Between Luca Guadagnino’s tennis-centric love triangle “Challengers” and enjoying Chani reverse Timothée Chalamet’s Paul in Denis Villeneuve’s “Dune: Half Two,” Zendaya owned 2024. Simply ask Nicole Kidman, who makes some extent of telling the 28-year-old actor that she paid cash to see each movies in theaters. “One I noticed at midnight — I used to be actually jet-lagged — and I used to be riveted,” Kidman says. “I’m a Dunie!” Zendaya’s present place in Hollywood isn’t in contrast to that of a younger Kidman, who had already labored with Tony Scott, Gus Van Sant and Jane Campion when she was that age. However Kidman, now 57, has realized rather a lot since then, and as they speak, she delves into her function within the A24 psychosexual drama “Babygirl” whereas additionally taking Zendaya via her playbook for constructing an imaginative and dangerous — however emotionally regulated — profession. First, although, Kidman is dying to listen to how the “Dune” group managed to make the sci-fi world really feel so lived in. “Denis did this lovely, sweeping shot of the dawn, looking on the dunes,” Zendaya tells her about Chani’s first kiss with Paul. “And I inform you, nothing modified about that shot. That’s not particular results. It was so beautiful and unreal. I used to be like, ‘That is our planet.’”
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NICOLE KIDMAN: As an actor, you get to see the world, and also you’re not simply visiting as a vacationer. You’re working with crews, with folks in these locations, so you actually grow to be part of it. When you’re working with the identical crew again and again, it’s nearly like telepathy begins to occur between everyone.
ZENDAYA: Do you’re feeling such as you discovered that whenever you have been doing “Babygirl”? As a result of that’s such an intimate expertise, and it’s important to really feel so protected. You must really feel protected.
KIDMAN: Yeah. The cinematographer and digital camera operator is a big a part of that. We’re all on this; it’s not simply the actors. Earlier than it, you’re all within the room collectively, however you’re not conscious of the place everyone is. It was very unfastened. Our director, Halina Reijn, created a really heat atmosphere, however it was additionally exploratory. You might be sitting on this chair, after which instantly the scene is on the ground. You may are available in with this plan, however the plan shouldn’t be going that will help you, actually. Listening and responding, as we do in life, is one of the best ways to get one thing particular. And you’ll inform. You’re listening proper now.
ZENDAYA: You may inform if somebody’s excited about what they’re going to say or what they’re going to do with their hand. I’ve caught myself doing that, whenever you dissociate mid-take. Otherwise you begin considering, “Why did I simply do this with my eye? That was a very bizarre alternative.” I acquired requested rather a lot concerning the three-way kiss scene in [“Challengers”], and I used to be like, “Actually, it’s a four-, five-, six-, seven-, eight-, nine-way kiss,” as a result of there’s so many individuals. There’s a digital camera coming at us at a sure time. I do know that once I go from Mike [Faist] to Josh [O’Connor], when the digital camera is available in, I gotta transfer again. There’s so many issues at play. While you choose tasks, are you targeted on the story, or do you concentrate on filmmakers you wish to work with? Is it totally different each time?
KIDMAN: Yeah. You?
ZENDAYA: It’s totally different each time. I used to be despatched the [“Challengers”] script by Amy Pascal. I really did a mock desk learn at my agent’s home, as a result of everyone is aware of I’m dangerous at studying scripts — I get sidetracked. It’s exhausting to maintain my consideration on one factor. I simply beloved it. It was heartbreaking, but in addition humorous, however attractive, however round sports activities — however not likely about sports activities. And he or she was a feminine character that felt very unapologetic. It wasn’t just like the damage made her this manner; she simply is who she is. After which we despatched it to [Guadagnino]. Our first Zoom name, I used to be so nervous. I used to be like, “Perhaps he doesn’t wish to work with me! What if he [doesn’t] even like me?” However he simply had such a deep understanding of those characters. It’s case by case for me. Generally it’s the director; generally it’s the challenge.
