Why Nicole Kidman, 57, Had to Pause Filming 'Babygirl' with Bold Scenes Featuring a 28-Year-Old Actor

In a recent interview, Nicole Kidman opened up about her raunchy role in her latest film, "Babygirl," and revealed why shooting some scenes in the steamy movie left her needing to pause filming.

Veteran actress Nicole Kidman joined forces with young British talent Harris Dickinson for the 2024 film "Babygirl," which made waves for its daring storyline and provocative elements.

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 stop shooting temporarily. The reason behind her decision is as captivating as the film itself.

A Daring New Film

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.

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.

At 57, Kidman's casting as a romantic lead opposite the 28-year-old Dickinson sparked immediate attention, both for the on-screen age gap and the intensity of their characters' interactions.

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.

"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.

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 negative. Many viewers eagerly anticipated "Babygirl," praising Kidman for taking on such a daring role and the chemistry between the film's leads.

"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!"

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 discussed why this was necessary, shedding light on the toll of these demanding scenes on her.

Why Nicole Kidman Had to Step Back from 'Babygirl'

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, the intensity of these scenes caused the seasoned actress to reconsider her limits.

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.

In one particularly striking moment, Romy is commanded to lap milk from a saucer and take other orders from her younger counterpart, such as stuffing Samuel's tie in her mouth. "I tell you what to do and you do it," he tells her.

However, in a recent interview, Kidman admitted that performing these raunchy scenes with a much younger actor often overwhelmed her. "There was an enormous amount of sharing and trust and then frustration. It's like, 'Don't touch me,''' she said.

"There were times when we were shooting where I was like, '[...] Don't come near me. I hate doing this. I don't care if I am never touched again in my life! I'm over it.' It was so present all the time for me that it was almost like a burnout," she continued.

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.

However, Kidman 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."

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.

"I don't think I could have done it, working with a man. I actually think the only way I could do this was with her because the two of us would sit and talk. We talked about so many things and still do, that is so secretive and vulnerable — but it's safe," the actress shared.

Additionally, the movie gave Kidman nightmares and anxiety as she portrayed a character struggling with desire and shame. Through these raw themes, "Babygirl" challenges viewers to confront how such emotions shape their own relationships. Kidman acknowledged this complexity, "That's what Halina [Reijn] wanted."

Director Halina Reijn praised Kidman's fearless approach to the raw material. "Seeing her act for me is like an exorcism," she said. "She goes beyond ego, beyond sanity and beyond fear… It's not that she's not afraid, you know, she's super afraid, but she still goes there."

Despite her openness to bold roles, Kidman was reluctant to elaborate on some of the film's more sensual aspects. When asked whether audiences still view intimate expressions of desire by women in their 50s as taboo, she visibly hesitated.

"I can't even talk about that!" Kidman she said, before shifting the conversation to lighter topics, such as her love for cold-water swimming.

For Kidman, the Reijn-led movie represents the kind of project she has been seeking for years. Reflecting on her career, she said the decision to take on a role often comes from an instinctive connection to the story.

Reflecting on her past career-defining roles, she said, "I don't see them as daring, that's the problem. Not when I read them. I just see them as like, 'Oh my God, I've got to make this.'" She compared her reaction to "Babygirl" to her decisions in past projects like "Birth," "Eyes Wide Shut," and "Dogville."

Although the film was challenging, Kidman found some joy in filming certain scenes, particularly one involving a late-night rave. She described the liberating experience of dancing freely to loud music.

"My favorite day was the rave because I got to go to a rave. We played loud music and I got to just go wild. It was a much-needed contrast to the heavy emotional scenes that dominated the film. And at that point in the film when we were doing it, it was just so needed — that feeling of full release," she added.

Ultimately, Nicole Kidman's need to pause during "Babygirl" serves as a reminder of the emotional complexities of portraying such provocative characters. As fans await the film's release, her experience highlights the delicate balance between art and the artist's well-being.