Nicole Kidman Says She Couldn’t Handle Kissing a Co-Star on Set

Nicole Kidman recently shared some advice for anyone who might be sharing a kissing scene with her in the future: stay away from falafel sandwiches. The Oscar-winning actress opened up on the Las Culturistas podcast with hosts Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang about one of her biggest professional deal-breakers.

Kidman explained that she is very sensitive to smell, and bad breath is an instant turn-off for her on set. She recalled a specific incident while filming the HBO series Big Little Lies with Alexander Skarsgård. The actor had eaten a falafel sandwich just before they were about to film intimate scenes.

“I’m meant to be into you and kissing you — put away the falafel now,” Kidman said she told him. She added jokingly, “I’m sure he did not eat a falafel ever again.”

She also joked about her temporary relief when she lost her sense of smell due to COVID, saying it made her feel “free” for a short period. Since her sense of smell returned, she has become very particular about the people she spends time with.

When asked who she thinks smells the best, she didn’t hesitate, naming Rihanna. “We don’t need to unwind it or decipher it, just know that it’s all true,” she said. Aside from sharing funny stories, Kidman is having a busy year professionally.

On March 11, her new crime thriller series Scarpetta premiered on Prime Video. She stars as forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta alongside Jamie Lee Curtis and Bobby Cannavale. The show, based on Patricia Cornwell’s book series, follows the character across two timelines.

Kidman is also moving forward personally after her divorce from Keith Urban, finalized earlier this year. She has spoken openly about finding resilience and focusing on what is best for her and her family.

Looking ahead, fans can expect to see her in several major projects. She will reunite with Sandra Bullock in the long-awaited sequel to Practical Magic 2, and she stars alongside Elle Fanning in the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles, arriving in April. Additionally, she will produce and star in the Paramount+ legal thriller Discretion.

With a packed schedule of high-profile projects, Kidman continues to be one of Hollywood’s most in-demand and versatile stars, balancing humor, storytelling, and professionalism in every role she takes on.

What upcoming Nicole Kidman series or movie are you most excited to see? Share your thoughts in the comments.