KIDMAN: Generally it’s simply the thought. Even when it’s not realized, I’m prepared to leap off the cliff and take a look at, understanding that it might splat. However you’ll be able to’t be terrified of the splat. My journey via the life I wish to stay is experimental. I wish to study, uncover, develop and alter. I wish to be modified. Change me. Take me to a spot that’s totally different. So long as we go in type of obsessed, then one thing’s going to come back out of it. As a result of I really like obsession.
ZENDAYA: With —?
KIDMAN: With different folks. I like us all being utterly obsessed. And looking for. And making an attempt.
ZENDAYA: Each time you begin a brand new challenge, it’s a threat.
KIDMAN: Besides it wasn’t for “Babygirl.” As quickly as I heard it was referred to as “Babygirl,” I’m like, “Yeah. I wish to be the babygirl.” And a lot of it’s the chemistry. [Reijn] was like, “What about Harris Dickinson?”
ZENDAYA: Generally the celebrities simply align. All the fitting items begin falling into place.
KIDMAN: And also you just like the folks. We’re having such good conversations, identical to we’d be having round a dinner desk. The intimacy, and the power to share your deepest, darkest secrets and techniques. I’m hooked on that.
ZENDAYA: Let’s skip all of the small speak. Let’s go there.
KIDMAN: Who’re you? What is that this world? What’s occurred to you? I’d go and sit with Halina on the ground. How I begin is at all times “Can we sit on the ground and speak?” And he or she would have some physicalities that she would counsel, and he or she’s very free along with her physique, which is nice. Give me some issues that aren’t my preliminary instincts, after which I can adapt. I’m like a sponge. That’s what I see appearing as. You’re a porous creature.
ZENDAYA: Taking it in.
KIDMAN: After which it comes out of you otherwise.
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ZENDAYA: I’m very self-critical, however being on units is the one place that I really feel spontaneous and free. I don’t have to fret concerning the penalties of those actions. It’s not my life. I can watch myself again as a result of I don’t see it as me. It’s one other individual we’re creating.
KIDMAN: I don’t watch the monitor.
ZENDAYA: Freaks you out?
KIDMAN: I don’t like to interrupt the place I’m. It’s nearly a trance. If the director’s talking off digital camera, I can hear it, however I wouldn’t come out of character — individuals are like, “She’s just a little loopy.” I don’t just like the monitor. However somebody like Baz Luhrmann loves you to look. When you make me, I’ll, however my choice is to not.
ZENDAYA: I can type of divorce myself from it, as a result of to an extent, it’s not mine. It’s the director’s as nicely. You must have a stage of belief. Luca [shoots] one, two takes. He doesn’t prefer to shoot rather a lot.
KIDMAN: That’s like Halina. Nicely, we didn’t have some huge cash both. We have been like, “Fast! We gotta!” I really like when you’ll be able to go, “You are feeling assured? Let’s go. Take me there.”
ZENDAYA: You talked about Baz Luhrmann. “Moulin Rouge!” is certainly one of my favourite films of all time. I might sing the entire soundtrack proper now should you wanted me to.
KIDMAN: Please! Come on!
ZENDAYA: After I did “Best Showman,” I stored referencing it so many instances.
KIDMAN: Baz was so formative for me. I’d at all times executed these bizarre movies, however I used to be in my head going, “Gosh, I’m by no means going to get to do the nice love story.” Immediately, “Moulin Rouge!” got here, and I’m like, “A musical love story? I can’t do that.” As a result of I don’t really feel assured with the voice. Then he slowly constructed me up. Inform me about “Euphoria.” And Rue. Come on, spill the tea.
ZENDAYA: Nicely, I began in TV as a child. I did sitcoms.
KIDMAN: Oh, I do know. I’ve a 13-year-old and a 16-year-old, so we’ve grown up with you.
ZENDAYA: Oh, so sorry about that.
KIDMAN: We’re obsessed. That is the spotlight for me. I get to go house and go, “Look, Sunday and Religion: Zendaya!”
ZENDAYA: Nicely, shoutout to your youngsters. Your mother’s cool. Do your homework.
KIDMAN: I’ve made it!
ZENDAYA: Anyway, you get so used to a personality. It looks like a pores and skin that you simply simply slip on. Rue simply falls into me. I’m not excited about it a lot. It’s identical to, “Oh, she’s right here now.”
