The One Iconic Action Movie Role That Nicole Kidman Regrets Taking (3 of 4)

Despite all that, Kidman doesn’t view Batman Forever as a terrible mistake. But the sense of disappointment or a missed opportunity is definitely there. The movie, however, certainly had its benefits. Batman Forever was a huge box-office hit and helped strengthen Kidman’s position as Hollywood royalty. It also gave her a memorable place in superhero history, even if Chase Meridian was a horribly written character.

The production itself has become almost as famous as the movie. Schumacher later spoke about butting heads with Kilmer, while Carrey had a beef with Jones, who apparently wasn’t a fan of his over-the-top performance style. With giant sets, elaborate costumes, major stars, and plenty of behind-the-scenes tension, it was not your usual drama-free filmmaking experience.

Kidman also did her best to bring a subtle touch of elegance to all the chaos. She understood exactly what kind of movie she was in and committed to its heightened style. Even when Chase’s dialogue became a little ridiculous, Kidman delivered it with total confidence.

Her career soon moved into far more challenging territory when she appeared in Stanley Kubrick’s Eyes Wide Shut. It was a slow, unsettling drama that demanded considerably more emotional effort from Kidman. She continued taking risks with movies such as Moulin Rouge, The Others, and The Hours, winning an Academy Award for the latter.

Eventually, Kidman returned to superhero cinema with 2018’s Aquaman, where she played Atlanna, Aquaman’s mother and Queen of Atlantis. This time, her character’s portrayal did not involve psychoanalysis, as she actively participated in the action rather than merely observing from the sidelines.

That made Aquaman an amusing contrast to Batman Forever. More than two decades after playing a psychologist who barely got to use her professional skills, Kidman finally received a comic-book role with some real power behind it, even though it was a bit bland in the end.