In a recent interview, Cillian Murphy shared how a single, subtle guidance from director Christopher Nolan helped him deeply connect with his role in the 2023 film Oppenheimer. The movie, which chronicles the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, achieved critical acclaim and solidified Nolan’s reputation, while also earning Murphy his first Academy Award for Best Actor.
The Crucial Direction That Shaped Murphy’s Portrayal
Murphy disclosed that during the filming process, Nolan offered a precise piece of advice that changed his approach to playing Oppenheimer. Early in a scene, Murphy approached the character with intensity, but Nolan quietly advised him:
“He’s not a boxer. He’s a chess player.” – Cillian Murphy, Actor
This simple remark, whispered just before the next take, helped Murphy grasp the intellectual and strategic nature of Oppenheimer’s character, shifting his performance from physical aggression to thoughtful calculation. Murphy expressed great admiration for Nolan’s intuition, saying,
“I’ve made six films with Chris, and he’s a generational director. We all know that. One of the greatest directors ever. And I remember very early on, when I was playing Oppenheimer, I came in a bit heavy with one of the takes. And he said to me: ‘He’s not a boxer. He’s a chess player.’ He just whispered that in my ear just before the next take, and it just changed the whole thing. And he hadn’t said anything up until that point, and then he said that, and it just clarified everything and everything became clear. It just changed the whole way I approached the take. He’s so gifted, it’s outrageous.” – Cillian Murphy, Actor
Oppenheimer’s Triumph at the Oscars and Beyond
Oppenheimer was a milestone not only for Murphy but also for Nolan’s career. The film secured seven Academy Awards at the 2024 ceremony from thirteen nominations, including Best Picture and Best Director, which marked Nolan’s first Oscar win after a string of prior nominations for projects like Memento, Inception, and Dunkirk.
Critically, the movie resonated strongly with both reviewers and audiences, holding a 93% critics’ score and 91% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Financially, it earned an impressive $975 million globally despite its R rating and lengthy runtime, affirming its success on multiple fronts. Garnered as one of Nolan’s finest works, the film has set a high bar for his future projects.
Looking ahead, Nolan’s upcoming adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey promises to be an even grander undertaking, featuring a star-studded ensemble including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Zendaya, Anne Hathaway, and Charlize Theron. Unlike Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy will not be part of this next epic.
Future Collaborations Between Murphy and Nolan
Having collaborated on six films, Murphy and Nolan share a strong professional bond. In smaller roles in Nolan’s earlier films like The Dark Knight and Inception, Murphy gradually built a reputation that culminated in leading Oppenheimer, which earned him widespread acclaim.
With Nolan’s next film slated for release in mid-2026, who will appear in future projects remains uncertain. However, given Nolan’s history of working repeatedly with familiar actors and Murphy’s proven talent, the partnership between the director and actor seems likely to continue. Fans await with keen interest any word on their next collaboration.
