Kidman, Curtis team up to adapt forensic mystery series

First, she picked up the books. Next came the scalpel.

For her latest project, Nicole Kidman has teamed with fellow Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis as executive producers on the new Prime Video mystery series “Scarpetta,” based on Patricia Cornwell’s popular books.

The 58-year-old Kidman plays Dr. Kay Scarpetta, a forensic pathologist who solves complex murders. Upon returning to Virginia, she comes across cases eerily reminiscent of one three decades earlier that catapulted her career forward.

To prepare for the role, Kidman spent time with a medical examiner in Tennessee, where she learned how to hold a scalpel, and how to identify and dissect organs.

“My sister and my mother were obsessed with the novels, so I would read them,” the actor said. “When I mentioned it to my sister, she was like, ‘Well, I mean, that’s it. You have to do it.’ ”

‘I’m ready now’

The book rights to Cornwell’s iconic fiction series were optioned throughout the years with megastars sometimes attached, including actors Demi Moore, Angelina Jolie and even Kidman. But none of those iterations came to fruition.

At the 2021 Academy Awards, Kidman approached Curtis’ table and introduced herself — they had never met, despite working in similar circles for decades. Months later, when Kidman heard Curtis was leading the charge on “Scarpetta,” she wanted in.

“I have a philosophy where characters come to you at the right time,” Kidman said. When she first considered playing Kay Scarpetta, the timing wasn’t right, and neither were the scripts. But the second time, it all came together. “Here she is, and I’m ready now,” she said, reflecting on her decision to embrace the project.

Curtis plays Scarpetta’s free-spirited sister, Dorothy. She had no intention of acting in the show but agreed to at Kidman’s request. The eight-episode season was led by showrunner Liz Sarnoff, whose credits include “Lost” and “Barry.”

The cast includes Emmy winner Bobby Cannavale as Pete Marino, Kay’s ex-partner and Dorothy’s husband, and “The Mentalist” star Simon Baker, who plays FBI profiler and Scarpetta’s husband, Benton Wesley. Another Oscar winner, Ariana DeBose, is Dorothy’s tech-savvy daughter, primarily raised by Kay.

A companion storyline set in the 1990s follows the doctor’s early career, with Rosy McEwen, who bears a striking resemblance to Kidman, portraying the younger version. Jake Cannavale — Bobby’s son — plays the young Marino, with Hunter Parrish portraying babyfaced Benton.

‘Characters have come alive’

Cornwell, who has sold more than 120 million copies of the “Scarpetta” series worldwide, was heavily involved in the adaptation.

“Dream come true — literally,” says the New York Times bestseller, who started the series in 1990. The 69-year old, who began penning “Postmortem” while working in the office of Virginia’s chief medical examiner, is currently writing the 30th book, centered around a serial poisoner. She says Kidman and Curtis uncovered new layers of her beloved characters.

“I’m learning things from them,” she said. “When I sit back and I’m working on my book, suddenly I’m seeing Jamie in my head, or I’m hearing Nicole. My characters have come alive.”

Prime has found massive success with popular novel adaptations like “Reacher,” “Jack Ryan,” the “Bosch” universe and “Cross,” all possessing deep troves of source material. They’re betting “Scarpetta” will be their next big hit.