Amazon has set the premiere date for the highly anticipated new TV show “Expats.” Featuring Nicole Kidman, the drama has faced controversy, as revealed below.
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Find out what Nicole shared about her new show. And keep reading to learn everything from the plot to the debut date to the cast. Plus: Check out the “Expats” sneak peek preview video at the end!
Nicole Kidman – Dishes On New TV Show
Amazon will premiere Nicole Kidman’s new TV show “Expats” next month. And the drama takes its plot from Janice Y.K. Lee’s 2016 novel “The Expatriates,” which traces three women in Hong Kong amid various stages of their lives, per Us.
However, after obtaining the rights to the book through her production company, Blossom Films, Kidman struggled to find the perfect director. But then the actress viewed Lulu Wang’s The Farewell starring Awkwafina.
And Nicole recalled, “I went, ‘OK, there she is — our visionary has appeared.’ Now I’ve just got to go and convince her to do it. I think there was a lot of begging involved.”
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But Wang explained why she hesitated to take on directing the film. And she pointed out, “Hong Kong means so much to so many people.” Reflecting on her personal experience of being born in Beijing and then emigrating to the United States in her childhood, the director explained the questions that she asked.
“Am I an expat? Am I an immigrant? Which community do I really relate to more,” asked Wang. “And how would I tell the story of the intersection of all of these different communities? I think that my hesitation just came from a sense of responsibility, really — I didn’t know if I could be all things to all people.”
‘Expats’ Films In Hong Kong, Sets Premiere Date
However, Wang and Kidman finally agreed to team up, taking “Expats” to Amazon and filming in Hong Kong. And Amazon will debut the new TV show on Friday, January 26. New episodes will become available each week. And the finale will air on Friday, February 23.
The show features three women living in Hong Kong, including Margaret (Kidman), whose family moves there for her husband’s (Brian Tee) job. But Hilary (Sarayu Blue), Margaret’s friend and neighbor, struggles with her marriage to David (Jack Huston) and desire to welcome a child into her life.
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And the show also features Mercy (Ji-young Yoo), a Korean American Ivy League grad who becomes involved in the Hong Kong expat community. She becomes key to a tragedy impacting all three of the women. The limited series will feature six episodes.
‘Expats’ Controversy Explodes
However, Kidman’s show sparked controversy for several reasons. First, it faced criticism for featuring the minority group of rich, white foreigners. And second, some critics claimed that Wang ignored the political nuances in Hong Kong.
Moreover, when Kidman went to shoot the movie, she received a quarantine exemption amid Hong Kong’s strict COVID procedures. And rumors swirled that the actress and director argued over creative differences. Rumors also claimed that Kidman left the set early.
However, an Amazon spokesperson said, “Nicole wrapped as scheduled, she did not leave early. She always had other projects she was committed to. The production is not stalled or on hiatus, it was always going to continue shooting without her.”
Watch the “Expats” trailer below. And then tell us what you think. After you share your views, check back on our site for more TV news.