The rumour mill is churning in Hollywood, and this time, the spotlight is firmly on two beloved Australian actors: Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker. Their recent on-screen pairing in the upcoming TV crime drama Scarpetta has ignited speculation about a potential off-screen romance, leaving those close to Baker, particularly his ex-wife Rebecca Rigg, feeling rather bewildered.
The chemistry between Kidman and Baker has been palpable during the Scarpetta promotional tour. Kidman herself has spoken enthusiastically about their collaboration, admitting she actively pursued Baker for the role of her on-screen husband. “Our chemistry just vibrates,” she remarked in one interview, confessing her long-held desire to work with Baker on something “substantial.” She described her pursuit of him for the project as a passionate plea: “‘Would you please, please, do this with me?'” she giddily enthused.
This undeniable on-screen connection has, unsurprisingly, sent Hollywood’s rumour mill into overdrive. The situation escalated when the pair were photographed stepping out hand-in-hand at the Scarpetta premiere earlier in March. Reports have even suggested that Kidman’s ex-husband, country music superstar Keith Urban, who is known to be close with Baker and considers him a “best friend,” is among those perplexed by the situation.
Kidman’s representatives are reportedly working to quell the burgeoning speculation, maintaining that the actors are simply good friends. However, sources close to Rebecca Rigg suggest a different narrative is unfolding, one that has left her confused and perhaps even hurt.
A Deeply Rooted Friendship Tested
Nicole Kidman and Rebecca Rigg share a long and deeply cherished friendship, having grown up together in Sydney. Kidman has often spoken of their bond, describing them as being so close they are “effectively the same person.” This history of profound connection makes the current rumours surrounding Kidman and Rigg’s ex-husband, Simon Baker, all the more impactful.
Rigg, also an actress, and Baker recently ended their 29-year marriage, a union that produced three children. The reportedly cosy behaviour between Kidman and Baker during the Scarpetta press tour has apparently come as a shock to Rigg.
A source close to Rebecca Rigg shared their perspective: “She loves Nicole like a sister; they’ve been through so much together over the years, so it’s extremely shocking for her to get her head around this new dynamic.”
The ‘Aussie Trio’ and Shared History
The friendship between Kidman and Rigg dates back to their formative years. As young women, they were part of a famously tight-knit group that also included actress Naomi Watts, with the trio often referring to themselves as the ‘Aussie Trio.’
Their shared history runs even deeper. In the 1990s, both Rigg and Baker, alongside Kidman and her then-husband Tom Cruise, resided together. This period marked their early steps on the challenging path to Hollywood stardom. Furthermore, Kidman holds the significant role of godmother to one of the three children Rigg and Baker share. Conversely, Rigg has been a crucial part of the support network helping Kidman navigate the aftermath of her divorce from Keith Urban.
Confusion and Perceived ‘Girl Code’ Breach
According to the source close to Rigg, the situation has left her feeling particularly out of the loop. “Rebecca is totally in the dark about Nicole and Simon’s current status,” the source revealed.
Many of their mutual friends initially assumed the public displays of affection, such as the hand-holding at the premiere, were merely a calculated “cheesy stunt” to promote Scarpetta. However, the way Kidman and Baker have navigated questions about their relationship status, coupled with their continued close proximity, has lent more credence to the idea that their connection might indeed be romantic.
The source continued, highlighting the perceived insensitivity from Kidman’s side: “Rebecca and Simon split many years ago. They’re still co-raising their kids and pride themselves on having a totally transparent relationship. For Nicole to act all coy is really breaking the girl code. A lot of Rebecca’s friends are saying it’s pretty insensitive on her part.”
The ongoing narrative surrounding Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker’s chemistry on and off-screen continues to unfold, with the repercussions rippling through their close-knit circle of friends and family.
