In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Nicole Kidman and her co-star Mark Strong opened up about their experiences filming the highly anticipated second season of Hulu’s Nine Perfect Strangers, which takes viewers from the sun-soaked beaches of California to the snowy peaks of the Austrian Alps. The anthology series, based on Liane Moriarty’s 2018 novel, premiered its first season in 2021 and became Hulu’s most-watched original series at the time. Season 2, which debuted on May 21, 2025, introduces a fresh cast and a chilling new setting, with Kidman reprising her role as the enigmatic Russian wellness guru, Masha Dmitrichenko. While the stunning alpine backdrop brought authenticity and beauty to the production, Kidman admitted that the night shoots in the frigid winter conditions were both challenging and exhilarating. “It’s just night shooting in the cold or that sort of thing,” she told PEOPLE. “I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m tired and I’m cold.’ But then that can penetrate and infiltrate the story and the performance.”
A New Chapter in the Austrian Alps
The first season of Nine Perfect Strangers captivated audiences with its blend of psychological drama, dark humor, and an all-star cast, including Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, and Bobby Cannavale. Set in the fictional Tranquillum House in Cabrillo, California, the series followed nine strangers who gathered for a 10-day wellness retreat, only to uncover unsettling secrets about the resort and its mysterious director, Masha. The show’s unorthodox approach to healing—most notably Masha’s use of psilocybin to microdose her guests without their consent—sparked controversy and intrigue, setting the stage for a gripping narrative.
For Season 2, the series adopts an anthology format, moving the story to Zauberwald, a luxurious chalet in the Austrian Alps. The shift in setting brings a darker, more intense tone, with snow-covered landscapes and a sense of isolation amplifying the stakes. Kidman, who also serves as an executive producer, explained to Vanity Fair that the snowy environment was chosen deliberately to create a sense of inescapable beauty and confrontation. “You put them in the snow because it’s almost like you can’t escape, but it’s still very beautiful,” she said. The six-month shoot in Austria and Germany, including a real castle as a primary location, added authenticity to the production, but the harsh winter conditions tested the cast and crew.
Kidman, 57, described the invigorating yet demanding experience of filming in the Alps. “I fell in love with that. There’s something so invigorating about being outside and actually being on the locations and actually being really cold and walking in snow,” she shared with PEOPLE. “And I think there’s just something about the air and the water and the landscape and having it be authentic.” The actress noted that the cold weather not only shaped the atmosphere of the series but also influenced her performance, allowing her to tap into the raw, visceral emotions required for Masha’s complex character.
Embracing the Cold for Authentic Performances
Filming Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 was a stark contrast to the first season, which was shot on Australia’s warm coast under strict COVID protocols. The second season’s alpine setting brought a new set of challenges, particularly during night shoots. Kidman admitted that the freezing temperatures were tough, especially during long hours on set. “It’s just night shooting in the cold or that sort of thing. I’m like, ‘Okay, I’m tired and I’m cold,’” she confessed. However, she also saw the conditions as an opportunity to deepen her portrayal of Masha. “But then that can penetrate and infiltrate the story and the performance,” she added, noting how the discomfort added authenticity to the scenes.
Mark Strong, who plays billionaire David Sharpe, echoed Kidman’s sentiments about the unique energy of the alpine location. “It’s a beautiful, long slow burn over the whole series,” he told PEOPLE, emphasizing the gradual unraveling of each character’s storyline. The cold, isolating environment mirrored the emotional journeys of the characters, who are pushed to their limits through Masha’s unconventional methods, including psychedelic therapy. The authenticity of the setting, combined with the intense emotional stakes, created a dynamic backdrop for the cast’s performances.
Kidman’s commitment to staying in character as Masha was a notable aspect of the production. Executive producer Bruna Papandrea revealed at the Season 2 premiere in Los Angeles that Kidman often entered the set as Masha, meeting her co-stars for the first time in character to maintain the tension and anticipation central to the story. “She doesn’t meet them before; she enters as Masha meeting them for the first time, which is what she did in the first season,” Papandrea explained. Strong described the experience as both “thrilling” and “scary,” noting that Kidman would “waft in and out” like an “exotic unicorn,” fully embodying the enigmatic guru.
Masha’s Evolution and a Star-Studded Cast
In Season 2, Masha remains the only returning character from the first season, guiding a new group of nine strangers through a transformative retreat. The anthology format allows for a fresh narrative, unbound by the constraints of Moriarty’s novel, which was fully adapted in Season 1. Kidman described Masha as a “shark” with a mischievous and powerful presence, a role she relished for its departure from the more emotionally vulnerable characters she often plays. “I actually love playing this character because she’s so powerful,” she told The Hollywood Reporter. “Masha is power and so that’s what’s so appealing — and then also getting to be the puppeteer of this whole group.”
