Cillian Murphy, known for his roles in six Christopher Nolan films including 2023’s acclaimed Oppenheimer, is taking a pause from working with Nolan. Despite their successful partnership, Murphy will not be part of Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of The Odyssey. This Cillian Murphy Christopher Nolan break comes as the actor focuses on other projects while expressing excitement for Nolan’s next epic.
Murphy’s Thoughts on Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’ Project
While promoting his new movie Steve at the Toronto Film Festival alongside director Tim Mielants, screenwriter Max Porter, and co-stars Tracey Ullman, Jay Lycurgo, and Simbi Ajikawo, Murphy was asked about Nolan’s ambitious adaptation of The Odyssey. Murphy responded with optimism and humor about missing out on the project:
“Is there a trailer? I have ROMO: ‘Relief of missing out,’”
Murphy joked.
No, I can’t wait to see it. If any director in the world could tackle ‘The Odyssey,’ it’s going to be Christopher Nolan. I am so excited to see it. He is one in a million. He’s been a huge part of my life as an actor. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.
Murphy’s Secrecy on ‘Peaky Blinders’ Movie
Murphy was also questioned about the much-anticipated Peaky Blinders movie but remained tight-lipped, simply stating, “Oh, I can’t tell you.” This indicates a guarded approach to the project, adding to the intrigue around the film’s development.
Critical Praise for Murphy’s Role in ‘Steve’
Steve, which debuted globally at the Toronto Film Festival on September 5, garnered critical acclaim. Variety’s chief film critic Peter Debruge highlighted Murphy’s performance as the dedicated reform school teacher. He remarked on Murphy’s impressive range, noting that many considered Oppenheimer the actor’s finest work, though his earlier role in Breakfast on Pluto deserved equal recognition:
“For many, ‘Oppenheimer’ was the performance of Murphy’s career (too few saw his astonishing work in ‘Breakfast on Pluto’),”
Debruge wrote.
In any case, the Irish actor’s two recent collaborations with Mielants demonstrate both a humility — the tiny films are anything but paycheck projects — and how much more he still has to offer. It’s rare to see the fresh-faced star with scruff, or yielding the scene to a room full of unknowns, but Steve is a man who gives too much of himself, and it takes a man of Murphy’s commitment to suggest where that comes from.
Murphy’s choice to work on smaller, character-driven films alongside major productions reflects his dedication to exploring diverse roles beyond mainstream blockbusters.
What’s Next for Murphy and Nolan’s Collaboration?
Although Murphy is stepping away from Christopher Nolan’s next project, their partnership remains significant in both their careers. Murphy’s enthusiasm for Nolan’s version of The Odyssey suggests a continued admiration despite this break. Fans and critics alike will watch closely to see how Nolan’s film evolves and whether Murphy will return for future collaborations after this hiatus.
