Cillian Murphy Was Shocked Christopher Nolan Cast Him As Oppenheimer Lead
Cillian Murphy reveals that he was shocked that director Christopher Nolan cast him in the lead role for Oppenheimer. Nolan is widely regarded as one of the most talented directors working today and is well known for films like The Dark Knight, Inception, and Dunkirk. Following the lackluster box office performance of his most recent release, Tenet, Nolan announced that his next project would chronicle the life of theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer and his part in the creation of the atomic bomb.
Shortly after Oppenheimer was announced, casting details began to emerge, revealing a star-studded cast for the historical biopic. In addition to Murphy as Oppenheimer himself, other cast members for the film include Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek, and Benny Safdie. Oppenheimer is currently scheduled to release in July of 2023 and has been confirmed to have a 100-day theatrical release window. The film marks the first time Nolan has partnered with Universal and follows the director's very public falling out with Warner Bros. regarding the company's day-and-date streaming model.
In a new interview with Esquire, Murphy reveals that he was shocked upon being offered the lead role in Oppenheimer. Having played only supporting roles in Nolan's other projects, the actor explains that he's "thrilled" to be playing the lead this time in such a large project. Check out Murhpy's full comment below:
“It’s the first time he’s cast me in a lead, which I’m still a bit in shock about, but I’m thrilled. It’s a huge part and a lot of work. But in my estimation, you’re working with one of the greatest living directors, so you’re in safe hands.”
Murphy is a frequent collaborator of Nolan's, having appeared in Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, Inception, The Dark Knight Rises, and Dunkirk. While the size of Murphy's roles in those films varies, Oppenheimer clearly marks the first time the actor will be front and center in a big-budgeted Nolan blockbuster. Ultimately, however, Murphy has high praise for Nolan and certainly seems to feel comfortable in the role, citing Nolan's experience and his status as one of the foremost directors of this generation as the reasons why he feels like he's in "safe hands."
Although Oppenheimer marks the first time Murphy will play a leading role in a Nolan film, the actor is no stranger to playing main characters, albeit on slightly smaller productions. Murphy is currently starring in the popular show Peaky Blinders and has previously starred in films like 28 Days Later and Sunshine, meaning he seems more than up for the task of taking the leading role this time around. Oppenheimer has yet to actually start filming but, hopefully, production stills and more details regarding Murphy's role as the titular "father of the atomic bomb" will emerge later this year.
Source: Esquire