Nicole Kidman’s Next Act Puts Her Back at the Center of Hollywood’s Conversation

As Nicole Kidman approaches her 60th birthday, the actor is balancing a packed slate of projects with a renewed focus on the way women are treated in Hollywood, according to a report by Page Six. The outlet says she is appearing in the third season of Taylor Sheridan’s “Lioness,” filming the thriller “Discretion,” and preparing to return for “Nine Perfect Strangers.” She is also the face of Chanel. The report says Kidman has pushed back against what an industry source considers uneven coverage of female-led movies. The source pointed to the opening of “Practical Magic 2,” which Kidman stars in with Sandra Bullock. The film opened with $30 million, while Brad Pitt’s “Heart of the Beast” reportedly debuted at $20 million to a more positive reception. The source argued that the difference in reaction reflected a broader reluctance to take movies aimed at women seriously. The box-office comparison is not the whole story: Page Six noted that “Heart of the Beast” later passed “Practical Magic 2” in worldwide earnings, with reported totals of $156 million and $105 million, respectively. The outlet also mentioned that Kidman’s former husband Tom Cruise’s “Digger” opened to $8 million. Kidman has long spoken about backing women directors. At Cannes in 2017, she pledged to work with a female director at least once every 18 months. According to the report, she later exceeded that target, collaborating with 19 women filmmakers over eight years. Industry sources cited by Page Six said her work with women directors across acting and producing projects has reached 67 collaborations. Director Susanne Bier, who has worked with Kidman, described her to British Vogue as having an enticing presence that draws people in. The profile also framed Kidman as a star who has adapted to changing media, from television and producing to social platforms and her familiar AMC theater advertisement. The report portrays her current moment as both a busy professional stretch and a chance to challenge assumptions about which audiences and films Hollywood values.