Blake Lively’s Body Double in Latest Movie Was an Aussie

Australian Pro-surfer 19-year-old Isabella Nichols, was Blake Lively’s body double for the shark attack thriller movie The Shallows, which released here in Australia back in August 2016.

A movie based on a surfer who gets attacked by a great white shark and becomes stranded on a rock in the ocean.

Blake’s  sought-after figure is on full display in the movie as she plays a surfer by the name of Nancy, who wants to catch one last wave for the day, but is interrupted by a majestic great white shark.

But what most people don’t know, is most of the surfing shots were actually of her Australian body double.

Isabella was selected for the role last year, due to her uncanny resemblance to the Hollywood star.

She spoke to Bondi Beauty about her experience on the film set and working with Blake Lively.

‘I worked closely with Blake every day, we were side by side for three weeks at Lord Howe Island, New South Wales and inside a giant indoor pool at the Village Roadshow Studios in Oxenford, Queensland. It was such an incredible experience to be chosen, and to learn what really goes on behind a movie set. Blake was so supportive throughout the whole filming process. She even sent a thank you note in the mail after filming was completed.

Isabella taught Blake how to stand and paddle on the board, showing her specific techniques to make the shots look more real. She even taught Blake how to properly wax the board, just to add to the authenticity of Blake’s character.

‘I did all the surfing shots for Blake. It was a lot tougher than when you’re in a surf competition as there is a lot of filming that needs to be re-shot multiple times. But it was still an incredible experience.

Blake Lively & Isabella Nichols taking a selfie together on set of The Shallows

Growing up in the town of Coolum; in Queensland, Australia, Isabella began surfing at the age of 9. Influenced by her surfer father, she followed him eagerly into the waves and has been surfing ever since.

When asked what it’s like to be confronted by some hellish waves, she says:

“It can be really scary sometimes and definitely makes my nerves jump. And when I was younger, sometimes I didn’t want to go out, but my dad kept pushing me to do it. Now, I still get nervous, but then I remember how much I love surfing and I just get on with it.”

Isabella recently made a name for herself in the surfing world, when she took out the women’s world junior pro-surfing title at the age of 18, in Portugal of January this year.

‘It was a good moment for me winning in my last year as a junior pro-surfer. Definitely one of my favorite victories and I’m hoping for more moments like that in the future.

Isabella Nichols in action (image c/ Billabong)

Now 19, she has just signed to be the new face and ambassador to Sun Bum; a successful lifestyle brand of premium sun care products from the USA.

Sun Bum is a mineral based sunscreen that’s tough enough to stay on during the most rigorous conditions, both in and out of the water. Making it a great sunscreen for Australians. And its vegan too.

Previously only sold in selected surf shops, Sun Bum is now available in Priceline stores across Australia.

Rebecca Wilkinson

Beauty Editor

Rebecca is a freelance content creator and beauty editor for Bondi Beauty. She is a pescatarian, who may yet become vegan. She loves all things beauty, health & travel, has a weakness for coffee and is obsessed with cats and yoga. If she's not answering her mobile - it's probably because she's trying out the latest beauty trend, like massaging crushed pearls into her skin for the ultimate collagen and vitamin boost to skin cells.

No Comments Yet

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.