television series, became a cultural phenomenon in the 1990s, known for its iconic red swimsuits and dramatic rescue scenes. The reboot aims to capture the spirit of the original while introducing fresh narratives and diverse characters to appeal to a new generation of viewers.
Looking Ahead
As the cast and crew continue filming, anticipation builds for the series’ debut. Experts suggest that the reboot could rejuvenate interest in the Baywatch franchise, potentially leading to new spin-offs or merchandise opportunities. The casting of young, vibrant actors like Dunne and Nader is seen as a strategic move to attract a younger audience while maintaining the show’s nostalgic appeal.
With the series set to premiere in a few years, fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see how the new Baywatch team navigates the challenges of modern lifeguarding and personal dynamics. As Dunne embarks on this new chapter, her journey from gymnast to actress will undoubtedly be one to watch.
