APPLETON, Wis. — Nicole Kidman, the acclaimed actress known for her versatile roles in films and television, faced a grueling start to production on her latest project, the Apple TV+ series Margo’s Got Money Troubles. On her first day of filming as the former pro wrestler Lace, Kidman was battling a severe case of the flu but pushed through a demanding scene, only to be rushed to a hospital afterward for intravenous treatment. The incident, shared by her co-star Nick Offerman, highlights the dedication that has defined Kidman's career amid the high-stakes world of streaming television production.
The episode unfolded on the set of the series, adapted from Rufi Thorpe’s novel of the same name, which follows the story of Margo, a college student whose life unravels after she becomes pregnant by her English professor. Elle Fanning stars as the titular Margo, who drops out of school and receives limited support from her mother, Shayanne, played by Michelle Pfeiffer. Struggling financially, Margo turns to OnlyFans to make ends meet, a plotline that has drawn attention for its exploration of modern economic pressures on young women.
Offerman, who portrays Jinx, an old friend and fellow wrestler in the show, recounted the day’s events in an interview with People magazine on Wednesday, April 22. He described the morning setup as involving a “huge set piece” with Margo and “hundreds of extras,” where some cast members, including stunt doubles, were preparing for actual wrestling sequences. “We’re there in the morning, we’re getting warmed up — some of us are going to be performing some actual wrestling, and so we have our doubles, we have people we’re working with,” Offerman, 55, said.
At around 8:00 a.m., word spread through the crew that Kidman, 58, was sidelined by the flu and might not make it to set. “And the word comes in that Nicole has the flu, and we might not get Nicole today. And we’re like, ‘Oh no, that’s such a bummer, because we only have the one day that we’ve built this whole circus for,’” Offerman recalled. The production had invested significant resources into the single-day shoot, making her potential absence a major setback.
By 11:00 a.m., the mood shifted when it was announced that Kidman was en route. Despite her condition, she arrived looking “so sick,” according to Offerman, appearing “so pale” and “shaken” with what he called a “really bad” flu. Undeterred, Kidman powered through the entire schedule. “Kidman, however, ‘showed up and made sure that we got every shot of her, total superhero style, did everything we needed to so that we did not lose one scrap of what we needed for her character,’ Offerman said.
Once the cameras stopped rolling, the toll became evident. Offerman noted that Kidman “was literally taken to the hospital for an IV” immediately after wrapping her scenes. He expressed profound admiration for her commitment, saying, “And I just said to her, ‘I already admired you so much,’ but this is how you get to be Nicole Kidman, is you show up so that your show doesn’t lose a minute of your value. It was so generous. It was astonishing.”
This isn’t the first time Kidman has endured physical demands on set. In a related interview, she previously mentioned sustaining bruises on her body while filming Big Little Lies, another high-profile series where she balanced intense dramatic roles with the rigors of production. Her willingness to tackle physically challenging parts continues to set her apart in an industry where actors often rely on doubles for action sequences.
The role of Lace marks another bold choice for Kidman, blending elements of legal drama and professional wrestling. Showrunner David E. Kelley, known for creating hits like Ally McBeal and The Practice, spoke to Deadline about casting her in the dual role of a lawyer and wrestler. “I joked before, but it was only half a joke. I thought, ‘OK, we’re going to throw this character at her, a lawyer slash wrestler, and Nicole is going to say, ‘Now you’ve taken it too far. I’m not going to do that.’ But she embraced it,” Kelley said.
Kelley highlighted Kidman’s enthusiasm for authenticity, recounting how she insisted on performing in the ring herself. “She [said], ‘OK. Can I jump in the ring and actually wrestle?’ And she was fantastic in it. She was believable in the ring, and she was believable as a lawyer. So there’s a reason she gets all those job opportunities. She’s pretty good at her craft,” he told the outlet on Wednesday. He also quipped that the team was “trying to get poor Nicole some work wherever we can help her out and boost her career” with the part, underscoring the irony given her already stellar resume.
We’re trying to get poor Nicole some work wherever we can help her out and boost her career.
This quote from Kelley captures the lighthearted camaraderie on set, even as it points to Kidman’s packed schedule. At 58, she remains one of Hollywood’s most sought-after talents, with recent projects including the HBO series The Undoing and the film Babygirl, where she explored complex character dynamics. Her involvement in Margo’s Got Money Troubles adds to a string of collaborations with Apple TV+, following successes like The Morning Show and Big Little Lies.
The series also features Michael Angarano as the professor who impregnates Margo, setting off the chain of events that leads her to unconventional income sources. OnlyFans, the platform central to the plot, has become a focal point in discussions about the gig economy and sex work, themes that Thorpe’s novel delves into with nuance. Production on the show wrapped earlier this year, with episodes set to premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV+ starting later in 2024, though an exact date has not been announced.
Offerman’s account of the filming day aligns with reports from other entertainment outlets, which have praised Kidman’s professionalism without noting any discrepancies. No official statement from Kidman or her representatives has been released regarding the hospital visit, but sources close to the production confirmed the details to Us Weekly. The incident serves as a reminder of the physical and emotional demands placed on actors, particularly in ensemble casts where one person’s absence can disrupt weeks of planning.
Beyond the immediate drama, Kidman’s experience underscores broader trends in television production. Streaming services like Apple TV+ are increasingly investing in prestige content with A-list stars, often requiring long hours and intricate shoots. Wrestling scenes, in particular, demand precision to ensure safety, especially with extras involved—hundreds in this case, as Offerman described the “circus” atmosphere.
Looking ahead, Margo’s Got Money Troubles is poised to generate buzz for its timely narrative and strong ensemble. Fanning, at 26, steps into a lead role that showcases her range beyond period dramas like The Great, while Pfeiffer’s return to television after years in film adds gravitas. Kidman’s portrayal of Lace, informed by her real-life grit on set, could become a standout, much like her transformative turns in Moulin Rouge! and The Hours.
As the series approaches release, fans and critics alike will watch how Kidman’s character weaves into Margo’s story of resilience. Her hospital rush may be a footnote in the production lore, but it exemplifies the unyielding commitment that has earned her five Oscar nominations and a shelf full of awards. In an era where celebrity wellness is often spotlighted, Kidman’s choice to prioritize the work speaks volumes about her ethos.
For now, the cast and crew reflect on a memorable first day that tested limits and forged bonds. Offerman’s praise echoes sentiments from peers who have worked with her, reinforcing why Kidman remains a force in entertainment. With episodes dropping weekly, viewers can soon see the fruits of that labor on screen.