Prospect of working with Javier Bardem every year 'very scary' for Penelope Cruz

Penelope Cruz has said that she is reluctant to appear alongside her husband, actor Javier Bardem in every film now and then as she finds the prospect of them working together too frequently a "very scary" thought.

The 44-year-old actor, who will next be seen with Bardem in psychological thriller "Everybody Knows", said the reasoning is borne out of a need to protect their relationship.

"Obviously we can't choose parts just for logistical reasons, like 'Oh let's work together because it's easier.' No. In fact, it's not something we want to do that often, partly out of desire to protect what we have," Cruz told Marie Claire magazine.

But there are certain benefits of working together, she said.

"On the one hand, it's easier because you know that person, he knows you, and the way you work is very similar.

"On the other hand, the idea of it happening every year is very scary. I think it's better for it to just be once in a while, even though they've been very good experiences," she said.

The couple has till date worked together in seven films, both Spanish and English", namely "Jamon Jamon", "Love Can Seriously Damage Your Health", "Not Love, Just Frenzy", "Live Flesh", "Vicky Christina Barcelona", "The Counselor" and "Loving Pablo".

Cruz and Bardem, 49, have two children Leo, seven, and Luna, five.