The new season introduces a stellar ensemble cast, including Henry Golding, Murray Bartlett, Christine Baranski, Annie Murphy, Dolly de Leon, Maisie Richardson-Sellers, King Princess, Lena Olin, and Aras Aydın. Each actor brings depth to their character, portraying individuals with diverse traumas and motivations. Bartlett plays Brian, a disgraced children’s TV host grappling with a public scandal, while Baranski shines as Victoria, a sharp-witted guest whose dynamic with her daughter Imogen (Murphy) adds emotional complexity. Dolly de Leon’s subtle yet powerful performance as Agnes, a former nun, has been highlighted as a standout, with Collider praising her ability to ground the mysterious character.
A pivotal flashback episode, titled “Prague,” delves into Masha’s past and her connection to David Sharpe, played by Strong. The episode reveals that Sharpe is the father of Masha’s deceased daughter, Tatiana, adding a layer of personal stakes to the retreat. Kidman described the creative process behind the episode as exhilarating, noting that the team, including creator David E. Kelley and director Jonathan Levine, aimed to infuse it with a thriller-like intensity. “When they first came up with that idea, I was like, ‘Okay, now we’re really onto something,’” she told PEOPLE. “And the way in which Jonathan wanted to do it was we wanted to really give it that thriller aspect.”
The Challenges and Rewards of Filming
The six-month shoot in the Austrian Alps was a communal experience for the cast and crew, a stark contrast to the isolated filming conditions of Season 1. Kidman highlighted the camaraderie that developed on set, fostered by the shared challenge of working in such a remote and demanding environment. “The air, it’s healthy, obviously,” she told Vanity Fair. “It’s incredibly healthy there, but it’s also invigorating and confronting.” The cast filmed in real locations, including a stunning resort overlooking the mountains, which added to the immersive quality of the production.
For Kidman, the role of Masha also allowed her to explore new dimensions of her craft. She embraced the opportunity to speak Russian and Czech in the flashback episode, adding authenticity to Masha’s backstory as a Russian immigrant. “I get to speak Russian and Czech, and it was just like, ‘Oh my god, let’s go!’” she enthused. Her commitment to the role extended to her physical transformation, including a sharp blonde bob wig chosen specifically for Masha’s Season 2 persona. “Everything is very specific,” Kidman told Variety. “It’s chosen for a reason because she’s got very strong intentions and agendas.”
The actress also brought her family to Austria during filming, allowing her husband, Keith Urban, and their daughters, Sunday Rose, 16, and Faith Margaret, 14, to enjoy the alpine environment. “They were skiing, and so that was great having things for them to do while I was working,” she shared with PEOPLE. “They would spend a day skiing, and I would commute from a little ski lodge to work.” The presence of her family provided a grounding force amidst the demanding shoot, allowing Kidman to balance her professional and personal life.
Critical Reception and Future Prospects
Season 2 of Nine Perfect Strangers has received mixed reviews, with a 46% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 26 critic reviews. Critics have praised the ensemble cast’s chemistry and Kidman’s commanding performance but noted that the season lacks the fun and campy energy of the first. Entertainment Weekly described it as “darker—tonally and literally,” criticizing its narrative weight but acknowledging the strength of the performances, particularly Baranski’s scene-stealing presence. Collider, however, found the season “bolder, weirder, and more compelling,” suggesting that the anthology format allows for greater creative freedom.
The season’s finale, aired on July 2, 2025, ties together the characters’ interconnected stories, revealing their shared connection to David Sharpe and offering closure for many of their arcs. While the show was initially conceived as a limited series, its renewal for a second season and Kidman’s enthusiasm for the role of Masha have sparked speculation about future installments. At the Season 2 premiere, Kidman expressed openness to a “Nicole Kidman Extended Universe,” where her various TV characters could coexist, suggesting her continued passion for pushing creative boundaries.
Conclusion
Nicole Kidman’s return as Masha in Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 is a testament to her dedication to challenging roles and her ability to bring depth to complex characters. The cold, invigorating night shoots in the Austrian Alps not only shaped the series’ atmosphere but also enriched the performances, allowing the cast to deliver authentic and emotionally resonant portrayals. With a stellar ensemble, a bold new setting, and a narrative that pushes the boundaries of psychological drama, Season 2 offers a thrilling continuation of the Nine Perfect Strangers saga. As Kidman navigates Masha’s unpredictable journey, she remains a captivating force, proving once again why she is one of Hollywood’s most versatile and enduring talents.
