Nicole Kidman is introducing another riveting drama to the small screen with her new series, "Expats."
Adapted from Janice Y.K. Lee's 2016 book "The Expatriates," the series chronicles the lives of three women in Hong Kong at various life stages. Kidman, intrigued by the novel after a recommendation from her sister, secured the rights through her production company Blossom Films.
Finding the perfect director was crucial, and Kidman found her match after watching Lulu Wang's "The Farewell," featuring Awkwafina. Speaking to Vogue in December, Kidman expressed her excitement: "I went, 'OK, there she is — our visionary has appeared,'" adding, "Now I've just got to go and convince her to do it. I think there was a lot of begging involved."
Wang, intrigued by Kidman's proposal, expressed her initial reservations to Vogue. "I mean, Hong Kong means so much to so many people," she commented, reflecting on her own journey from Beijing to the U.S. and the complexities of identity. "Am I an expat? Am I an immigrant? Which community do I really relate to more, 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."
Eventually, "Expats" was greenlit by Amazon Prime Video, complete with a substantial budget allowing on-location filming in Hong Kong and granting Wang creative freedom. This included an episode dedicated to Filipino domestic workers.
Related to Kidman's commitment to women-centric narratives since "Big Little Lies" in 2017, she has been involved in various TV projects such as "The Undoing" and "Nine Perfect Strangers."
For further details about "Expats," continue reading below.
When Does 'Expats' Come Out?
Amazon Prime Video
The upcoming limited series will debut on Prime Video and consist of six episodes, with its first two episodes on Friday, Jan. 26.
Subsequent episodes will be available every Friday on Prime Video, culminating in the finale Feb. 23.
The fifth episode will serve as a standalone story and have a longer runtime of 90 minutes. The episode, which centers on Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, aired at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2023.
What Is 'Expats' About?
Amazon Prime Video
The central characters in both Lee's 2016 novel and its adapted series are three diverse women. Each of them relocates from the United States to Hong Kong, encountering challenges connected to their histories that have implications for their future. Both Margaret and Hilary, married women with distinct familial dynamics, experience personal tragedies. Meanwhile, Mercy, a young graduate, is on a quest for a new beginning. Their lives intertwine through destiny, compelling them to face dilemmas that jeopardize their relationships and overall well-being. The show will feature a non-linear storytelling approach, captivating viewers as it gradually reveals the intertwined narratives of its main characters.
The official logline for the series reads: "Set against the complex tapestry of Hong Kong residents, 'Expats' depicts a multifaceted group of women after a single encounter sets off a chain of life-altering events that leaves everyone navigating the intricate balance between blame and accountability."
Who's in 'Expats'?
Amazon Prime Video
The narrative centers on women and showcases the skills of Kidman, Sarayu Blue and Ji-young Yoo as the primary characters. Kidman portrays Margaret, a mother of three who relocates with her family to Hong Kong. The acclaimed Oscar-winning Australian actress recently appeared in the series "Lioness," and her recent notable movies include "The Northman" and "Being the Ricardos." Kidman has also developed a significant production career through her company, Blossom Films, which generated series such as "Big Little Lies" and "Nine Perfect Strangers." Her future projects include the sequel to "Aquaman" and the suspenseful movie "Holland, Michigan."
Sarayu Blue takes on the role of Hilary, a professionally ambitious housewife and friend of Margaret, grappling with infertility. Blue is recognized for her roles in TV series such as "I Feel Bad," "Never Have I Ever" and "No Tomorrow." Her film appearances include "Blockers" and the romantic comedy "To All The Boys: Always and Forever." Ji-young Yoo plays Mercy, a fresh college graduate eager to begin a new life phase. The Korean-American actress's past roles include films such as "Moxie," "The Sky is Everywhere" and "Smoking Tigers," which debuted at this year's Tribeca Film Festival.
The main cast is complemented by Jack Huston and Brian Tee in supporting roles. Huston, as David, Hilary's husband, grapples with being overshadowed by his wife's accomplishments. The British actor's filmography includes "House of Gucci," "American Hustle" and "Kill Your Darlings," marking his second collaboration with Lulu Wang after leading her directorial debut in "Posthumous." Tee portrays Clarke, Margaret's spouse and father to their kids. Known for his portrayal of Ethan Choi on "Chicago Med," Tee has also appeared in "Jurassic World" and "The Wolverine." Child actors Tiana Gowen, Bodhi del Rosario and Connor James Gillman are cast as the children of Margaret and Clarke.
Is There a Trailer for 'Expats'?
The debut trailer for the series dropped in December, showing Kidman grappling with an unknown tragedy. It also featured some of Hong Kong's most recognizable locations, such as Victoria Harbor, Temple Street, Ladies Market and the historic Mido Café.
What Is the Controversy Surrounding 'Expats'?
Amazon Prime Video
In September 2021, the series "Expats" faced several controversies, according to Variety. The show initially drew criticism for its focus on the affluent white expatriate minority. The South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper, labeled the series as "tone deaf," while others critiqued the set designs for their Orientalist approach, notably the use of Chinese props.
Additionally, some detractors pointed out that the series overlooked the ongoing political issues in Hong Kong. And when Kidman arrived in Hong Kong to shoot "Expats" in August 2021, she received an exemption from quarantine requirements. This decision raised eyebrows as Hong Kong was enforcing stringent COVID-19 protocols, which mandated residents and other visitors to undergo a two-to-three-week hotel quarantine.
In September 2021, a Hong Kong news outlet reported there were creative disputes between Kidman and director Wang, leading to a rumored argument. There was further speculation about Kidman abandoning the set and prematurely ending her involvement with the production. However, an Amazon spokesperson rebutted these claims, stating, "Nicole wrapped as scheduled, she did not leave early," and emphasizing Kidman's commitment to other projects. The spokesperson added, "The production is not stalled or on hiatus, it was always going to continue shooting without her."
