Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron are once again gracing the screen together in their latest romantic comedy, A Family Affair… But not everyone is looking forward to seeing it.
Released earlier this week on Wednesday, May 29, the trailer for A Family Affair showcases the sizzling chemistry between the 56-year-old Oscar winner and the 36-year-old heartthrob.
The film follows the story of Zara, played by The Act actress Joey King, a young woman who works as an assistant for Chris Cole, a narcissistic and womanizing movie star portrayed by Zac Efron. After Zara quits her job, she is shocked to discover that her former boss is having an affair with her widowed mother, played by Nicole Kidman.
According to Netflix, the movie is a “surprising romance [that] kicks off comic consequences for a young woman, her mother, and her movie star boss as they face the complications of love, sex, and identity.”
The trailer has sparked a mixed reaction among fans, with some expressing surprise over the age difference between Kidman and Efron’s characters.
“Isn’t she way older than him?” one social media user questioned in the comments section. Another added: “Wait, what? Don’t they have a big age gap?”
Comments like: “He’s his mother’s age,” and “Isn’t he young enough to be her son?” show the initial shock some viewers felt. One skeptic even remarked: “Weird couple!!! I can’t imagine there is any chemistry! Lol.”
However, others were thrilled to see this unconventional pairing. “Loving this new movie theme of cougars and toy boys,” one fan wrote. Another said: “Great to see a role reversal with an older woman and younger man!” Many expressed their excitement for the film, with one fan saying: “I will tune in for it. Both talented.”
Zac Efron described the film as “funny, romantic, and entertaining,” though he admitted he was initially hesitant about the role. “I was still a bit apprehensive but reuniting with Nicole is always so great and as talented as she is as an actress, she is equally kind, caring, and wonderful to spend time with,” he told People. He also added that the chemistry between their characters is “seamless, natural, and fun.”
Joey King, who plays Zara, found it “iconic” to have Nicole Kidman as her on-screen mother. “It’s truly one of those moments where you have to remind yourself that it’s actually your life and you’re getting to work with this person, and somehow they’re even more wonderful than you could imagine,” she shared with the outlet.
Joey King and Zac Efron at the AFI Life Achievement Award Honoring Nicole Kidman in April. Credit: Gilbert Flores / Variety / Getty.
The movie is directed by Richard LaGravenese, known for his work on Beautiful Creatures and P.S. I Love You. He praised Kidman’s contribution to the film, saying: “Nicole brings with her so much experience and so much talent and intelligence. She’s like your co-filmmaker,” he told Tudum. “And then she’ll also address what the film needs. There’s two scenes that came out of her saying, ‘I think we’re missing a beat here.’”
Co-star Joey King also had plenty to say about Kidman, describing the Eyes Wide Shut actress as: “An absolute angel, but so human and kind and giving. She’s an example of how you should treat people no matter who you are.”
A Family Affair is set for release on Netflix in late June!