Latest news with #MurrayBartlett
News.com.au
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Christine Baranski shares why Nicole Kidman kept distance on Nine Perfect Strangers set
They may be Nine Perfect Strangers on screen, but behind the scenes the new cast of the drama series are anything but. Christine Baranski joins Nicole Kidman along with a star-studded line-up for season two, including Crazy Rich Asians star Henry Golding, The White Lotus star Murray Bartlett, and Schitt's Creek star Annie Murphy. But while the cast bonded during the six months they filmed in the snowy Austrian Alps, in a case of life imitating art, Kidman kept her distance on the series, which is now streaming on Prime Video. The Aussie actress reprises her role as Masha Dmitrichenko, a Russian wellness guru who uses unconventional and questionable methods to treat her guests as the fictional health retreat Zauberwald Although Masha is sociable and people are drawn to her, she is equally complex and enigmatic – and it appears Kidman maintained this persona off-screen too. 'We bonded, the nine of us. And when [Kidman] would come in, it was sort of exactly like it would be in the show, which is she comes in and we're all, what's she all about? What's she going to do? And so the chemistry was sort of exactly right for it,' Baranski, 73, told 'She's rather perfect for that role. The character of Masha is so mysterious and has her own backstory that's very, very complicated and interesting. And Nicole is really tall and statuesque, and her look in this show, I think, is particularly arresting. So she's just perfect for this inscrutable, intimidating character.' Still, there was nothing that could keep Baranski away from the show or Kidman. 'It's such a no-brainer. My agent said it was Nicole Kidman and the second season of Strangers, which was already an established hit. Then he mentioned the talent that they were offering roles to various actors, and they were all extraordinary people. And then he said that it was going to film in Europe, in Munich and the Austrian Alps,' the Mamma Mia star shared. In season two, Baranski plays the glamorous and sensual Victoria, who enlists the help of Masha to repair her relationship with her daughter Imogen (played by Murphy). While they play an estranged mother-and-daughter duo, off-screen Murphy adored Baranski. 'She is the hostess with the mostest and she's so generous. Anytime she'd go away [from set], she'd come back with cakes and treats and all these things for us,' Murphy told 'We were staying in this town called Halstadt in Austria, which is this beautiful fairytale town around this alpine lake. And we're staying in this beautiful hotel and the hotel backed onto the lake. 'Christine arranged this evening for us, and the sun was just setting and we walked out and there was champagne and beautiful tables set up. She'd curated this incredible classical playlist for us that was kind of echoing across this still, beautiful lake. And it was just magical.' In the series, there is also magic between Baranski's Victoria and her much younger lover Matteo (played by Aras Aydın). There seems to be a chorus of age-gap romances playing out on screens across Hollywood lately, but Baranski says there is nothing salacious about this May-December romance. 'It was very easy because Aras is so emotionally free and available and he's beautiful and so passionate. We didn't have to work at that [chemistry],' she said. 'As you can see from early on in the first few episodes, it's not just some sexy older woman-hot guy relationship. There's an enormous kind of tenderness and caretaking and loveliness between us. 'We valued bringing that out more than the sexy part because it's transcends age. People can love each other long after they feel sexy or hot for each other. The tenderness and the intimacy is what is most lasting and interesting.'
