The intense gaze of J. Robert Oppenheimer peers from the cover of American Prometheus, the biography that inspired Christopher Nolan’s latest film, Oppenheimer, which premiered on July 21. Written by Kai Bird and Martin Sherwin, the book portrays the scientist who led the atomic bomb’s development. As Nolan crafted the screenplay, he had only one actor in mind: Cillian Murphy.
“While I don’t typically envision actors as I write, Cillian’s eyes project an unmatched intensity,” Nolan shared in a recent interview. “He is, without question, one of the great actors of his generation.”
Oppenheimer embodies the scale of Nolan’s work—whether Inception, Dunkirk, or The Dark Knight trilogy. Known for blending grand conceptual ideas with mass appeal, Nolan is one of Hollywood’s most lauded directors. Murphy, who has collaborated with Nolan for over two decades, has primarily appeared in supporting roles in his films. Now, he takes center stage.
When asked if he felt the pressure, Murphy candidly replied, “Yes.” In a north London studio, Murphy, who recently turned 47, described preparing meticulously for the role, driven by the opportunity to lead under Nolan’s direction. “I’ve been at this for 27 years,” he added, “so I threw myself in fully. I was incredibly excited.”
Murphy’s intense portrayal has become iconic, especially after his turn as Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders. His sapphire stare and intense presence have captivated millions. Director Sally Potter noted that Murphy possesses the “blessed curse of beauty,” with a camera-ready face that doesn’t seem to interest him. Murphy’s passion, however, is clear: “It’s always the script first, the medium second,” he said. “For me, it’s about quality, not scale.”
Murphy’s journey began in Cork, Ireland, where he first encountered theater at age 16, igniting a passion for the art. After an unsuccessful law degree attempt, he pursued acting with determination, landing a role in Enda Walsh’s play Disco Pigs, which became an unexpected hit. His performance caught the attention of Danny Boyle, leading to his breakout in 28 Days Later. Nolan later noticed Murphy’s presence and cast him as Scarecrow in Batman Begins, cementing a long-standing partnership.
“Meeting Chris and working with him was transformative,” Murphy remarked. “His precision, his command over the craft—it’s phenomenal.” His onstage experience, he added, was equally invaluable, teaching him discipline and skill that continue to define his approach.
Peaky Blinders, the British crime drama that became a cultural sensation, showcased Murphy’s ability to captivate audiences. Steven Knight, the show’s creator, noted, “When Cillian is on screen, he controls the audience’s focus—he’s brilliant at predicting how his presence fits into the larger picture.”
In Oppenheimer, Murphy’s process began with the script in 2021. “The story was written in the first person, and I knew the demands it would place on me,” he said. His physical transformation for the role included significant weight loss and creating the iconic silhouette of Oppenheimer. “I love acting with my body,” Murphy explained, noting how his preparation extended to every physical detail of the character.
On set, Murphy and Nolan collaborated fluidly, with the director offering space for experimentation. “Nolan always pushes you, and I like being pushed,” Murphy said. Matt Damon, who plays Leslie Groves in the film, noted Murphy’s commitment, describing his lead performance as “a marathon.”
Emily Blunt, who portrays Kitty Oppenheimer, remarked on Murphy’s subtlety: “Cillian is brilliant at capturing ambiguity—he doesn’t need to do much to convey so much.”
Reflecting on his portrayal, Murphy concluded, “The best films ask questions and don’t provide all the answers.” That same enigmatic quality, perhaps, defines the best actors as well.
