Nicole Kidman Lauds Olivia Rodrigo’s AMC Commercial Parody

Nicole Kidman Scores “Major Points” with Daughters as Olivia Rodrigo Parodies Iconic AMC Commercial

In a delightful convergence of Hollywood royalty and pop music’s reigning sensation, Academy Award-winning actress Nicole Kidman found herself winning “major points” with her daughters after Grammy-winner Olivia Rodrigo hilariously parodied Kidman’s iconic “We Make Movies Better” AMC commercial. The viral moment, which exploded across social media, saw Rodrigo re-creating the beloved ad in a new TikTok video on Wednesday, March 27, much to Kidman’s enthusiastic approval.

The Being the Ricardos star, 56, wasted no time in reposting Olivia’s clip on her Instagram Story, clearly amused and flattered by the tribute. Kidman’s reaction highlighted the cultural impact of her now-legendary speech about the unparalleled magic of cinema, confirming its status as a widely recognized piece of modern pop culture.

Olivia Rodrigo’s Viral AMC Theatres Homage

In the TikTok video that quickly captured the internet’s attention, Olivia Rodrigo, 21, captivated viewers as she walked through the dimly lit aisles and empty seats of Montreal’s Centre Bell. The arena was where she had recently performed on March 26 and 27 as part of her highly anticipated GUTS World Tour. Rodrigo’s performance was not just a simple lip-sync; it was a full-bodied homage, meticulously styled and delivered with the same earnest intensity that made Kidman’s original ad so captivating.

True to her edgy and theatrical GUTS tour aesthetic, Rodrigo sported a dazzling outfit: glittering silver short-shorts, striking black tights adorned with silver stars tracing down her legs, and a pair of high, matching boots. Her ensemble was completed with a white tank top prominently featuring the iconic quote, “We come to this place for magic.” This choice of attire not only echoed the spirit of the commercial but also seamlessly integrated it into her current musical persona, proving her keen eye for fashion and pop culture references.

As she moved through the vast theater space, Olivia made grand, expressive gestures, her movements perfectly synchronized with Nicole Kidman’s distinctive narration. She sat in the plush red seats, at one point playfully snacking on a gigantic bag of popcorn – a quintessential movie theater experience. With dramatic flair, she lip-synced along to the unforgettable lines that have resonated with millions: “We come to this place for magic. We come to AMC Theaters to love, to cry, to care, because we need that—all of us. That indescribable feeling we get when the lights begin to dim and we go somewhere we’ve never been before, because here, they are.”

Nicole Kidman’s Delight and “Major Points” Win

The moment Nicole Kidman re-posted Olivia Rodrigo’s parody, her caption revealed a heartwarming detail: her daughters are evidently huge fans of the “scared of my guitar” singer. This made the tribute all the more special, turning a simple celebrity interaction into a relatable parent-child moment. “You just won me some major points with my girls!” Kidman enthusiastically declared, demonstrating her genuine delight and a touch of parental pride. She added, “Adore you, @OliviaRodrigo,” completing her message with laughing-crying, white heart, and clapping emojis, perfectly conveying her joy and appreciation for the young artist’s nod.

This public display of mutual admiration quickly resonated with fans across both stars’ demographics, celebrating the unexpected connections that pop culture can forge. For Kidman, seeing her commercial embraced and reinterpreted by a figure as influential as Olivia Rodrigo validated its profound cultural resonance, beyond its initial advertising purpose. For Rodrigo, it was a playful acknowledgment of a beloved pop culture artifact, further cementing her status as an artist deeply in tune with current trends and internet humor.

Olivia Rodrigo performing on stage, wearing a white top with 'We come to this place for magic' text.
Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Acrisure Arena

The Enduring Legacy of the AMC Commercial

Nicole Kidman’s famed AMC ad first began airing in the theater chain’s auditoriums in September 2021. Its debut came at a crucial time when cinemas were cautiously reopening their doors following the extensive closures and disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The short film was initially intended to run for approximately a year, serving as a passionate call for audiences to rediscover the immersive, collective experience of movie-watching.

However, what began as a sincere advertisement quickly transcended its commercial origins. Its intense, heartfelt delivery by Kidman, coupled with its repetitive airing before every film, transformed it into a cultural phenomenon. Movie fans swiftly adopted the ad as a meme, parodies sprouted across social media platforms, and its iconic lines became inside jokes among cinephiles. The phrase “We come to this place for magic” morphed into a rallying cry, almost a spiritual mantra for the cinematic experience.

Recognizing its unexpected virality and the genuine affection audiences held for it, AMC Theatres made a strategic decision to continue showing the commercial far beyond its original run. It became an unofficial anthem for moviegoing, solidifying Kidman’s place not just as a revered actress, but as the enigmatic high priestess of cinema. Its enduring popularity even prompted the theater chain to introduce new, shorter ads featuring the Moulin Rouge! star, which began airing on March 1, as reported by Variety, demonstrating AMC’s commitment to capitalizing on the ad’s unique appeal.

A Generational Bridge Through Pop Culture

Olivia Rodrigo’s parody isn’t just a fleeting viral moment; it represents a fascinating intersection of celebrity, meme culture, and the timeless appeal of cinema. As a leading voice for Generation Z, Rodrigo’s embrace of the AMC ad introduces it to a younger audience who might not have experienced its initial run or understood its meme origins. Her creative reinterpretation, combined with Nicole Kidman’s enthusiastic validation, bridges a generational gap, connecting established Hollywood glamour with contemporary pop sensation.

This interaction underscores the universal longing for shared experiences and the power of storytelling, whether through music or film. It’s a playful nod to the idea that some cultural touchstones, even an advertisement, can become deeply embedded in our collective consciousness, sparking joy and connection across different age groups and artistic mediums. The “magic” Nicole Kidman speaks of in the commercial isn’t just confined to the silver screen; it extends to these unexpected, delightful moments where artists celebrate each other and, in doing so, celebrate the very culture that unites us.

Ultimately, Olivia Rodrigo’s thoughtful and amusing parody of Nicole Kidman’s AMC commercial serves as a testament to the enduring power of iconic performances and the dynamic, ever-evolving landscape of pop culture. It’s a moment that brought smiles, laughs, and, for Nicole Kidman, some valuable “major points” with her daughters, proving that the magic of cinema, and the joy it inspires, truly lives on.