Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron have teamed up once again on-screen for their latest Netflix romantic comedy, A Family Affair. This reunion marks their first collaboration since the 2012 crime drama The Paperboy, where they also portrayed love interests. However, what sets their new project apart isn’t just their chemistry but also its journey from script to screen, notably with its original, attention-grabbing title.
Initially, the film bore the provocative title “Motherf***er,” as revealed by Efron in a recent interview with People magazine. Kidman chimed in humorously, acknowledging that this edgy title didn’t quite make it onto Netflix. Despite its explicit nature, Efron admitted that the title intrigued them both, keeping the script “at the top of the pile” due to its unconventional nature. He joked, “It’s like, what on Earth could this be about?”
Director Richard LaGravenese, discussing the casting of Kidman and Efron, highlighted their natural chemistry that was evident from their first-day rehearsals on set. He noted how their previous working relationship and genuine friendship translated seamlessly into their on-screen dynamics, making their collaboration both effortless and graceful.
A Family Affair centers on Zara Ford (played by Joey King), a personal assistant to the self-absorbed Hollywood star Chris Cole (Efron), who discovers that her widowed mother, Brooke Harwood (Kidman), is romantically involved with him. The film promises a mix of romance, humor, and perhaps a touch of awkwardness, given the unconventional relationship dynamics portrayed.
As the film progresses through production, the initial provocative title may have been shelved, but the anticipation around Kidman and Efron’s on-screen reunion remains high. Their ability to bring depth and charm to their characters, coupled with the film’s intriguing premise, suggests that A Family Affair will be a delightful addition to Netflix’s romantic comedy lineup.
