Brooks Nader hits back at backlash over influencer casting on Baywatch reboot and addresses Kevin Costner rendezvous

She is a model, influencer, and reality star who is now starring on the new Baywatch reboot. 

But not everyone is happy Brooks Nader has been cast on the show.

To the annoyance of the Internet, the show is returning to television with influencers such as Nader in lead roles - a casting decision criticized by netizens who said the reboot needed 'real actors.' 

Now Nader has responded to the backlash in an exclusive interview with The Daily Mail - telling us there is a benefit to bringing different 'voices' and 'platforms' onto the show. 

The new reboot, which marks Nader's 'first big acting gig', will also be released in an era when social media is considered a legitimate way of breaking into the business, one that was not even in existence when the original Baywatch aired. 

'I think that the times are different and everyone is so multi-hyphenate now, and you can be both an actor and an influencer and have influence. And that's the beauty of the culture that social media has created,' Nader, 29, told The Daily Mail at Clarins' Night of Extra soiree at the Academy Museum's Dolby Terrace on Friday.

'We now have platforms. I think, during the 90s, you didn't have social media, you didn't have Instagram or TikTok, and so people could use their voice now, and I think as long as they're using it for good... I think that it'll bring a vibe to the show.

'I think that there's so many amazing platforms and voices that are on the show, in the cast, and I think it'll only help the series.'

Filming is now underway on Baywatch, with Nader seen on Venice Beach with co-stars Stephen Amell, Shay Mitchell, Noah Beck, and influencer Livvy Dunne in the iconic red swimsuits. 

It's the same kind of bathing suit worn by Baywatch predecessors Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra - and a swimsuit that is more than just a costume to Nader. 

'It was the biggest pinch me moment of my career,' she said of wearing the lifeguard uniform. 'I feel like this is my first big acting gig, and so I'm excited to show people what I can do and obviously big shoes to fill.' 

'Baywatch with such an iconic series, and we have such a stacked cast of amazing talent. And so I know everyone's gonna love it. It's amazing.'

Nader also said alums from the original show had been 'really supportive' of the endeavor.  

'I think everyone is really supportive. I think that we're going to do everyone justice and honor.   

'They created such a cultural moment with that series in the 90s, and so we're going to recreate that and give America some happiness and some feel good moments.'

A sizzling Brooks in the Baywatch swimsuit isn't the only thing that's gotten tongues wagging as of late.

She also recently was seen chatting it up with Kevin Costner during a VIP dinner at a restaurant inside the Wynn hotel in Las Vegas. 

When asked about the rendezvous, Nader dodged the question.  

'Nothing I can say about that but I'm really excited for the Baywatch reboot, and I think that you guys are really gonna love it.'