Are Nicole Kidman, Simon Baker Dating? The 'Deliberate' Truth Behind That Hand-Holding Photo

Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker were photographed holding hands at the New York premiere of their Amazon Prime Video series Scarpetta on March 3, prompting fresh talk of Nicole Kidman, Simon Baker dating just months after Kidman's divorce from Keith Urban was finalised. Sources close to the actors insist the gesture was no accident, but a calculated nod to the cameras rather than a sign of anything romantic.

Kidman filed for divorce from Urban on September 30, citing irreconcilable differences, with the split wrapping up in a Nashville court on January 6. The pair, married since 2006 after meeting the year before, waived spousal and child support, keeping terms private beyond that.

Now comes the Scarpetta premiere footage, Kidman in a sheer black gown, Baker in a sharp tan suit, their fingers interlaced as flashes popped. It is the kind of image that writes its own headlines.

A source speaking to gossip columnist Rob Shuter on his Naughty But Nice Substack called it 'deliberate.' 'They've been famous way too long not to know exactly what that would do,' the insider said. 'You don't hold hands on a red carpet unless you want people talking.'​

The Deliberate Game in Nicole Kidman, Simon Baker Dating Buzz

Kidman plays forensic pathologist Kay Scarpetta in the crime drama, with Baker as FBI profiler Benton Wesley, their characters married on screen. They have history too, having co-starred in the 2022 anthology Roar.

Off screen, Kidman is godmother to one of Baker's children with his ex-wife Rebecca Rigg. That depth makes the hand-holding feel loaded, but not necessarily loving.

The Shuter source dismissed any real spark. 'If this were real, they'd be hiding it, not putting it on display.' Instead, it reads as publicity savvy.

'This is two pros playing the publicity game,' they added. 'And playing it very well.' The series dropped on Prime Video March 11, right on the buzz's heels.​

Baker, 56, finalised his own divorce from Rigg last year after 29 years. Kidman, 58, has spoken guardedly about her own split.

In a recent Variety Q&A, she said, 'I am, because I'm always going to be moving toward what's good. What I'm grateful for is my family and keeping them as is and moving forward.

That's that. Everything else I don't discuss out of respect.' Her daughters Sunday, 17, and Faith, 15, with Urban, are said to be 'in on the joke,' per Shuter's contact.​

Page Six reported whispers of closeness post-premiere, with one insider calling their chemistry 'the talk of the town.' Yet a counter-source shot it down flat, 'This is absolutely false.

They've known each other for years and are good friends. That is it.' No reps have commented, leaving the truth dangling somewhere between old mates and media bait.

What Fuels the Nicole Kidman, Simon Baker Dating Speculation

Kidman's track record invites the scrutiny. Her marriage to Tom Cruise lasted from 1990 to 2001, a high-wattage union that ended amid his Scientology ties.

Urban felt like the steady sequel, country star stability for Hollywood glamour. Now single again, every touch with Baker gets amplified.

The Shuter source leaned into the fun side. 'They're enjoying it. It's harmless, it's fun, and it keeps them in the headlines.'

Fair point. Scarpetta needs the oxygen, and who better to deliver than two Aussies who have shared screen kisses before? But nothing is confirmed beyond the photo and the denials. Take it with a grain of salt until someone involved says otherwise.

Baker and Kidman stayed close at the afterparty too, deep in talk amid the crowd. Witnesses noted the ease, the glow. Does that mean dating? Or just colleagues riding a wave?

The publicity line holds water, especially with Kidman's history of keeping personal life buttoned up. Her Variety line about family first rings true, a quiet rebuke to the gossip mill.

Urban has stayed mum publicly, focusing on tour dates. Kidman dives into work, autopsy prep for Scarpetta and all. Baker? Back to his life down under. The hand-hold lingers as the lone exhibit, deliberate or not, proof that one frame can outlast a thousand words.