Brooks Nader, the striking supermodel celebrated for her cover shoots with Sports Illustrated, is officially stepping into the realm of acting with a significant role in the upcoming Baywatch reboot. Nader is set to embody Selene, the sharp-tongued Captain of the Zuma beach lifeguards, a character poised to bring a fresh dynamic to the iconic franchise. Filming for the highly anticipated series is currently underway, and glimpses of Nader in the quintessential red swimsuit have already begun circulating, igniting excitement among fans and industry observers alike.
This marks Nader’s first major foray into scripted television, a career pivot she attributes to a powerful combination of passion and what she describes as "manifestation." Speaking exclusively with TV Insider, Nader revealed that her connection to the Baywatch universe runs deep, stemming from years of admiration for the original series. Her journey toward this role, she believes, was set in motion during a pivotal photoshoot.
“When I shot my Sports Illustrated cover in the red one-piece, I picked that one off the rack because I was like, ‘This is so Baywatch. I have to shoot in this,’” Nader recounted. The serendipity of that moment, where the chosen swimsuit ultimately graced her cover, serves as a powerful anecdote for her belief in manifesting desires. “Lo and behold, it became the cover, which was amazing. It’s kind of a full-circle moment to see that that was in 2023 and we’re now in 2026, and that dream became a reality. … My superpowers are scaring me!”
The seeds of this aspiration were planted during Nader’s time in Los Angeles in 2024, while she was participating in Dancing With the Stars. The vibrant atmosphere of the city, with its inherent connection to beach culture and iconic entertainment landmarks, further fueled her dreams. "Just being in L.A. and all the things people love in L.A., like the beach… Baywatch is a huge part of that," she explained. "I don’t know, I feel like I have been hoping for that one for a really long time, and it finally came true. When those full-circle moments happen, that’s what makes it all worth it.”
While the specific details of her casting process remain under wraps, Nader expressed profound gratitude for the advocacy of director Joseph "McG" McGinty Nichol. Renowned for his work on a string of successful films and his reputation for championing talent, McGinty Nichol played a crucial role in securing Nader’s role. "He did all these iconic films and champions people so hard and really, really fights for them," Nader shared. "He was like, ‘You are going to do this and you’re going to be great at it.’”
The magnitude of the opportunity has left Nader in a state of joyful disbelief. "I don’t even have any other words. None of it has even set into me yet at all. I’m truly lost for words," she admitted. She noted the surprise of her parents, who were unaware of her acting aspirations. "My parents are like, ‘We didn’t even know you wanted to act.’ I’m like, ‘I didn’t know this was what the plan was either,’ but it’s just such a blessing. I’m really excited to see. I’m sure you’re going to love it. It’s such an iconic series.”
A New Era for Baywatch
The Baywatch franchise, originally premiering in 1989, became a global phenomenon, renowned for its dramatic rescues, sun-drenched beaches, and iconic slow-motion running sequences. Over its eleven-season run, it launched the careers of numerous actors and became a cultural touchstone of the 1990s. The 2017 film reboot attempted to recapture that magic, but the upcoming series reboot aims to reimagine the beloved property for a contemporary audience, potentially drawing inspiration from the narrative sensibilities of modern television dramas while retaining the core elements of action and camaraderie.
The decision to cast Brooks Nader, a figure synonymous with high fashion and modeling, in a leading role suggests a strategic move by the production to blend established star power with fresh faces. Her experience on the runway and in high-profile editorial campaigns has honed her ability to command attention and project confidence, traits that will undoubtedly serve her well in portraying a character like Captain Selene. The choice also reflects a broader trend in Hollywood of leveraging diverse talents from adjacent industries.
The Power of Manifestation: The Nader Sisters’ Campaign
Nader’s narrative of manifestation is further amplified by her current collaboration with the natural women’s body care brand Jukebox. She is participating in a campaign titled "Sisterhood of Naked Ambition" alongside her three sisters: Mary Holland Nader, Sarah Jane Nader, and Grace Ann Nader. This initiative highlights the sisters’ shared belief in the power of intention and visualization.
The campaign, launching on March 30th at 11:11 a.m., features unique crystal-shaped soap pieces designed by the Naders. These are not merely aesthetic objects; they are intended to serve as tangible tools for purchasers to practice manifestation, mirroring the sisters’ own journey of setting and achieving goals. The concept draws a parallel between the Nader sisters’ personal aspirations and their collective support for one another.
Individual Aspirations Within the Sisterhood
Each Nader sister is pursuing distinct yet complementary ambitions, underscoring the campaign’s theme of diverse dreams within a supportive sisterhood:
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Mary Holland Nader: Her primary manifestation centers on her company, Mary & Pip, launched in 2025. She is aiming for the app to reach the number one position in the app store, a goal she anticipates achieving soon. This points to her entrepreneurial drive and focus on digital innovation.
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Sarah Jane Nader: As she continues to build her modeling career, Sarah Jane is targeting a significant solo magazine cover. This aspiration reflects a desire for individual recognition and a prominent platform within the fashion industry, building upon her family’s legacy in modeling.
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Grace Ann Nader: Grace Ann is dedicating her energy to non-profit work, with a specific focus on girls’ education. She is in the process of launching a program to provide educational resources, including books, libraries, and study spaces, to girls in Africa. This initiative represents a profound commitment to social impact and long-term vision.
Viewers can expect to witness the Nader sisters’ pursuit of these aspirations on the second season of their reality television series, Love Thy Nader. The show, which offers an intimate look into their lives and ambitions, is slated for a premiere later this year, providing a real-time chronicle of their manifestation journeys.
Addressing Skepticism and Embracing Hybridity
For those who may harbor reservations about yet another reboot, Nader is confident in the talent and dedication of the production team. "There’s such an amazingly talented team behind the show that will make it great," she asserted. "We’ve all just started to come together, and the energy is unmatched. I just think it’s going to be a huge hit. With the people that are involved, it can’t not be.”
Nader also embraces the presence of skepticism, viewing it as a catalyst for enhanced performance. "I actually love when people are skeptical about a project I’m doing because I feel like it fuels you more to overachieve and really succeed at it and put out something amazing," she stated. She acknowledges the preconceived notions that might arise from her modeling background, particularly in a new acting role. "Of course, there’s people who are like, ‘You’re a model, you don’t act, you’re on reality TV,’ but I think we live in such a hybrid world that you can do multiple things and wear many hats. I want to prove people wrong.”
This sentiment aligns with the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, where traditional career paths are increasingly blurred. The success of individuals who seamlessly transition between different creative fields—from modeling to acting, music to entrepreneurship—demonstrates a growing acceptance of multifaceted talent. Nader’s ambition to "prove people wrong" by excelling in her new acting endeavors is emblematic of this contemporary Hollywood ethos. The Baywatch reboot, with its blend of nostalgic appeal and contemporary storytelling, is poised to be a significant platform for her to showcase this versatility.
