Brooks Nader Dazzles in Baywatch Red at Fremantle & Fox Photocall in Cannes

Avatar photoHrvoje Milakovic
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Few television images are as iconic as the red swimsuit from ‘Baywatch’. This symbol of beachside escapism has made a comeback, as Fox prepares to reintroduce the beloved series more than two decades after its original run. This week, the reboot made its international debut at MIPCOM on the stunning French Riviera.

Brooks Nader, the 29-year-old model and actress starring in the new series, graced the Fox photo call for ‘Baywatch’ at MIPCOM in Cannes on October 12. The event, held at the Palais des Festivals, aimed to showcase the show to international buyers. Nader embraced the theme with a striking look that certainly turned heads.

She donned a vibrant, fitted red maxi dress featuring a banded design, V-neckline, and cap sleeves, complemented by black heels, sparkling studs, and flowing blonde waves. Fashion outlets quickly dubbed her look ‘Baywatch red’, and photos of her posing against the blue MIPCOM backdrop with the marina behind her circulated widely. Co-star Stephen Amell joined her at the photocall, sporting a white blazer over black attire.

The Cannes event coincided with the series securing international deals. Italy’s public broadcaster Rai has acquired ‘Baywatch’ for Rai 2, as reported by Deadline on MIPCOM’s opening day. Additionally, Sky has secured rights for the UK and Ireland, while Stan will stream it in Australia.

Fox Entertainment Global is managing domestic distribution, while Fremantle, a co-producer, is overseeing international sales. Showrunner Matt Nix, along with Amell, Nader, and executives, attended Cannes to promote the show, although cast member Noah Beck was unable to join. The early acquisition of numerous deals indicates strong confidence in the franchise.

The reboot is now targeting a late January 2027 premiere on Fox, having shifted from earlier expectations of a fall 2026 launch. Fox first announced the series in September 2025, following a massive open casting call in February that attracted 2,000 hopefuls, and filming commenced at Venice Beach in the iconic red swimsuits. Nix serves as showrunner, with McG directing the premiere episode.

Nix, McG, and Michael Berk are among the executive producers, alongside Greg Bonann, Doug Schwartz, Dante Di Loreto, and Mike Horowitz. The show is a co-production between Fox and Fremantle, positioned more as a sequel than a remake of the franchise that began in 1989 and ran for 11 seasons until 2001.

Nader portrays Selene, the sharp-tongued captain of the Zuma Beach lifeguards. Her character is known for her exceptional skills but has a very different approach to saving lives compared to Amell’s Hobie Buchannon, leading to ongoing friction. Their relationship intensifies when Hobie introduces his daughter to the team, deepening their rivalry beyond lifeguarding.

Amell plays Hobie, the son of original lead Mitch Buchannon, now a Baywatch captain. His life takes a turn when Charlie Vale, played by Jessica Belkin, arrives as the daughter he never knew. Reports indicate that while the two leads may clash on screen, they appeared friendly off-screen during their time in Cannes.

Hassie Harrison plays Nat, while Shay Mitchell portrays Trina, a former lawyer who left a prestigious firm to become a full-time lifeguard. Thaddeus LaGrone plays Brad, and Beck portrays rookie lifeguard Luke. Social media star Livvy Dunne makes her acting debut as Grace. Additionally, David Chokachi returns as Cody Madison, now the owner of a bar and grill called The Shoreline, and Mary McDonnell is set to appear in a recurring role as Hobie’s mother.

The cast features a blend of television veterans, newcomers, and social media personalities, designed to appeal to a broad audience, mirroring the original series’ success that aired in over 200 countries.

Nader, who also stars in Hulu and Freeform’s ‘Love Thy Nader’ and competed on season 33 of ‘Dancing with the Stars’, graced the cover of the 2023 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue in a red one-piece reminiscent of the ‘Baywatch’ aesthetic. When she joined the cast, she shared a photo of herself holding the script, hinting at her excitement. The Cannes photo call marked a significant moment for her.

Whether the reboot can capture the original’s sunny essence remains to be seen. However, the initial international interest suggests that the franchise’s red-and-yellow branding still holds significant appeal.

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