There’s one big question hovering around BBC drama Top Of The Lake: China Girl: Is that REALLY Nicole Kidman?
We can assure you it is, but viewers are likely to do a double-take of the actress due to her unrecognisable features.
Nicole, who is considered one of Hollywood’s most beautiful stars, has undergone a major transformation to play the role of Julia Edwards.
With bushy grey hair, freckles, large fake teeth and bare face, Nicole is far removed from her usual self. But, that’s exactly what attracted her to the story.
Nicole Kidman in Top Of The Lake: China Girl.
“I hope people see a character I haven’t played before,” the 50-year-old says. “I’m so grateful to be a part of [creator] Jane Campion’s work. It’s such a unique vision.”
It’s not the first time the actress has stripped back for a role. In 2002, Nicole wore a prosthetic nose and altered her appearance to play Virginia Woolf in The Hours. She also won an Oscar for her performance.
As for her character in Top Of The Lake: China Girl, Nicole may have changed on the surface but found common ground with adoptive mother Julia due to her own family makeup.
Nicole has two adopted children Isabella and Connor with ex Tom Cruise, as well as her two biological daughters, Faith and Sunday with husband Keith Urban.
“We wanted to be true to the characters so it was an exploration of how do we create them and make them real, human and have it work,” she says. “Julia has a ferocious nature but a big heart. I hope people will be surprised but also moved.”
Top Of The Lake: China Girl features a stellar cast, led by Elisabeth Moss. She reprises her role as Robin, who returns to Sydney looking to reconnect with her birth daughter.
Game Of Thrones star Gwendoline Christie also co-stars as rookie cop Miranda, while Jane Campion’s real-life daughter plays Mary Edwards – the adopted daughter of Julia and biological daughter of Robin.
