Why Nicole Kidman, 57, Had to Pause Filming ‘Babygirl’ with Bold Scenes Featuring a 28-Year-Old Actor
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson at a red carpet for “Babygirl” during the 81st Venice International Film Festival on August 30, 2024, in Venice, Italy. | Source: Getty Images
However, as excitement builds for the film’s release, Kidman shared some candid behind-the-scenes details. The Oscar-winning actress revealed that she had to temporarily step away from shooting. The reason behind her decision is as captivating as the film itself.
Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
This year, Kidman teamed up with Dickinson for their latest film, “Babygirl.” In this daring drama, the actress played the role of Romy, a married, high-powered CEO grappling with personal and professional challenges.
Nicole Kidman filming “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
Dickinson, an up-and-coming actor with an already impressive résumé, took on the part of Samuel, a kinky, younger, and enigmatic new hire who soon disrupts Romy’s tightly controlled world.
The film’s premise hinges on their unconventional relationship, with Samuel introducing Romy to a new realm of passion, dominance, and control.
Harris Dickinson in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
The film drew mixed reactions across social media platforms. Some users expressed discomfort with the storyline and the boldness of the scenes, which featured an undeniable physical connection between Kidman and Dickinson’s characters.
Nicole Kidman shooting “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
“If this were a movie about a 60yr old dude and a 30yr old chick, we all know it would get canceled. So why is it ok to make the 10th one this year [sic]?” one social media user commented.
Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
Another added, “She’s so old I’m grossed out. Disrespectful to all men involved.” A third typed, “Nic0le Kidman was born 20 June 1967. She is 57 years old Harris Dickins0n was born 24 June 1996. He is 28 years old 29 years OLDER than him [sic].” A fourth person shared, “Nicole Kidman is into kids nowadays 😂.”
However, not all feedback was critical. Many viewers eagerly anticipated “Babygirl,” praising Kidman for taking on such a daring role and the chemistry between the film’s leads.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
“This looks good! I’m definitely here for Nicole Kidman’s cougar era!” one person typed. Another wrote, “Nicole is type cast I believe she actually likes it rough.. it all started with ‘Eyes wide shut’ [sic[.” A third social media user added, “The chemistry between these 2 is insane! Can’t wait for this!”
Harris Dickinson and Nicole Kidman filming “Babygirl.”| Source: YouTube/A24
Despite the film’s anticipation, it was revealed that Kidman needed to pause filming some of the movie’s more intense scenes. The actress later opened up about why this was necessary, shedding light on the personal toll these demanding scenes had on her.
Nicole Kidman in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
The provocative scenes in “Babygirl” took an emotional toll on Kidman, leading her to pause production. While the film itself pushed boundaries, particularly with its portrayal of power dynamics and physical domination, it was the intensity of these scenes that caused the seasoned actress to reconsider her limits.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
In ”Babygirl,” Kidman’s character is drawn into a complex relationship with Samuel. The dynamic between the two characters becomes increasingly daring, with Samuel asserting dominance over Romy, leading to several physically and emotionally demanding scenes.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson filming “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson shooting “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ Rotten Tomatoes Trailer
However, Kidman admitted in a recent interview that performing these raunchy scenes with a much younger actor often left her feeling overwhelmed. “There was an enormous amount of sharing and trust and then frustration. It’s like, ‘Don’t touch me,”’ she said.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ A24
The production of the film included employing an intimacy coordinator to guide the actors through these explicit scenes, including a moment where Kidman and Dickinson get steamy during a late-night swim.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson filming “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ A24
However, the “Eyes Wide Shut” star emphasized the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for the actors and not feeling “confined.” She said, “I’m a huge believer still in the sacredness of the set or the actors’ space, and it never, never being violated. Because it’s ours, it’s the bubble, and then there’s the world outside.”
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson on the set of “Babygirl” on December 11, 2023, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
Kidman also reflected on the value of working with a female director for “Babygirl” in a male-dominated industry. The award-winning actress shared that she likely wouldn’t have been able to perform the intense scenes so well if a male director had been in charge, given the content’s sensitive nature.
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson filming “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/ A24
Nicole Kidman and Harris Dickinson filming the rave scene in “Babygirl.” | Source: YouTube/A24
Ultimately, Nicole Kidman’s need to pause during “Babygirl” serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities that come with portraying such provocative characters. As fans await the film’s release, her experience highlights the delicate balance between art and the well-being of the artist.