Nicole Kidman has shared a surprisingly candid story about a challenge she faced on set: co-star Alexander Skarsgård’s breath. The Oscar-winning actress revealed she had to request Skarsgård refrain from eating falafel before any intimate scenes during the filming of The Undoing, citing an aversion to bad breath.
Kidman’s revelation came during an appearance on the podcast Las Culturistas, where she detailed her strong feelings about oral hygiene and its impact on her ability to perform. The actress explained that even the most attractive person is a no-go if they have unpleasant breath, stating she would “back away” if someone attempted to give her a breathy kiss. This commitment to fresh breath extended to specific instructions for her co-star.
The issue arose on the set of The Undoing, where Skarsgård and Kidman played a married couple. According to Kidman, Skarsgård had eaten a falafel sandwich before a scene requiring a kiss, prompting her to immediately intervene. “I said, ‘No! No! No!’ I said, ‘You can’t have that right now. I’m supposed to be in love with you and kiss you, put that falafel away!’” she recounted on the podcast. Kidman jokingly added that she’s confident Skarsgård hasn’t eaten a falafel since and she explicitly told him, “No falafel before kissing, no falafel before sex!”
Despite this unusual on-set request, Kidman and Skarsgård’s chemistry was clearly not hampered. The first season of The Undoing garnered critical acclaim and earned them both Emmy Awards. Kidman returned for a second season, while Skarsgård appeared in a guest role. A third season is currently in development, with the first two seasons available to stream on HBO Max.
This isn’t the first time Kidman has discussed the importance of maintaining a professional environment on set. Her dedication to creating a comfortable and believable dynamic with her co-stars is well-known within the industry. The story highlights the often-unseen challenges actors face in bringing characters to life, and the lengths they will go to ensure a convincing performance.
Kidman’s personal life has also been a topic of public interest. She shares two daughters, Sunday Rose Kidman Urban and Faith Margaret Kidman Urban, with husband Keith Urban. Sunday Rose was born on July 7, 2008, and is Kidman’s first biological child. Faith Margaret was born via gestational surrogate on December 28, 2010, according to Wikipedia.
Skarsgård, known for his roles in The Legend of Tarzan and Succession, is also currently involved in a new project. He is developing a story about the life of Swedish serial killer Lars Worm, with plans to co-produce and star in the series. Interestingly, Kidman is also attached to the project, potentially stepping into the role of Worm’s mother, a role she previously played opposite Skarsgård in The Undoing, effectively “upgrading” from wife to mother. ETtoday reports that Anya Taylor-Joy and Willem Dafoe are also in talks to join the cast.
While the details of the upcoming series are still being finalized, Kidman’s willingness to collaborate with Skarsgård again, despite the falafel incident, demonstrates a strong professional relationship. It remains to be seen what challenges – and dietary restrictions – will arise during the production of this new project.
As The Undoing continues to resonate with audiences and a third season is on the horizon, and with new projects like the Lars Worm series in development, Nicole Kidman remains a prominent figure in both television and film. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her candid personality, ensures she will continue to captivate audiences for years to come.
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