Nicole Kidman Pauses Filming ‘Babygirl’ Over Intense Sex Scenes: “I Had To Stop"

At 57, Nicole Kidman has built a reputation for taking on challenging roles that push her boundaries as an actress. In her latest film, Babygirl, Kidman dives deep into one of her most provocative roles yet, portraying a powerful businesswoman entangled in a passionate affair with a younger man. However, the steamy nature of the film's sex scenes led the Oscar-winning actress to temporarily halt filming, revealing she was simply overwhelmed by the intensity of the scenes.

Kidman Struggles With Intensity

Babygirl features Kidman as a successful, career-driven woman risking it all for a thrilling affair with her much younger intern, played by 28-year-old Where the Crawdads Sing actor Harris Dickinson. The film’s storyline is full of sexual tension, which plays out in multiple erotic scenes between Kidman, Dickinson, and Antonio Banderas, who portrays Kidman’s husband.

While Kidman is no stranger to intimate scenes, having appeared in movies like Eyes Wide Shut (1999) and Moulin Rouge! (2001), the explicit nature of Babygirl pushed her in ways she hadn’t expected. Kidman openly admitted that she struggled at times with faking orgasms for the film, to the point where she had to ask for breaks during shooting.

“There were moments where I was like, ‘I don’t want to orgasm anymore,’” Kidman said, in a candid reflection on the filming process. The scenes, meant to convey deep sexual tension, became so intense that Kidman confessed it was difficult to keep performing without feeling emotionally drained. "It was so present all the time for me that it was almost like a burnout,” she shared.

Needing Space and Time

Both Kidman and her co-star Harris Dickinson found themselves needing space from the set to cope with the intense sexual energy that the script demanded. At one point, Kidman even joked with the crew, saying, “Don’t come near me” and “I hate doing this.” She admitted that the experience was overwhelming, quipping, “I don’t care if I am never touched again in my life!”

Dickinson, who plays her younger lover in the movie, echoed similar feelings during a press conference. He revealed that he sometimes asked the cast and crew to give him a moment alone to collect himself, as the tension on set could be quite overwhelming.

Exploring New Ground as an Actress

Though the scenes were difficult at times, Kidman said she took on Babygirl as a way to challenge herself as an actress. Known for her ability to tackle complex and layered characters, Kidman explained that she’s always on the lookout for roles that allow her to explore different facets of human emotion and behavior. “I’ve always been on a quest as an actor, I’m always going, ‘Where have I not been? And what can I explore as a human being?’” she explained.

Her dedication to challenging roles has certainly paid off. Kidman won the Best Actress award at the 2024 Venice Film Festival for her performance in Babygirl. The film, which is already generating buzz thanks to its steamy trailer, promises to be one of the most talked-about films of the year when it hits theaters on Christmas Day.

Pushing Boundaries in the Past

This isn’t the first time Nicole Kidman has taken on roles that push sexual boundaries. In 1999’s Eyes Wide Shut, she appeared in a controversial orgy scene alongside her then-husband Tom Cruise. The film, directed by Stanley Kubrick, is still remembered for its bold exploration of sexual themes. Two years later, in Moulin Rouge!, she played a courtesan who faked an orgasm during a musical performance, adding yet another layer to her portfolio of sexually charged roles.

Kidman’s willingness to explore such roles speaks to her broader philosophy as an actor. She has always been drawn to roles that allow her to push herself both professionally and personally, and Babygirl is no different. The film presented her with new challenges, not just because of its erotic content, but because it required her to navigate complex emotions and relationships on screen.

Balancing Family Life

Off the screen, Kidman balances her demanding career with family life. She has been married to country music star Keith Urban since 2006, and the couple shares two daughters, Sunday and Faith. Kidman was previously married to Tom Cruise, and together they adopted two children, Isabella and Connor.

While Kidman’s career often sees her taking on intense, emotionally charged roles, she has always maintained a strong sense of balance in her personal life. She often speaks about how much her family means to her and how they support her through her most challenging roles.

Final Thoughts

As Babygirl prepares to hit theaters, Nicole Kidman continues to prove why she remains one of Hollywood’s most respected and versatile actresses. Her candid reflections on the challenges of filming such an erotic drama reveal just how much she pours into her work, even when it means stepping out of her comfort zone. With her award-winning performance already creating a buzz, Babygirl is set to be a memorable addition to Kidman’s impressive filmography.