Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker Aren’t Dating, Costars Are Just ‘Playing the Publicity Game’

Nicole Kidman and Simon Baker were seen holding hands at a recent event for their Amazon Prime Video series Scarpetta, but sources say that doesn’t mean love is in the air.

Though the costars of the new crime drama were photographed hand in hand at the show’s New York City red carpet premiere on March 3, a source told journalist Rob Shuter for a Monday, March 23, post on his Naughty But Nice Substack that the move was “deliberate.”

“They’ve been famous way too long not to know exactly what that would do,” said a source. “You don’t hold hands on a red carpet unless you want people talking.”

“If this were real, they’d be hiding it — not putting it on display,” the source noted.

Though Kidman, 58, is newly single following her shocking split from husband Keith Urban last year, the Naughty But Nice report claimed she has not moved on with the Australian actor, 56. Instead, it looked like a play for more publicity ahead of Scarpetta’s March 11 debut on the streamer.

“This is two pros playing the publicity game,” a source told Shuter. “And playing it very well.”

“They’re enjoying it,” the source said. “It’s harmless, it’s fun, and it keeps them in the headlines.”

Even Kidman’s children — she shares daughters Sunday, 17, and Faith, 15, with the country singer, 58 — “are in on the joke,” the source claimed. “Everyone around her knows this isn’t some big love story.”

Though some reports said that there could be a romance brewing between Kidman and Baker, a source also told Page Six those reports are “absolutely false,” adding: “They’ve known each other for years and are good friends. That is it.”

In a Q&A Variety cover story published this month, Kidman was asked if she was “doing all right” since her separation.

“I am, because I’m always going to be moving toward what’s good,” she replied. “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.”

Kidman filed for divorce on September 30, citing irreconcilable differences. Their divorce was finalized on January 6, per People.

Kidman, who was previously married to Tom Cruise from 1990 to 2001, met the “Somebody Like You” singer in 2005, and they were engaged and married the following year.