When Nicole Kidman stepped into the world of Destroyer, she didn’t just play a character—she became one. The film, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination, demanded a level of intensity that left a lasting impression on the Australian star. In a candid interview with the New York Times, Nicole revealed just how much the role took out of her, both mentally and physically.
At 51 years old, Nicole Kidman isn’t afraid to push boundaries. For Destroyer, she dove headfirst into the psyche of her character, Erin Bell, a damaged detective haunted by her past. According to Nicole, there were moments during filming where she’d let out primal screams or growls to get into character. “She’s a dangerous person,” Nicole explained to the New York Times. “A lot of times, I would let out a huge yell or a growl before starting a scene, which I know sounds insane, but it was necessary for me to tap into that raw emotion.”
This method acting wasn’t just about noise—it was about shutting everything else out. Nicole admitted that she would isolate herself on set, avoiding conversations with others to stay immersed in Erin’s world. “When I showed up on set, I don’t think I spoke to anybody. I was completely shut down, but that’s Erin,” she said. Despite the toll it took, Nicole found liberation in playing such a complex character. “It was freeing in a way,” she added, emphasizing the cathartic nature of stepping into Erin’s shoes.
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While Nicole’s performance in Destroyer wowed critics, it left her daughters, Faith Margaret, 7, and Sunday Rose, 10, giggling. When they saw their mom transformed by prosthetics and makeup, they couldn’t help but call her “granny.” Nicole shared this amusing anecdote with the Los Angeles Times, laughing about how her kids thought she looked like an older woman. “They called me ‘granny,’” she joked. “They’re like, ‘You’re our granny now.’”
Nicole even entertained the idea of attending a grandparents’ day at their school while in character. “I thought it’d be kind of quirky and funny and make for a good story for when they’re older,” she said. She imagined walking into the classroom and saying, “Oh… hello, Sunday! I’m here!” as if she were Sunday’s grandmother. But her daughters weren’t amused. “Whatever you do, never, ever do that,” Sunday reportedly told her. So, Nicole reluctantly agreed to keep her granny disguise off school grounds.
Prepare to see @nicolekidman like you’ve never seen her before. Don’t miss her Golden Globe nominated performance in #DestroyerMovie – in select theaters Christmas Day.
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If the gritty, intense side of Nicole Kidman isn’t your cup of tea, don’t worry—you can still catch her in Aquaman, where she plays a more glamorous role as Atlanna, the queen of Atlantis. Whether she’s battling inner demons in Destroyer or ruling an underwater kingdom in Aquaman, Nicole continues to prove her versatility as an actress. Her ability to seamlessly transition between genres and characters is what makes her one of Hollywood’s most respected performers.
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