The entertainment world buzzed with excitement following an exclusive revelation from Nicole Kidman. The 58-year-old Australian icon, known for her transformative roles across film and television, shared a whimsical yet thrilling idea during the season 2 premiere of her Hulu series Nine Perfect Strangers on May 15, 2025. In a candid conversation with People magazine, Kidman expressed her enthusiasm for a show where all the television characters she’s ever played exist together in a single extended universe. “That’s hilarious. I’d be up for it,” she quipped, her laughter echoing the playful spirit of the concept. This bold vision, dubbed the Nicole Kidman Extended Universe (NKEU) by fans, promises a crossover of her iconic roles, from the enigmatic Masha to the tormented Celeste Wright. This article delves into Kidman’s illustrious TV career, the feasibility of this dream project, and the fervor it has ignited among her global audience.
A Stellar TV Legacy
Nicole Kidman’s television journey is a tapestry of diverse and compelling characters, a foundation ripe for an ambitious crossover. Her entry into the small screen gained momentum with Big Little Lies (2017–2019), where she portrayed Celeste Wright, a lawyer grappling with domestic abuse in the opulent world of Monterey. The role, which earned her an Emmy, showcased her ability to blend vulnerability with strength, setting a high bar for her TV work. This was followed by Top of the Lake: China Girl (2017), where she played Julia, a grieving mother searching for her daughter, adding a layer of raw emotion to her repertoire.
The 2020s saw Kidman dominate prestige television with a string of standout performances. In The Undoing, she embodied Grace Fraser, a therapist whose life unravels amid a murder mystery, her poised exterior masking inner turmoil. Nine Perfect Strangers (2021–2025) introduced Masha, a wellness guru with a commanding presence, a role Kidman reprised with gusto in season 2. Expats (2024) saw her as Margaret, a woman navigating loss in Hong Kong, while Lioness (2023–present) cast her as Kaitlyn Meade, a CIA operative with steely resolve. Most recently, The Perfect Couple (2024) featured her as Greer Garrison Winbury, a novelist entangled in a wedding-turned-murder-mystery. Each character, distinct yet united by Kidman’s signature intensity, fuels the imagination of what a shared universe could entail.
Kidman’s willingness to explore this idea stems from her passion for her craft. “I have a huge passion for what I do,” she told People, her voice brimming with gratitude. “I love doing what I do, and I’ve been incredibly fortunate in my journey.” This enthusiasm, paired with her history of pushing boundaries, makes the NKEU a tantalizing prospect, blending her creative drive with fan desire for a unique narrative experiment.
The Nicole Kidman Extended Universe: A Concept Takes Shape
The notion of a show where all Kidman’s TV characters coexist opens a Pandora’s box of storytelling possibilities. Imagine Celeste Wright from Big Little Lies crossing paths with Masha from Nine Perfect Strangers at a luxurious retreat turned crime scene, or Grace Fraser from The Undoing analyzing the psychological depths of Greer Garrison Winbury from The Perfect Couple. The premise could hinge on a narrative device—perhaps a multiversal rift or a shared event like a global crisis—bringing these women together. Kidman’s characters, often affluent and complex, could form an unlikely alliance, their individual struggles weaving a rich tapestry of drama, humor, and suspense.
Logistically, the NKEU would require careful scripting to honor each character’s backstory. Celeste’s domestic trauma could contrast with Masha’s authoritative charisma, while Margaret’s quiet grief might clash with Kaitlyn’s tactical mindset. A potential plot could see them investigating a mystery that spans their worlds, with Kidman playing each role in a seamless rotation, her chameleonic acting skills at the forefront. “As you know, I’m up for most things,” she said, hinting at her readiness to tackle such a challenge. The idea’s humor, as she noted with a laugh, could be a selling point, allowing for lighthearted moments amid the intensity.
Production-wise, Kidman’s role as a producer—evident in projects like Big Little Lies and The Perfect Couple—positions her to shepherd this vision. Her collaboration with networks like HBO, Hulu, and Netflix, where her series have thrived, suggests a platform could be secured. The success of crossover events like the Marvel Cinematic Universe or Doctor Who specials provides a blueprint, though the NKEU would be a singular focus on one actor’s oeuvre, a novelty that could captivate audiences.
Fan Reactions and Cultural Impact
Since the interview snippet surfaced, fans have taken to social media with fervor. On X, posts like “A Nicole Kidman Extended Universe? Sign me up! Celeste and Masha in one room would be epic! 🔥” reflect the excitement. The concept has sparked fan art, with depictions of Kidman’s characters in imagined scenarios—Grace Fraser sipping wine with Greer Winbury, or Kaitlyn Meade briefing a bewildered Julia from Top of the Lake. This grassroots enthusiasm underscores Kidman’s cultural resonance, her characters becoming icons in their own right.
