Ilfenesh has been announced to join 'Baywatch' cast members as Dwayne's love interest who is 'strong, intelligent, formidable, beautiful and funny.'
- Jan 21, 2016
AceShowbiz - "Baywatch" has found an actress to play Stef, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson's on-screen love interest. Dwayne, who stars in and produces the big-screen adaptation of the hit TV series of the same name, announced on Instagram on Wednesday, January 20 that the character would be played by Ilfenesh Hadera.
"EXCLUSIVE: Casting my #BAYWATCH love interest wasn't easy (extremely tough job but hey I'm one of the producers ;) but we finally found her. For our coveted role of 'STEF', she had to be a lot of things: Strong, intelligent, formidable, beautiful and funny," Dwayne wrote alongside a picture of Ilfenesh in a dark blue dress featuring thigh-high slit. "Want to welcome the talented @ilfenator Ilfenesh Hadera to our #BAYWATCH family."
Of why the role went to the "Chi-Raq" actress, Dwayne explained, "She's a 5'11 walkin' smokestack with legs for days. Smart and tougher than new rope.. just the way we like 'em." He also jokingly warned his co-star Zac Efron not to touch her. "And seeing as she's playing my love interest - my strong calloused hands are the ONLY HANDS allowed to rub suntan oil on her soft supple skin. You hear that Efron? Step out of line Zac and she'll knock your unattractive candy a** into next week," he said.
Later on, the wrestler-turned-actor concluded, "Our dope cast is coming together nicely with a few more big announcements/cool surprises along the way. Let's have some rated R fun.. We are the keepers of 'The Bay'. We are...#BAYWATCH.#SandSquadUpInThisB***h."
"Baywatch" which tells a story about California lifeguards will also star Kelly Rohrbach and Alexandra Daddario. While plot details are still scarce, production is expected to start in a few months. It is set to be released in the U.S. on May 19, 2017.
