The actress-producer opens up about filming in the Austrian Alps, Masha’s emotional backstory, and why Episode 5 was a “thrilling” turning point in the Hulu drama
Nicole Kidman is once again captivating audiences in Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 — and this time, she’s doing it in sub-zero temperatures.
As the psychological drama returns with a fresh storyline and cast, Kidman, who reprises her role as mysterious wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko, shared her experiences filming the new season in the snow-covered Austrian Alps — a dramatic shift from Season 1’s sun-drenched Californian retreat.
“It was a whole new landscape — the whole thing was up for grabs,” Kidman told PEOPLE. “That’s why in Episode 5, it’s the origin story in a way, which is really interesting. You get to see more of Masha’s past and why she is who she is.”
Season 2 diverges from Liane Moriarty’s original novel and gives the creators more freedom to explore complex backstories — including Masha’s tragic connection with David Sharpe, played by new cast member Mark Strong. Episode 5 reveals that David is the father of Masha’s late daughter Tatiana, adding emotional depth to both characters.
“When they first came up with that idea, I was like, ‘Okay, now we’re really onto something,’” Kidman said, adding that she relished speaking Russian and Czech for the flashback-heavy episode. “We wanted to really give it that thriller aspect… and I was like, ‘Oh my god, let’s go!’”
Strong, equally excited about the layered storytelling, hopes viewers feel transported.
“You want the audience to feel like they’ve been taken somewhere special.”
A Chill That Inspired
Though filming in the Alps brought logistical challenges, Kidman believes the bitter cold added to the authenticity and tone of the show.
“There’s something so invigorating about actually being out on location, really cold, walking in snow… The castle that we were shooting in — that was a place. It was so beautiful,” she recalled.
That said, night shoots in freezing temperatures were exhausting.
“I’m tired and I’m cold,” Kidman confessed with a laugh. But she added, “That can penetrate and infiltrate the story and the performance.”
Strong teased her on set:
“You hate the cold, don’t you?”
“No,” Kidman replied. “I like the cold — just not night shooting in it!”
Family on the Slopes
Kidman’s husband Keith Urban and their daughters Sunday Rose (16) and Faith Margaret (14) joined her in Europe for the shoot.
“They were skiing, and so that was great having things for them to do while I was working… We’re able to stay together and maneuver that way, which is good.”
Strong also brought his children to visit during production, enjoying the opportunity to show them around Salzburg and Munich.
“It’s not ideal being away for months, but we made it work,” he said. “There was skiing to be had, and the places we were — just beautiful.”
What’s Next for Masha?
While much of Masha’s past has been revealed, Kidman teases that there’s more to unravel.
“She’s unpredictable… You never quite know what she’s going to do.”
Strong agrees:
“It’s a beautiful, long slow burn over the whole series. That’s what’s clever about it.”