CBC
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Annie Murphy and Murray Bartlett on why we love watching dysfunctional families
Social Sharing From The Sopranos to Succession, dysfunctional families have long captivated television audiences. There's a strange comfort in witnessing the messy realities of others. It evokes a collective sigh of relief that says, "Oh, thank goodness, it's not just my circus." This sentiment is shared by both Annie Murphy and Murray Bartlett, who star in the second season of Nine Perfect Strangers on Prime Video. This emotionally charged season hinges on dysfunctional families, including an uptight daughter (Murphy) looking for approval from her emotionally elusive mother (Christine Baranski) and a father-son duo (Henry Golding and Mark Strong) whose strained relationship is equally tested. Both Murphy and Bartlett, veterans of acclaimed ensemble casts (Schitt's Creek and The White Lotus, respectively), delve into the dynamics that make the mind-bending retreat drama so compelling in a joint interview with CBC Arts. For Murphy, the allure lies in the relatability of such issues. "You see that it's kind of a universal dysfunctionality [and] it makes you feel comforted and safe," she says. Bartlett suggests every family harbours its own unique brand of chaos. "I think even very functional families have dysfunction," he says. "When there's honesty about what goes on with family dynamics ... there's some sort of relief and just sort of identification with it in a way that can be quite healing in itself." This season, Nicole Kidman returns as Russian wellness guru Masha, bringing together a new group of strangers in the Bavarian Alps. The series also stars King Princess, Dolly de Leon, Maisie Richardson-Sellers and Aras Aydin. From the get-go, the friendship between Murphy and Bartlett is palpable. There's one particular scene involving a feisty kitchen fight between the two that sends them into laughter as they recall filming it. "This man is one of my very favourite acting partners I've ever had in my life," Murphy says, while hanging onto her co-star's arm. "We were lucky to click right away and to become good friends — and so that enabled us to be able to be really awful to each other in this scene." Bartlett echoes the sentiment, describing their kitchen kerfuffle as a career highlight. "When you have the opportunity to do such an amazing scene like that with someone who you love and respect, it doesn't really get better than that." Murphy, the Ottawa-born actress who lives in Toronto, delivers another memorable moment when her character, Imogen, channels an increasingly deranged Heidi (the Swiss orphan girl of Johanna Spyri's famous children's book) on a psychedelic drug trip. "That unhinged and over-the-top and chaotic [energy] is kind of where I find my sweet spot," Murphy says gleefully. She credits her playful dynamic with co-star Henry Golding for the scene's unsettling yet darkly comedic tone. "I love being able to just kind of go for it and be weird and so silly. And getting motorboated by Henry Golding — there could be worse things," she laughs. "We had such a fun time trying to one up each other in that scene. It was such a blast." For Bartlett, Nine Perfect Strangers offered the unique opportunity to explore the unusual relationship between his character, Brian, and Brian's puppet companion. "I've never had a chance to play a character that has a very close, kind of platonically intimate relationship with a puppet," he says. He found the challenge of projecting an aspect of his character onto a physical object, then developing a complex relationship with it "really amazing and fun." He also appreciates the depth and nuance afforded to Brian, describing his character's journey from brokenness to a form of healing as a "real privilege." "That's what you signed up for with this show. These characters are dealing with deep stuff. It's comedy, but it also has depth. And they're taking psychedelics, so it's going to get crazy. It's a great playing field for all of us," he adds. Reflecting on their experiences in successful ensemble shows, both actors offer insights into the "secret sauce" of creating compelling group narratives. Murphy humorously suggests "luck," before explaining that it's actually "good writing." She also credits the sense of connection she developed with the Nine Perfect Strangers cast during their extended filming period in Munich. "It became very apparent very quickly that the whole cast is just a bunch of real dorky theatre kids. So we just all bonded so quickly, and it's the kind of kindred-spiritness and friendship that really allows for a lot of chemistry." Bartlett brings up the importance of casting, highlighting the need for an "interesting group of characters" and actors whose dynamics will create compelling interactions. He emphasizes the value of diverse personalities coming together — as seen in the series' wide range of characters — to spark something truly great. Ultimately, the magic of Nine Perfect Strangers, much like other successful dysfunctional family dramas, lies in its ability to hold a mirror to our own imperfect lives. Through the compelling performances of actors like Murphy and Bartlett, the show reminds us that within the chaos and complexities of human relationships, we find comfort in the shared experience.
Courier-Mail
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Courier-Mail
Murray Bartlett talks starring alongside Nicole Kidman on Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2
