Former Palisadian Kidman to Star in, Executive Produce ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’

By JENNIKA INGRAM | Reporter

Former Palisadian Nicole Kidman showcased her upcoming television project “Nine Perfect Strangers” in a photo with the author of the eponymous novel it’s based on, Liane Moriarty.

“We can’t wait to introduce you to #NinePerfectStrangers, #LianeMoriarty,” Kidman wrote in the Instagram caption.

The New York Times bestseller was published on November 6, 2018, and also was named the 2018 Goodreads Choice Awards Finalist: Best Fiction.

The Hulu limited series adaptation is about nine stressed city dwellers during a 10-day retreat at a boutique health-and-wellness resort. Kidman plays the resort’s director who watches over the guests during their stay, seemingly devoted to reinvigorating their tired psyche and bodies—until the guests become suspicious of their stay.

The project is anticipated to be a hit, following the success of “Big Little Lies”—also starring Kidman and based on a novel written by Moriarty.

Jonathan Levine (“Long Shot,” “Snatched”) is on board to direct the eight-episode series.

Australian screenwriter Samantha Strauss co-wrote the script, with showrunners Palisadian David E. Kelley (“Big Little Lies”) and John-Henry Butterworth (“Edge of Tomorrow”).

The cast includes Bobby Cannavale, Michael Shannon, Regina Hall, Melissa McCarthy, Luke Evans, Melvin Gregg, Samara Weaving, Asher Keddie, Grace Van Patten, Manny Jaci and Tiffany Boone.

The production reportedly got underway August 10 in Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia, and shot scenes with Cannavale, Shannon and Hall.

Producing the series will be Bruna Panandrea, Steve Hutensky, Jodi Matterson, Kidman and Per Saari of Kidman’s Blossom Films. Kidman and McCarthy are also on board as executive producers.

According to reports, the Australian Directors’ Guild asked the producers for an Australian director to be attached to the production but were turned down due to COVID-19 restrictions.

This led Executive Director of the Australian Directors’ Guild Diana Burnett to request Australia’s support to add a provision for a location offset rule, stipulating there must be an Aussie director on all projects receiving an incentive.

McCarthy and Cannavale previously shared screen time in “Spy” (2015) and “Superintelligence” (2020).

“Nine Perfect Strangers” is set to premiere on Hulu in 2021.