“Nicole wanted to do it herself”: Alexander Skarsgård Was Disturbed While Filming an Intense Scene With Nicole Kidman When Actress Demanded to Go Through it Herself
- Nicole Kidman insisted on doing her own stunts for 'Big Little Lies.'
- The actress' choice to do her own stunts resulted in visible bruises.
- Skarsgård was impressed by her commitment, but it also freaked him out.
Ever wondered how far an actor will go for the perfect scene? For Nicole Kidman, it meant taking on stunts that would make most people’s knees knock. On the set of HBO’s Big Little Lies, the actress and her co-star Alexander Skarsgård went to extraordinary lengths to bring their intense scenes to life.
Skarsgård stated that Kidman not only tackled these physically demanding moments herself but insisted on doing so—stunt double be damned. Imagine filming an emotional scene and having to actually live through the wildest parts yourself. It’s no wonder that the Swedish actor was both impressed and, well, slightly alarmed by Nic’s commitment.
Nicole Kidman’s Wish to Do an Intense Scene on Her Own Left Alexander Skarsgård Uneasy
When it comes to filming dramatic and gritty scenes, Big Little Lies doesn’t do things by halves. Alexander Skarsgård, who plays the menacing Perry Wright, and Nicole Kidman, who portrays his abused wife Celeste, had to navigate some of the series’ most harrowing moments.
The two had their work cut out for stunt doubles, especially with scenes that pushed the limits of their physical and emotional endurance. But while most actors would happily let a stunt double handle the dangerous bits, Kidman decided to skip that option.
Instead, she chose to dive headfirst into the action herself, even if it meant ending up with a few bruises. While Skarsgård was impressed by that, it also left him a bit unsettled. Speaking on the Kyle and Jackie O Show, the actor said (via ANI):
Nicole and I had some time together to build up that trust before shooting those scenes which was crucial to have, because again, some of them are very violent and very physical and very psychologically draining. She is incredibly committed and we did have a body double, like a stunt double on set, for you know, when I throw her over chairs and stuff and when it gets really violent, and Nicole wanted to do it herself.
This brave—or maybe just stubborn—decision led to some jaw-dropping moments on screen. The result? Authenticity so intense it left viewers wondering if it was actually happening (which, of course, it was). The scenes were not only physically taxing but also mentally exhausting for them.
Keith Urban’s Support Helped Nicole Kidman Through Tough Scenes
Despite the grueling demands of her role, Nicole Kidman had a secret support in her corner: her husband, Keith Urban. Known for his rock-solid support, Urban didn’t just stay in the background; he actively cheered on the Hollywood beauty through the entire filming process.
The Australian-American singer didn’t just show up at her premieres or watch episodes. He was like Kidman’s hype man, always there to boost her spirits and make sure she felt pumped up. As the 57-year-old shared with News.com.au:
He’s unbelievably supportive and watches all the episodes and cheers on from the sidelines which, I have to say, if I didn’t have that I wouldn’t be able to do it, I seriously wouldn’t.
Urban’s enthusiasm made a huge difference for Kidman. Whenever things got rough, knowing her husband was rooting for her from the sidelines helped her push through.
Big Little Lies is available to watch on HBO.