Don't miss out on the headlines from TV. Followed categories will be added to My News. Aussie actor Murray Bartlett is far from The White Lotus. The 54-year-old went from playing resort manager Armond in the first season of the dark comedy to being cast as cancelled puppeteer Brian on Season 2 of the drama series Nine Perfect Strangers. But Bartlett, who was born in Sydney and raised in Perth, is far from lost – and he is no stranger to fellow Aussie actress Nicole Kidman, who reprises her role of enigmatic wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko in the new season. Australian actor Murray Bartlett stars in Season 2 of Nine Perfect Strangers. Picture: Disney/Reiner Bajo Bartlett won an Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie for The White Lotus in 2022. Picture: Frederic J. Brown / AFP 'She's an icon in the world, but she's like a special icon for us. So I think it was a thrill for all of us to jump on board with her and be able to be part of this world with her,' he tells ahead of the Season 2 premiere on May 22 on Prime Video. 'It's an extraordinary character that she's created and she's wild and mysterious and unpredictable. And so that was also a thrilling kind of ride to be on, to be in scenes with this character. You're not sure whether she's helping you or messing with you, which I think makes the show really compelling to watch.' Season 2 of Nine Perfect Strangers premieres on Pirme Video on May 22. Like in Season 1, nine people with different traumas convene for 10 days at fictional wellness retreat Zauberwald in the Austrian Alps led by Masha (Kidman). But with the Russian guru's unconventional approach to healing, it's anyone's guess what journey is required for them to undergo their transformations. Nicole Kidman returns as mysterious wellness guru Masha. Picture: Disney/Reiner Bajo Murray plays a once-popular children's TV show host and puppeteer who is 'cancelled' for his offensive meltdown on screen. 'I love the character. I love the way he was written. I think it's really interesting to explore the nuances of cancel culture and what it looks like from both sides and trying to suspend judgement on both sides of a situation like that and just kind of dive into the emotional stuff that people are projecting or dealing with in that kind of situation. So I felt there was so many kind of interesting things to explore with Brian,' he says. Bartlett plays a children's entertainer who gets cancelled following an on-air meltdown. Picture: Disney/Reiner Baji Mainly for Bartlett, it was the cast that made the series. Among them are billionaire father Peter Sharpe (Mark Strong) and son David (Henry Golding), glamorous divorcee Victoria (Christine Baranski) and her enraged daughter Imogen (Annie Murphy) and a nun named Agnes with a mysterious past (Dolly De Leon). Season 2 features a stellar cast that includes Henry Golding, Christine Baranski, Annie Murphy, Dolly De Leon and Aras Ayin. Picture: Disney/Reiner Bajo 'It's this great ensemble show. I didn't know at the time when I signed on what a wonderful group it would be, but it's amazing to be able to be part of such a great ensemble and to tell this story together and lean on each other and develop those relationships,' Bartlett says. Co-star Annie Murphy agrees. She played Alexis Rose in the award-winning Netflix hit Schitt's Creek on all six seasons. In Nine Perfect Strangers, Murphy portrays Imogen – a guarded woman raised with wealth and privilege. Annie Murphy, who is best known for playing Alexis Rose in Schitt's Creek, also stars in the series. Picture: Disney/Reiner Bajo 'I was so excited by the prospect of working with a big cast,' Murphy tells 'Schitt's Creek was such a special show because it was such an ensemble piece and that really is where I feel most comfortable and the opportunity for adventure. We spent six months in Munich and travelling around Austria. It was just an obvious no-brainer to hop on board.' Adds Bartlett: 'I love a situation like that. Similar to your experience in Schitt's Creek, I had that in White Lotus and other jobs that I've done where I love being part of an ensemble. And this was a pretty extraordinary special group to be part of.' Murray Bartlett played hotel manager Armond on Season 1 of The White Lotus. Picture: HBO While parts of the show explore the depths of trauma and mental health, Bartlett says the cast, the location and the comedy in the chaos balance out the darkness. 'There's so many beautiful layers in the show connected to that dealing with trauma and facing your demons and trying to let go of the baggage you might've been carrying,' he says. 'But also its beautiful locations. It's beautifully shot. It's a gorgeous place to spend some time in watching this show. It's got a lot of complimentary aspects to it that it's got those depths, but it's funny. It's a really brilliant group of actors inhabiting some really funny, fascinating, interesting characters.' The first two episodes of Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 premieres on Prime Video on May 22, 2025, with new episodes launching weekly Originally published as Murray Bartlett on the 'thrilling ride' it was joining Nicole Kidman on Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2
News.com.au
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Murray Bartlett on the ‘thrilling ride' it was joining Nicole Kidman on Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2
Aussie actor Murray Bartlett is far from The White Lotus. The 54-year-old went from playing resort manager Armond in the first season of the dark comedy to being cast as cancelled puppeteer Brian on Season 2 of the drama series Nine Perfect Strangers. But Bartlett, who was born in Sydney and raised in Perth, is far from lost – and he is no stranger to fellow Aussie actress Nicole Kidman, who reprises her role of enigmatic wellness guru Masha Dmitrichenko in the new season. 'She's an icon in the world, but she's like a special icon for us. So I think it was a thrill for all of us to jump on board with her and be able to be part of this world with her,' he tells ahead of the Season 2 premiere on May 22 on Prime Video. 