Nicole Kidman Sought Naomi Watts’ Approval Before Starring With Liev Schreiber in ‘The Perfect Couple’
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Nicole Kidman revealed that she sought Naomi Watts’ blessing before agreeing to co-star alongside Watts’ former partner, Liev Schreiber, in Netflix’s The Perfect Couple. Kidman, 57, and Schreiber, 56, were promoting the limited series when she humorously mentioned that she had to “beg” Schreiber to “marry” her, referring to their roles as Mr. and Mrs. Winbury in the show.
During an interview, Schreiber added a playful confession, saying, “I heard a story that you asked Naomi first if it was okay.” Kidman confirmed this, showing the depth of her friendship with Watts. Schreiber responded, “Isn’t that amazing? That’s how close they are.”
Watts, 55, confirmed the gesture during an interview with Entertainment Weekly at the Toronto International Film Festival while promoting The Friend. “We always check-in, we’re besties,” Watts said. “That was very kind of her to do that.”
Kidman and Watts’ friendship has spanned more than 30 years. In April, when Watts presented Kidman with the AFI Life Achievement Award, she reflected on their first meeting in the 1980s at an audition for a swimsuit commercial, according to People. Watts described Kidman as “the most generous person” and recounted how Kidman welcomed her into her life, treating her like a sister. “She’s opened up her homes to me. She’s made me feel like part of her family,” Watts shared.
The two actresses went on to star together in the 1991 film Flirting and have remained close ever since. Watts even celebrated Kidman’s birthday on June 20 by sharing a heartfelt message for her “queen.” In turn, Kidman attended Watts’ “fun, beautiful,” and “deeply memorable” wedding to Billy Crudup in June.
As for Watts and Schreiber, the former couple, who were together from 2005 to 2016, have maintained an amicable relationship, co-parenting their two children, Sasha and Kai. Despite their split, the pair have frequently reunited to support their family, further demonstrating the strength of their bond.
