Almost four years since the debut of Nine Perfect Strangers, Nicole Kidman’s enigmatic guru, Masha, returns for a highly anticipated second season. This time, the series unfolds against the breathtaking backdrop of the snowy Alps, welcoming an entirely new cast of characters seeking solace and transformation at Masha's retreat.
Among the wellness-seekers this season are Christine Baranski, Henry Golding, Murray Bartlett, Annie Murphy, Mark Strong, King Princess, and Dolly de Leon. Each brings their unique struggles and desires to the serene yet mysterious sanctuary led by Masha, where personal boundaries blur and hidden truths emerge.
At the show’s Los Angeles premiere on Thursday, Kidman—who doubles as an executive producer—revealed that a second season was not part of the original plan. The first installment, based on Liane Moriarty’s novel of the same name, captivated audiences far beyond expectations. "We were so astonished by its success," Kidman shared with The Hollywood Reporter. "When Hulu approached us, pleading for a second season, I thought, 'How could we possibly recreate that magic?' That’s how it began—an imaginative leap into uncharted territory."
Crafting this new chapter demanded meticulous attention to detail, balancing the diverse talents of one of television's most impressive casts. "They’re all incredibly gifted and commanding," Kidman explained. "Our challenge was ensuring each character had their own distinct voice, journey, and moment in the spotlight while maintaining cohesion within the ensemble."
One constant from the first season remains: Kidman's dedication to staying in character as Masha during filming. Executive producer Bruna Papandrea described how Kidman immerses herself fully in the role, meeting the new cast members through the lens of Masha's persona. "She doesn’t interact beforehand; she enters as Masha encountering them for the first time," Papandrea noted. "It mirrors the anticipation felt by the characters themselves, creating an authentic dynamic."
Murray Bartlett echoed this sentiment, recalling the thrill—and occasional unease—that came with interacting with Masha rather than Kidman herself. "On set, Nicole disappears, and Masha takes over. It’s exhilarating but also slightly intimidating," he admitted. "Her commitment draws you deeper into the world of the story."
Mark Strong similarly marveled at Kidman's ability to slip seamlessly between worlds. "She would drift in and out like some ethereal creature," he reminisced. "Between takes, she’d vanish, only to reappear moments later, fully embodying Masha once more. It was enchanting—and slightly otherworldly."
Even Henry Golding acknowledged the allure of Kidman’s dual personas. "At first, she maintained the mystique of Masha," he said. "But as bonds formed, she couldn’t resist joining us off-screen. Still, that air of mystery lingered, enriching our experience and elevating the authenticity of our performances."
During a brief Q




