Nicole Kidman’s fans have sparked a passionate debate over whether the 57-year-old actress is taking on too many roles in Hollywood. Kidman, widely regarded as one of the industry’s most talented and versatile performers, has had a packed year, starring in A Family Affair, Babygirl, Expats, The Perfect Couple, Lioness, and even lending her voice to the animated film Spellbound.
Too Much Screen Time?
In addition to these projects, Kidman has also been cast in Scarpetta and is hopeful for her return in a third season of Big Little Lies as well as a Practical Magic sequel. However, this impressive list of credits has stirred controversy. When Kidman celebrated being named Woman of the Year by British GQ magazine on Instagram, some critics claimed she was “taking opportunities away from other actresses.”
“Can you give other actresses a chance and maybe not be in every movie?” one commenter wrote under her post.
Another critic added, “I think you need to stop acting like you’re 25. It’s getting annoying seeing you in everything. It might backfire on you if people get tired of it.”
Others argued that she risks overexposure and questioned if she really needs the work. “Does she really need all these roles?” one skeptic noted.
Fans Rally in Support of Nicole’s Talent
While the backlash was strong, so too was the support. Fans passionately defended the Oscar-winning actress, arguing that her talent justifies her numerous roles.
“Her talent is undeniable! She deserves every role she gets. I wish she were in MORE movies and MORE shows. She’s a legend,” one fan proclaimed.
Another wrote, “That’s literally her job. It’s like telling a banker to quit their job so someone else can have it.”
“When I see Kidman in the cast, I know it’s worth watching!” commented a third fan, reflecting on Kidman’s consistent star power and quality performances.
Some even noted how Kidman’s work could inspire other women in Hollywood. “The fact that a mature woman is still getting so much work is amazing. I can’t say anything negative about her visibility. Hopefully, more women will follow her lead.”
Earlier this year, Kidman explained in a Variety interview that she is open to taking on more roles because she sees it as a way to “help others in the industry.”
“In a strange way, I have a lot of opportunities to serve people who are developing and use what I have to lift others,” she said. “It’s hard for me to say, ‘Okay, I’m just going to take care of myself,’ because I’m really interested in helping others.” She added, “I can create more jobs. I can create work for others. And I’m passionate about that.”
Kidman’s Take on Hollywood Gender Disparities
The debate also follows Kidman’s recent remarks in Vanity Fair where she expressed her long-held desire to work with legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese. However, she noted that Scorsese’s preference for male leads has limited her opportunities.
“I’ve always said I want to work with Scorsese, but only if he makes a film with a woman in the lead,” Kidman commented, referring to the director’s frequent collaborations with male A-list actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Robert De Niro, and Daniel Day-Lewis.
Kidman isn’t the first to voice concerns over Scorsese’s tendency to focus on masculine narratives. Back in 2011, Meryl Streep made a similar observation, joking, “I’d like Martin Scorsese to occasionally care about a female character, but I don’t know if I’ll live long enough to see it.”
Kidman’s ambitious career trajectory has clearly stirred a mix of admiration and criticism, yet she remains a powerful force and a celebrated talent in the industry. The question lingers: Is she doing too much, or is she simply a Hollywood powerhouse giving fans exactly what they want?
