7 Years Later, Nicole Kidman’s Dark True Story Drama With Margot Robbie Is Now Streaming on Prime Video

During the height of the #MeToo era, Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, and Charlize Theron teamed up for a dark biographical drama that revolves around a true media scandal. Although the movie depicts events that occurred before the movement, all three actresses felt like it was part of a larger conversation. Titled Bombshell, the movie began streaming on Prime Video on September 10, almost seven years after it hit theaters on December 13, 2019.

Directed by Jay Roach, the film explores the s*xual harassment allegations against former Fox News chairman Roger Ailes, which led up to his departure from the network in 2016. The story combines fictional elements with the real-life controversy that rocked the American media world. Upon release, Bombshell earned three Oscar nominations. It ultimately won the Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyling.

Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie’s Bombshell Tackles a Dark Media Scandal

Charlize Theron, Nicole Kidman, and Margot Robbie in Bombshell | Credit: Lionsgate

The controversy involving Roger Ailes broke at a time when Fox News was already among the most influential networks. Although she wasn’t the first to blow the whistle on Ailes, it was Gretchen Carlson whose lawsuit sparked a chain of events that brought the scandal into the open. The Guardian reported that in July 2016, she filed a lawsuit alleging that Ailes had made unwanted s*xual advances toward her. She also blamed him for ruining her career when she rejected him.

Days after her complaint, other women came forward. According to The Guardian, more than 20 women accused the former Fox News CEO of s*xual misconduct. In Bombshell, Nicole Kidman plays the character of Gretchen Carlson, who worked at Fox News for over a decade before parting ways in 2016.

The biggest breakthrough in the scandal arrived with Megyn Kelly. Kelly, who was Fox News’ biggest star at that time, echoed Carlson. She alleged that Ailes had s*xually harassed her a decade earlier, when she had just joined the network. Charlize Theron portrays Kelly in Bombshell.

The movie features Margot Robbie as Kayla Pospisil, a fictional woman who identifies with the network’s conservative worldview. Although Pospisil is not based on a real character, screenwriter Charles Randolph confirmed that she was inspired by multiple women who worked there.

Bombshell also features John Lithgow, Kate McKinnon, and Connie Britton in prominent supporting roles.

Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, and Charlize Theron Shared One Common Thought About Bombshell

Nicole Kidman and Margot Robbie in Bombshell | Credit: Lionsgate

Three A-list actresses came together in Bombshell, sharing one common thought about the movie. In a conversation with Entertainment Tonight, Nicole Kidman noted,

For Margo, Charlize and I, we wanted to be a part of a movement, and that film is a part of a movement.

The actress told ELLE, “The story it’s trying to tell is broader than Fox News.” She explained that the movie was “much more” than just allegations. Theron, who also co-produced the film, told W Magazine, “The film is, hopefully, like taking medicine: It doesn’t answer every question, and it isn’t the cure, but hopefully it does speed the process of change.”

Margot Robbie felt like she “had to be a part of it no matter the circumstances.” She told TVWeek, “It was incredibly important to me.”

Bombshell grossed about $61.4 million worldwide at the box office. Seven years later, the film is now available on Prime Video, unfolding the dark scandal to a new generation of viewers. Have you already watched the film? Do let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Bombshell is now streaming on Prime Video.