The sands of Southern California are about to get a major influx of star power. The upcoming Fox reboot of the iconic lifeguard drama Baywatch has been steadily assembling a cast that reads like a who’s who of current pop culture, and the latest addition is arguably one of the most talked-about names in sports and social media.
Former LSU gymnastics champion and digital superstar Livvy Dunne has officially joined the cast. The network confirmed the news, slotting the 23-year-old into a recurring role that feels like it was tailor-made for her . As production gears up for a fall premiere, let’s break down what Dunne brings to the table, who she’ll be playing, and why this casting might be the smartest move Fox has made yet.
From the Gymnastics Floor to the Lifeguard Tower
For the uninitiated, Olivia “Livvy” Dunne is a force of nature. After a stellar five-year career with the LSU Tigers, where she helped secure a national championship, she has become a household name not just for her athletic prowess, but for her massive influence online. With over 15 million followers across platforms, she represents a new breed of celebrity—one who connects directly with fans and has built a brand that spans fashion, fitness, and lifestyle .
Her journey to acting hasn’t been a sudden pivot. In interviews earlier this year, Dunne hinted at this very transition. After retiring from gymnastics in April 2025 due to a nagging knee injury, she told People magazine that she was excited to lean into the “creative side of things” and explore “on-screen” opportunities . She even mentioned she had started taking acting lessons, a detail that now seems like a clear signal of her intentions .
Who is Grace? Meet the “Highly Enthusiastic Junior Lifeguard”
So, who will Dunne be playing? She’s set to take on the role of Grace, described in official casting as “a highly enthusiastic junior lifeguard” .
It’s a role that feels perfectly suited to Dunne’s real-life persona. Grace is likely to be the fresh-faced, energetic rookie on the beach, eager to prove herself alongside seasoned veterans like Hobie Buchannon (Stephen Amell). Given Dunne’s background as a high-level athlete, the physical demands of the role—the running, the swimming, the rescues—should be well within her wheelhouse. This isn’t just stunt casting; it’s strategic casting. She brings built-in athletic credibility to a role that requires it.
A Cast Packed with Fan Favorites
Dunne is the latest in a long line of exciting additions to the Baywatch family. The cast list is now bursting with talent that spans genres and generations:
- Stephen Amell (Arrow) leads the charge as Hobie Buchannon, the now-grown son of original lifeguard Mitch Buchannon .
- Shay Mitchell (Pretty Little Liars) is set to play Trina, a sharp-minded former lawyer turned full-time lifeguard .
- David Chokachi reprises his role as Cody Madison from the original 1990s series, providing a crucial link to the show’s legacy .
- Noah Beck joins the squad as Luke, adding another major social media influencer to the roster .
- Brooks Nader, another Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, will play Selene .
- Jessica Belkin plays Charlie Vale, Hobie’s estranged daughter who shows up to follow the family legacy .
- Hassie Harrison (Yellowstone) and Thaddeus LaGrone round out the main cast as Nat and Brad .
It’s a clever mix of action-hero credibility (Amell), dramatic depth (Mitchell), nostalgia (Chokachi), and modern internet culture (Dunne, Beck, Nader).
What We Know About the Reboot So Far
Scheduled to premiere on Fox as part of the 2026-2027 TV season, this Baywatch isn’t a simple remake. It’s a sequel series that honors the original while forging a new path. The core premise follows Hobie Buchannon, now a Baywatch captain, whose life is upended when the daughter he never knew (Charlie) arrives, determined to become a lifeguard and carry on the family name .
The tone promises to deliver the “adrenaline-fueled rescues” and “beachside heroics” fans remember, but with a contemporary twist, tackling modern challenges . With a 12-episode straight-to-series order and showrunner Matt Nix (Burn Notice) at the helm, the series has a clear vision.
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Why This Casting Makes Perfect Sense
On paper, giving a major role to someone with no prior acting experience might raise an eyebrow. But in the context of Baywatch in 2026, it’s a brilliant play.
First, there’s the physicality. Baywatch has always been about beautiful people performing heroic feats of athleticism. Dunne is a world-class athlete. She spent years mastering the uneven bars and floor exercise at LSU, performing under immense pressure in front of thousands . That discipline and body control will translate directly to the screen.
Second, there’s the audience. Dunne brings a massive, engaged, and young fanbase with her. Her millions of followers across TikTok, Instagram, and X (Twitter) are exactly the demographic Fox needs to attract. When Dunne posted “Time to get to work!!” after the news broke, it wasn’t just an announcement; it was a signal to her legion of fans that this show is on their radar .
Finally, there’s the natural charisma. Anyone who has seen Dunne’s social media presence or her confident turns on the Sports Illustrated runway knows she has “it.” That camera-friendly energy is unteachable . As she navigates this new chapter, she’ll be surrounded by a veteran cast that can support her, making her transition into acting a smooth one.
The Baywatch reboot is shaping up to be the perfect blend of nostalgia and new blood. With Dunne’s infectious enthusiasm and athletic background, her character Grace is poised to be a breakout favorite when the series finally hits the small screen.
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This is just the beginning of the casting news—stay tuned to VvipTimes for all the latest updates on who else might be joining the squad as we get closer to the premiere.