KIDMAN: It’s so intense. Do you stagger out of that have?
ZENDAYA: Sure and no. Whereas it was emotionally and bodily draining, it was so rewarding. I used to be so happy with it. It related with folks.
KIDMAN: Are you doing extra? You’ve executed two.
ZENDAYA: We’re speculated to do one other season. I’ve solely executed two, however it looks like 5. One season of “Euphoria” is like, “Phew!”
KIDMAN: It’s actually taxing going via all of these feelings. Your [body] doesn’t …
ZENDAYA: … know that it’s faux.
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KIDMAN: No. So that you’re placing your self via the trauma. On “Babygirl,” there have been components that are actually not within the movie that we shot that gave me — it was exhausting, however it was additionally simply emotion- ally disturbing. The identical once I was doing “Massive Little Lies.” That was disturbing to my physique and my psyche, as a result of I couldn’t inform what was actual and what wasn’t. I’d have actual bruises throughout my again and physique.
ZENDAYA: I nonetheless have my Rue scars.
KIDMAN: My mind would say, “Maintain on. You’re harm.” So I’ve executed issues the place they clear my chakras and pray and get out the sage. Truthfully, I’ll take no matter so I can step into the following place free, and never scarred or broken or wounded. Which feels like I’m batshit loopy, however I’m not. Even only a therapeutic massage, the place instantly you get an exquisite contact. That’s therapeutic, and now we have to heal. I’m nonetheless studying to not sacrifice my physique for the sake of the artwork, as a result of a part of me desires to. Having to worth who I’m, it’s a journey. However you appear very secure.
ZENDAYA: Appear — no, I’m kidding.
KIDMAN: You’ve acquired a terrific system round you. Like having your canine right here.
ZENDAYA: That’s my emotional assist.
KIDMAN: I at all times say, if you want to hold your blankie until you’re 85, you retain your blankie. There’s no medal for giving that up.
ZENDAYA: I’m nonetheless studying, however I do know that I prefer to have enjoyable on my job. I don’t wish to be depressing simply because the character’s depressing. On “Euphoria,” we’d have actually, actually powerful days. I’m like, “OK, gotta go cry and knock down a door actual fast,” after which I’ll come again like, “Hey, Cheesecake Manufacturing unit? What are we getting for lunch?” I strive my finest to go away them at work and go house and stay my life and be an individual.
KIDMAN: I’m going house and I’ve a household, which is such a very good steadiness, as a result of it’s important to be current and never carrying all of it. When folks say, “Can you will have a child and nonetheless do the appearing?” Sure, you’ll be able to. It’s nearly higher, as a result of you’ll be able to’t indulge your self. However on the similar time, the work does penetrate my desires or my sleep.
ZENDAYA: That does occur. The unconscious, I can’t management.
KIDMAN: Additionally, I simply am an enormous believer in working. Get in there. When you get provided a job, overthinking and going, “Nicely, is it adequate?” — so many actors don’t have a alternative. Simply soar in and do it. You by no means know the place it’s going to guide. And each job does produce one thing else.
ZENDAYA: Holding that a part of your self alive.
KIDMAN: Keep grateful. Keep open and excited concerning the alternatives.
ZENDAYA: Do you like TV or movie?
KIDMAN: I prefer it all. I like stage as nicely.
ZENDAYA: I haven’t executed that but. I’m so nervous.
KIDMAN: Come on! It’s nerve-racking, sure, however I believe you’d be fantastic.
ZENDAYA: We talked about making an attempt to not take it house with you, and I really feel like delivering day-after-day to a stay viewers, that’s lots of vitality coming at you. Generally a number of instances a day. It’s such an emotionally demanding factor to do.
KIDMAN: However you’re in there collectively. And the vitality of the individuals who have paid to come back, who wish to be taken on an expertise, that’s extremely invigorating. Come on!
ZENDAYA: I do know. I do know. I’ve acquired to tear the Band-Assist off. Perhaps in the future I’ll do it. I’ll cease backing out. Sooner or later, hopefully, we will work collectively. We will have enjoyable and discover.
KIDMAN: After which go, “What are you having for lunch?”
ZENDAYA: Precisely.
KIDMAN: Thanks, child.
