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Nicole Kidman Reveals ‘Big Little Lies’ Filming Ritual That Shocked Meryl Streep

“I can’t start something feeling like I’m on the back foot,” Kidman told the Guardian in an interview.

Nicole Kidman revealed her ballsy pre-filming ritual that shocked the likes of Meryl Streep. Kidman, the 57-year-old actress who has starred in films like Big Little Lies, The Perfect Couple, and most recently, Babygirl, spoke about her routine before stepping on set. “I can’t start something feeling like I’m on the back foot,” Kidman told the Guardian in an interview. “And when I’m actually filming a lot of times, if there’s an ocean, I’ll go and get in the ocean, even if it’s five in the morning. Because I love to put the saltwater on my body, even if it’s for five seconds. Even better if it’s cold.” When filming with Meryl Streep for Big Little Lies in northern California, the habit shocked her colleague. “I loved having a quick dip up in Monterey when we were doing Big Little Lies," Kidman said. “Meryl Streep would be like: “You did not just go in the ocean then.” And it’s the Pacific, so it’s really cold.“ She also divulged that when shooting in Cape Cod for The Perfect Couple, there was an ocean with a “massive shark sign” telling visitors not to swim. Kidman would ignore the warning. “I wasn’t swimming laps, but I just love putting my head under.”