The NKEU also taps into a growing trend of multiverse storytelling, appealing to viewers who crave innovative narratives. Kidman’s pledge to work with female directors every 18 months, a commitment she’s upheld since 2017 with 19 collaborations, could see women-led talent shaping this project, aligning with her advocacy for gender equality in Hollywood. Fans see this as a chance to celebrate her versatility, with one X user noting, “Nicole playing all these women together would be a masterclass in acting. đźŽâ€ť
Culturally, the NKEU could redefine how we view actor-centric universes, moving beyond ensemble casts to a solo star’s galaxy. It might also inspire similar projects, though few actors match Kidman’s breadth of TV roles. Her openness to the idea, expressed on May 15, 2025, has turned a casual remark into a movement, with petitions circulating online to bring the NKEU to life.
Challenges and Creative Considerations
Crafting the NKEU is not without hurdles. Each character hails from a distinct narrative, with different tones and settings—Big Little Lies’s glossy drama versus Lioness’s gritty action. Harmonizing these could risk diluting their individuality, a concern echoed by some fans who worry about “mashing up masterpieces.” Scriptwriters would need to craft a cohesive plot, perhaps a shared antagonist or a thematic thread like resilience, to unify the ensemble.
Timing poses another challenge. Kidman’s packed schedule—spanning Nine Perfect Strangers season 2, upcoming series like Girls and Their Horses, and films like Babygirl—raises questions about feasibility. Yet her producer role and passion suggest she’d prioritize a project she champions. Aging makeup or digital de-aging, as seen in The Irishman, could address time gaps between characters’ timelines, though purists might prefer real-time portrayals.
Kidman’s refusal to collaborate onscreen with husband Keith Urban—“We’re together in life, so we don’t need to do our show together. Our life is a show”—rules out a cameo, but her daughters, Sunday and Faith, or even her older children with Tom Cruise, Isabella and Connor, could appear as Easter eggs, adding a personal touch. The balance between fan service and artistic integrity will be key, with Kidman’s input likely steering the ship.
Kidman’s Evolution as an Actress and Producer
Kidman’s career evolution underpins this ambitious idea. From her breakthrough in Dead Calm (1989) to her Oscar win for The Hours (2002), she’s embraced risk, a trait evident in her TV surge since 2017. Her recent roles often depict wealthy, troubled women, a niche she’s mastered, yet each performance reveals unique emotional layers—Celeste’s hidden pain, Masha’s commanding allure. This range fuels the NKEU’s potential, showcasing her ability to inhabit multiple personas simultaneously.
As a producer, Kidman has “stepped into her power,” as she told People in April 2024, making “strong, hard, logical decisions” to bring projects to life. Her mentorship under figures like Sherry Lansing and her focus on creating jobs, especially for women, align with the NKEU’s collaborative spirit. This dual role could see her not just starring but shaping a narrative that reflects her legacy, a culmination of nearly four decades in the industry.
Imagining the NKEU in Action
Picture the premiere episode: A mysterious invitation draws Kidman’s characters to a secluded mansion. Celeste arrives, wary of conflict, while Masha takes charge, organizing the group. Grace analyzes their psyches, Margaret mourns quietly, Kaitlyn strategizes, and Greer crafts a novel from the chaos. A plot twist—perhaps a threat from an external force—forces cooperation, with flashbacks revealing how their worlds connect. Kidman’s ability to switch between these personas, as seen in her method acting for Stoker or Being the Ricardos, would be the show’s heartbeat.
Episodic arcs could explore subplots—Celeste and Grace bonding over therapy, Masha and Kaitlyn clashing over leadership—culminating in a finale where they resolve the mystery, their strengths amplified by unity. Special episodes might revisit past settings, like Monterey or the Alps, blending nostalgia with innovation. The humor Kidman finds in the idea could shine through in meta moments, like Masha critiquing Greer’s writing or Celeste quipping about her own drama.
The Future of the NKEU
As of July 16, 2025, the NKEU remains a dream, but its momentum grows. Kidman’s “up for it” stance, coupled with fan demand, could prompt networks to greenlight a pilot. Her track record—Big Little Lies’s success after a book adaptation, The Perfect Couple’s Netflix hit—suggests viability. A limited series, perhaps six episodes, could test the waters, with potential for expansion if received well.
Kidman’s recent reflections on her career, like her 2023 Arte France documentary Nicole Kidman – Eyes Wide Open, emphasize her love for challenging roles. The NKEU fits this ethos, offering a platform to push boundaries further. Whether it becomes reality or remains a fan fantasy, the idea has already enriched her narrative, cementing her as a trailblazer willing to dream big.
Conclusion
Nicole Kidman’s exclusive revelation on May 15, 2025, about a show uniting all her TV characters has sparked a wildfire of imagination. From Celeste Wright to Greer Garrison Winbury, her diverse roles form the backbone of a potential Nicole Kidman Extended Universe, a project blending her acting prowess with producing vision. Fan excitement, logistical challenges, and her evolving career all shape this dream, turning a humorous quip into a cultural conversation. As the industry watches, Kidman’s willingness to explore this frontier promises a television event that could redefine her legacy, inviting viewers into a world where her characters reign supreme. Ready to see this universe unfold? The journey has just begun!