Nashville has long been known as the “Country Music Capital of the World,” but if Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon have their way, the city could soon carry another title: a thriving hub for film and television production. With Hollywood stars increasingly drawn to Tennessee’s charm, supportive community, and expanding creative scene, Nashville might just become the next big player in entertainment beyond Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta.
Recently, Nicole Kidman attended the Nashville Film Festival and made it clear that she sees incredible potential for the city. Her enthusiasm was echoed by her close friend and fellow actress Reese Witherspoon, who also has strong roots in the region. The two Oscar-winning stars are excited about what Nashville has to offer and are eager to bring more productions to the area.
Nicole Kidman’s Nashville Vision
Kidman, who recently filmed the first season of her Prime Video crime drama Scarpetta in Nashville, described the city as brimming with untapped opportunity. During a festival panel, she spoke with excitement about the local crews, actors, and resources available in Tennessee.
“There’s so much room here for production,” she said enthusiastically. “The crews are fantastic, the actors are amazing, and the people bring such warmth and creativity. I feel that it’s taking off and will continue to take off—so off we go.”
The actress, who has successfully balanced Hollywood blockbusters with smaller, character-driven projects, emphasized that Nashville is inspiring to her both personally and professionally. She even threw in a motivational call to action: “Come on, Tennessee, we’ve got this.”
Reese Witherspoon’s Connection to the City
Reese Witherspoon has a strong personal connection to Nashville—she lives there. The actress, producer, and entrepreneur has often spoken about her love for the city and its culture. It’s no surprise that her friendship with Kidman has sparked conversations about bringing more collaborative work to the region.
Kidman noted that Witherspoon is one of her “best besties,” hinting that their shared enthusiasm for Nashville could lead to exciting future projects together. While she clarified that Big Little Lies—the hit HBO series in which they both starred—would continue to film in its original locations, she left the door wide open for new opportunities in Tennessee.
Why Nashville Appeals to Hollywood
Nashville offers a unique blend of qualities that make it attractive to film and TV producers:
- Strong Local Talent: The city is already home to skilled crews and actors who are passionate about their craft.
- Cultural Appeal: Known for its vibrant music scene, Nashville has an artistic energy that translates well to other creative industries.
- Affordability: Compared to traditional hubs like Los Angeles and New York, Nashville offers lower costs for production and living.
- Community Support: Tennessee has been increasingly supportive of creative industries, providing incentives and infrastructure to welcome large-scale projects.
Kidman’s comments reflect the growing trend of filmmakers seeking alternatives to oversaturated markets. By expanding into Nashville, productions can tap into fresh settings, unique stories, and a strong network of local professionals.
The Future of Scarpetta
For Kidman personally, Nashville isn’t just a city of possibility—it’s the backdrop of her latest creative endeavor. Season 1 of Scarpetta was filmed there, and she confirmed that Season 2 will also be shot in the city.
The series, based on Patricia Cornwell’s bestselling novels, follows Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a brilliant but complicated chief medical examiner. Kidman brings the character to life as she returns to Virginia to reclaim her role, navigating personal and professional challenges while uncovering deep-seated grudges and dangerous secrets.
Adding even more star power, Jamie Lee Curtis portrays Scarpetta’s sister Dorothy. Their on-screen dynamic promises to be as layered and tense as the show’s forensic mysteries. Kidman described Nashville as “a city that inspires so much creativity,” which makes it the perfect location for this gripping crime series.
Reese Witherspoon on Big Little Lies Season 3
While Kidman gears up for more Scarpetta, Reese Witherspoon is busy fueling excitement for the possible third season of Big Little Lies. The acclaimed HBO drama, which captured audiences with its mix of family drama, secrets, and suspense, has long been rumored to continue after its explosive second season.
Witherspoon recently teased that she and Kidman “might be working on Season 3,” a comment that has only intensified fan speculation. Although Kidman made it clear that Big Little Lies wouldn’t relocate to Nashville, the fact that both actresses are developing new projects in the city shows their shared commitment to growing its entertainment profile.
Nashville’s Rising Role in Film & Television
Nashville is already well-known to fans of television thanks to shows like Nashville, which showcased the city’s music scene and highlighted its distinctive character. But with A-list stars like Kidman and Witherspoon advocating for more productions, the city may be on the verge of a renaissance that goes beyond country music and dives into crime dramas, thrillers, and perhaps even comedies.
If more high-profile series and films follow in the footsteps of Scarpetta, Nashville could become a major creative hub, rivaling Atlanta, which has grown into a powerhouse thanks to Marvel productions and other Hollywood projects.
Final Thoughts
Nicole Kidman and Reese Witherspoon aren’t just two of Hollywood’s most beloved stars—they’re also visionaries who understand the power of location in storytelling. By championing Nashville, they’re helping to shine a spotlight on a city rich with talent, creativity, and opportunity.
While Scarpetta continues to establish its roots in Tennessee and Big Little Lies edges closer to a long-awaited Season 3, fans can expect to see Nashville playing an increasingly important role on their screens.
As Kidman put it: “There’s so much room here for production.” And with stars like her and Witherspoon leading the charge, it looks like the city is just getting started.