Why Nicole Kidman Keeps Saying Yes to the Unexpected

Nicole Kidman doesn’t overthink her career. If a role gives her what she once described as a “strange pull,” she follows it — even if it leads somewhere unexpected.

Nicole Kidman was sitting inside a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in Nashville when she summed up her approach to life. With an oxygen mask on, she laughed at the absurdity of it and explained why she agreed to it in the first place.

“I get to do weird things and push boundaries,” she said in a 2025 interview with Allure. “I think we’re in here now… because I’m willing to explore.”

That willingness to explore — even when it feels uncomfortable or a little strange — has defined her career.

Choosing Curiosity Over Comfort

Kidman has tackled countless roles, veering away from typecasting or being boxed into a particular genre.

She switches between film and television, drama and mainstream hits, often within the same year. In 2024, she starred in multiple series and films across platforms, including "Lioness," "The Perfect Couple," "A Family Affair," "Babygirl," "Spellbound," and "Expats."

She also filmed the second season of "Nine Perfect Strangers," where she plays a Russian wellness guru running an unconventional retreat.

For Kidman, a role becomes appealing when it raises bigger questions. “I’m interested in quantum physics and perception and what is reality and the philosophical questions,” she said. “I’m interested in what it means to be here, if we even are here…. What it means to be a human being in this world, at this time, on this Earth.”

She's drawn to projects that spark conversation and that can affect people. “When someone says, ‘It emotionally affected me,’ I think that's amazing,” she explained.

Expanding Her Influence

In recent years, Kidman has challenged herself further by taking the reins behind the camera. She likes being able to produce projects that allow others to shine and become successful.

“Igniting people's careers, seeing them take off and take flight—I get an enormous amount of joy from that,” she said. “I'm so happy to have the—it's weird to call it power—the opportunity to say, ‘I can help you.’”

Kidman described accepting projects based on a “strange pull.” She avoids overthinking her decisions because “overthinking things can become crippling," she told Vanity Fair in 2024. This mindset doesn’t just apply to her acting, but also to the kinds of stories she wants to share with the world.

Embracing Change Offscreen

A major part of Kidman’s willingness to say yes is personal. After her mother's death, she shared how it deeply affected her and "changed every part" of her. (Allure)

Kidman also realizes she isn't getting any younger, and her advice to herself is simple: “Don’t wish for anything. Move forward. Shut up. Get on with it.” (Allure)

As she continues to evolve and thrive in her success, she remains mindful of how she is perceived, making sure people don't see her as intimidating. (Allure)

After decades at the top of the industry, Nicole Kidman is still saying yes — to new roles, new risks, new ideas. And as long as she keeps exploring, audiences will keep watching.