'It's an extraordinary character that she's created and she's wild and mysterious and unpredictable. And so that was also a thrilling kind of ride to be on, to be in scenes with this character. You're not sure whether she's helping you or messing with you, which I think makes the show really compelling to watch.' Like in Season 1, nine people with different traumas convene for 10 days at fictional wellness retreat Zauberwald in the Austrian Alps led by Masha (Kidman). But with the Russian guru's unconventional approach to healing, it's anyone's guess what journey is required for them to undergo their transformations. Murray plays a once-popular children's TV show host and puppeteer who is 'cancelled' for his offensive meltdown on screen. 'I love the character. I love the way he was written. I think it's really interesting to explore the nuances of cancel culture and what it looks like from both sides and trying to suspend judgement on both sides of a situation like that and just kind of dive into the emotional stuff that people are projecting or dealing with in that kind of situation. So I felt there was so many kind of interesting things to explore with Brian,' he says. Mainly for Bartlett, it was the cast that made the series. Among them are billionaire father Peter Sharpe (Mark Strong) and son David (Henry Golding), glamorous divorcee Victoria (Christine Baranski) and her enraged daughter Imogen (Annie Murphy) and a nun named Agnes with a mysterious past (Dolly De Leon). 'It's this great ensemble show. I didn't know at the time when I signed on what a wonderful group it would be, but it's amazing to be able to be part of such a great ensemble and to tell this story together and lean on each other and develop those relationships,' Bartlett says. Co-star Annie Murphy agrees. She played Alexis Rose in the award-winning Netflix hit Schitt's Creek on all six seasons. In Nine Perfect Strangers, Murphy portrays Imogen – a guarded woman raised with wealth and privilege. 'I was so excited by the prospect of working with a big cast,' Murphy tells ' Schitt's Creek was such a special show because it was such an ensemble piece and that really is where I feel most comfortable and the opportunity for adventure. We spent six months in Munich and travelling around Austria. It was just an obvious no-brainer to hop on board.' Adds Bartlett: 'I love a situation like that. Similar to your experience in Schitt's Creek, I had that in White Lotus and other jobs that I've done where I love being part of an ensemble. And this was a pretty extraordinary special group to be part of.' While parts of the show explore the depths of trauma and mental health, Bartlett says the cast, the location and the comedy in the chaos balance out the darkness. 'There's so many beautiful layers in the show connected to that dealing with trauma and facing your demons and trying to let go of the baggage you might've been carrying,' he says. 'But also its beautiful locations. It's beautifully shot. It's a gorgeous place to spend some time in watching this show. It's got a lot of complimentary aspects to it that it's got those depths, but it's funny. It's a really brilliant group of actors inhabiting some really funny, fascinating, interesting characters.'
Daily Mail
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Odd moment Nicole Kidman answers questions as her sinister character from Nine Perfect Strangers during interview on The Project
Nicole Kidman shocked host Waleed Aly into stunned silence on Monday's episode of The Project when she suddenly 'moprhed' into her sinister character from the streaming hit Nine Perfect Strangers. The 57-year-old Oscar winner appeared on the panel show alongside her co-star, fellow Aussie Murray Bartlett, to tease details about season two of the thriller in which she plays the creepy 'wellness' guru Masha. Fans were first introduced to the sinister 'psychedelic therapist' in 2021 in season one of NPS which saw Masha drugging guests on her retreat without their knowledge. After Waleed asked Nicole why her character did not end up in 'jail' Nicole appeared to get into her character of Masha. 'Because I'm on the run,' she said in a tone fans familiar with the show would recognise in an instant. Nicole continued in character as she answered, 'I'm very clever, very smart and I am able to shape shift.' Uncharacteristically, Waleed appeared lost for words before continuing the interview. However, Nicole's screen companion, Murray appeared to love his co-stars spontaneous 'performance' and laughed hysterically. Season two of the streaming hit, which is set to drop on May 22 on Amazon Prime Video, shifts the action from Down Under to the Austrian Alps. This season Masha is the director and proprietor of Tranquillum House, a resort that offers wellness treatments and is a relaxing vacation destination. The enigmatic Russian-American figure appears eager to take any measures necessary to enhance her guests' path toward better health. Nine distinct characters arrived at the resort and began their journey toward healing but some of the guests started to question the unconventional methods of the retreat. Last month Nicole Kidman stunned fans with a dramatic transformation featured in the Nine Perfect Strangers S2. Known for her timeless beauty and signature red locks, looks completely unrecognisable in on-set photos. For her role as Masha, Nicole said goodbye to her trademark strawberry blonde curls and wore a blonde bob wig for an icy look. With her sleek platinum hairpiece, porcelain complexion and icy, intense gaze, the Hollywood star looks worlds away from her usual glamorous self. In one promotional photo, she is seen standing in a snow-covered landscape, exuding an air of mystery in a dark green coat, turtleneck sweater and leather gloves. Another image captures her in an intimate, tense moment, leaning forward with a serious expression as she focuses on a laptop screen. Fans took to social media to gush over the incredible transformation. 'Best Supporting Actress goes to Nicole Kidman's wig,' one person quipped. 'The devil works hard, but Nicole works harder,' a second added. In 2023, Hulu renewed Nine Perfect Strangers for another season following a successful debut.
