Honestly, it feels like the end of an era. For nearly two decades, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban were the "steady" couple of Hollywood—the ones who actually seemed to like each other on every red carpet from Cannes to Nashville. But the latest news Nicole Kidman fans are processing is the definitive closing of that chapter. As of January 2026, the divorce is settled, the ink is dry, and Nicole is navigating a reality that looks a lot different than it did even a year ago.
It’s been a heavy season for her. If you’ve been following along, you know it wasn’t just the marriage ending. She lost her mother, Janelle, back in September 2024, right when she was supposed to be celebrating a Best Actress win at the Venice Film Festival for Babygirl. That kind of back-to-back emotional gut punch would floor anyone. But Nicole? She’s doing that thing she does—turning the pain into a massive, prolific burst of creative energy while fiercely guarding her peace.
The Divorce Settlement: What Really Happened
The details coming out of the January 2026 court filings are surprisingly civil, though clearly weighted toward Nicole’s role as the primary anchor for their daughters. She and Keith managed to settle things without a public mud-slinging match, which is rare in this town. Basically, they both waived child and spousal support.
The custody arrangement is the part that tells you where her head is at. Nicole has primary residential custody of Sunday Rose (now 17) and Faith Margaret (15). The girls will spend roughly 306 days a year with her. Keith gets 59 days, mostly every other weekend. There’s even a "gagging clause" in the agreement to keep things from getting messy in the press. It’s a clean break, but a lonely one for Keith, who is reportedly struggling with the quiet in Nashville while Nicole rings in the New Year back in Sydney.
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Why 2026 is the Year of the Kidman Renaissance
You’d think a high-profile divorce and the loss of a parent would lead to a hiatus. Nope. Not for her. Nicole is currently leaning into work like never before.
The project everyone is buzzing about is Practical Magic 2. It’s finally happening. She’s reuniting with Sandra Bullock, and they’ve already wrapped filming for a September 2026 release. If the behind-the-scenes clips of them hugging on set didn't make you emotional, check your pulse. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here is a look at the sheer volume of what she’s juggling:
- Big Little Lies Season 3: It’s officially moving forward. Liane Moriarty is finishing the new book, and Francesca Sloane is writing the premiere. Nicole and Reese Witherspoon are back as producers and stars.
- Margo’s Got Money Troubles: An A24 series with Elle Fanning and Michelle Pfeiffer.
- Lioness Season 3: Taylor Sheridan isn't letting her go anywhere; the action series is staying on the slate.
- Scarpetta: The long-awaited Kay Scarpetta series with Jamie Lee Curtis is finally in the works.
It’s a lot. Maybe too much? She admitted in a recent Vogue interview that her lifelong sense of duty makes it hard to say no, but she’s learning. That famous "No, I can't, I don't, and I won't" quote from when she skipped the Venice awards to mourn her mother has become her new mantra. She’s protecting her heart now.
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Addressing the Rumors: Russell Crowe and "New Chapters"
Whenever a major star goes single, the gossip mills start churning out fan fiction. The latest "news Nicole Kidman" speculators are obsessed with is her friendship with Russell Crowe.
They’ve been friends forever, but lately, they’ve been spotted grabbing coffee and having long "career pep talks" in Australia. Is it a romance? Probably not. Russell is still linked to Britney Theriot. But he’s been a rock for Nicole during the divorce, reportedly encouraging her to bury herself in these new projects to stay distracted. It’s nice to see that kind of old-school Hollywood support system in action.
What Most People Get Wrong About Her Career Now
There’s this weird narrative that Nicole is "over-working" to avoid her feelings. While that might be partially true, it ignores her evolution as a producer. Through Blossom Films, she isn't just an actress for hire anymore. She’s the boss.
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She’s intentionally picking stories about women in mid-life who are messy, powerful, and complicated. From the erotic tension of Babygirl to the legal drama of the upcoming Discretion, she is proving that 58 is actually the prime of an actress's career if they have the guts to produce their own material.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Observers
If you’re looking to keep up with the Kidman era in 2026, here’s how to navigate it:
- Watch for the Book: Keep an eye out for Liane Moriarty’s Big Little Lies sequel release. The show’s plot will follow the book closely, focusing on the Monterey kids as teenagers.
- Sydney is the New Hub: Expect to see more of Nicole in Australia. She’s moved her base of operations there to be closer to her sister and extended family following her mother's passing.
- Stream "Holland": If you haven't seen her thriller Holland with Matthew Macfadyen on Prime Video, do it. It’s the best preview of the "darker" roles she’s favoring lately.
- Respect the Transition: While Keith and Nicole are "amicable," the shift in custody and lifestyle is massive. The "Nashville Nicole" era is effectively over; the Global Producer era is in full swing.
Nicole’s 2026 is about "looking forward," as she put it on Instagram. She isn't looking back at the 19 years with Keith with bitterness, but she isn't staying still either. She’s a woman who has realized that life can change in a heartbeat, and the only way through the grief is to keep creating.
Keep your eyes on the fall movie season. Practical Magic 2 is going to be the nostalgic balm we all need, but it's the gritty, independent TV projects that will likely define her legacy this year. She’s choosing herself, and honestly? It’s about time.
Next Steps for Following Nicole Kidman's Career:
Check the 2026 festival circuit schedules, specifically Cannes and Venice, as Nicole is expected to receive several "Women in Motion" and career achievement honors this spring. You should also set alerts for HBO's production announcements, as the Big Little Lies filming schedule will dictate her availability for the rest of the year.