Nicole Kidman’s methodological approach to “Scarpetta” included an autopsy

Nicole Kidman will make remarkable efforts for his latest role. While preparing for “Scarpetta,” the Oscar winner immersed herself in the world of forensics, studying how to perform an autopsy to bring authenticity to her on-screen character.

Nicole Kidman ‘can remove all organs’

During an appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” on March 2, Kidman shared an interesting tidbit related to her upcoming Prime Video series, “Scarpetta.”

As the actress proudly told Fallon, “I can do an autopsy,” after confirming she was a method actress. She then said she could remove all the organs and name them, which impressed the host.

Kidman shared that Fallon’s team asked her if she was willing to do a post-mortem on the show, which she took seriously. “Unless I misunderstood. Maybe it was on a mannequin or something, but either way. I can remove the lungs, liver, gallbladder and intestines,” she shared.

According to the actress, she learned the procedure for her role. “It’s part of the job, and I worked with and studied an incredible forensic pathologist,” she explained.

What viewers can expect from ‘Scarpetta’

Kidman, who is also an executive producer on “Scarpetta,” explained what her new series is about.

It focuses on Dr. Kay Scarpetta, who returns to work as a forensic pathologist to help solve crimes. “There is a parallel story between the two crimes that took place today and 30 years ago,” Kidman explained, adding that there were also elements of “family drama.”

The show is based on the popular series of books written by bestselling crime writer Patricia Cornwell. The first novel, titled “Postmortem”, was released in 1990 and the most recent, “Sharp Force”, was released in 2025. To date, the series includes 29 main novels.

Nicole Kidman’s sister urged her to do the series

Kidman learned about “Scarpetta” through a chance meeting with Jamie Lee Curtis, who owned the rights to Cornwell’s books. The actresses talked about doing the project and when Kidman’s sister, Antonia, found out, she was thrilled.

Like Kidman said The Sydney Morning HeraldAntonia, who has a “highly responsible job” and takes care of the children, relaxes by reading detective novels. “When I told her about Scarpetta, she said, ‘Well, you have to do it, I love these books,'” Kidman said.

“Scarpetta” showrunner Liz Sarnoff also joined the project because of her love of novels, which she inherited from her mother. The books hold a special place in her heart, as she shared that she read them aloud to her mother while her mother was on her deathbed.

“I asked to do it because I knew I had a love for the character and a love for the books that would help me adapt them,” she explained.

Nicole Kidman resonated with the character

In the series, Curtis, who plays Dorothy Farinelli, plays Dr. Scarpetta’s sister. The two have distinct personalities and navigate the death of their parent, a story that resonates deeply with Kidman, who lost her mother just before filming on the series began.

In 2024, Kidman announced that her mother, Janelle, aged 84, had died. The actress missed the Venice Film Festival, where she won best actress for her role in “Babygirl.” In a statement, she said: “I’m in shock and I have to go and be with my family. But this award is for her. She shaped me, she guided me and she created me.”

Regarding her portrayal of Dr. Scarpetta, Kidman said she didn’t think of the character with the loss of her parents in mind. Instead, she drew inspiration from her experiences of “loss, grief, pain, resilience, the desire to move forward, conflict, all of it.”

‘Scarpetta’ Release Date and Cast

Besides Kidman and Curtis, “Scarpetta” also features other notable stars, including Ariana DeBose, Bobby Cannavale and Simon Baker, as well as recurring actors Sosie Bacon, Janet Montgomery and Stephanie Faracy.

The series has eight episodes and will be available to stream on Amazon Prime Video on March 11.