“It broke my heart”: Before Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy’s Greatest Regret Was Not Starring in Another Christopher Nolan Sci-Fi Masterpiece
Cillian Murphy, the talented Oppenheimer star, has more than just a professional connection with renowned director Christopher Nolan – he shares a profound admiration for Nolan’s work. This affinity goes beyond mere collaboration; it’s a testament to Murphy’s deep-seated desire to take the lead in Christopher Nolan’s cinematic ventures, a dream that spanned over a decade after their initial collaboration in the Dark Knight trilogy.
This dream allowed Murphy to reflect on his long-standing admiration for the director, with a particular focus on Nolan’s 2014 masterpiece, Interstellar. It’s within this sprawling space odyssey that Murphy, known for his iconic role in Peaky Blinders, harbored a heartfelt wish to have been a part of. As he contemplated his absence from Nolan’s $773 million-grossing cinematic marvel, one could sense a tinge of regret in Murphy’s sentiments.
Cillian Murphy’s Profound Fascination with Interstellar
Cillian Murphy‘s involvement in Oppenheimer signifies an impressive sixth collaboration with the visionary director Christopher Nolan. This illustrious partnership has evolved over the years, spanning from their initial work together in the iconic Dark Knight trilogy to mind-bending adventures like Inception and the gripping war epic Dunkirk. However, amidst this rich tapestry of cinematic collaborations, there remains one notable omission that Murphy openly regrets – not being part of Christopher Nolan’s classic masterpiece, Interstellar.
Also Read: 5 Reasons Why Cillian Murphy’s ‘Oppenheimer’ Shattered Christopher Nolan’s Career Records
Interstellar, a cinematic gem in its own right, delves into the depths of scientific and physics-related themes, much like the intellectually stimulating Oppenheimer. It is within the context of these shared thematic elements that Cillian Murphy has expressed a fervent desire to have been a part of Interstellar. He reflects on the profound impact the film had on him, recalling a personal experience of watching it in the cinema. Murphy told The Independent,
“I adore Interstellar just because I find it so emotional. I remember seeing it in the cinema when I had little kids. It just had a big impact on me. It broke my heart. I love watching his films when I’m not in them because you don’t have to freak out about the size of your ears, or whatever.”
In discussing his appreciation for Nolan’s work, Murphy touched upon the unique perspective of being a spectator rather than a participant in a movie. While he expressed his yearning for a role in Interstellar, he was quick to emphasize that the right people were cast in the film. Despite his regrets, his respect for Nolan and the art of filmmaking shines through, making Cillian Murphy’s collaboration with the acclaimed director all the more compelling and meaningful.
Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer Box Office Victory Over Interstellar Dream
Cillian Murphy’s profound admiration for Christopher Nolan’s work extended to the point where he envisioned a unique cinematic experience—an Oppenheimer double feature alongside another Nolan masterpiece, Interstellar. Released in 2014, Interstellar boasts a star-studded cast including Matthew McConaughey, Anne Hathaway, Jessica Chastain, Bill Irwin, Ellen Burstyn, Matt Damon, and Michael Caine. The film immerses viewers in the gripping narrative of a group of scientists who embark on a space odyssey to locate a new habitable planet for humanity’s survival. Murphy told The Independent,
“You could go Interstellar, which is very… explores similar scientific, physics themes. Or you could watch Dunkirk, which is also set in World War II. Dunkirk is shorter, so that might be a good match ‘cause it’s like an hour-and-a-half, and then you can go into [‘Oppenheimer’].”
Interstellar has since carved out a special place in Nolan’s filmography, resonating with audiences worldwide and earning critical acclaim. Interestingly, despite the popularity and enduring appeal of Interstellar, Oppenheimer, the 2023 release directed by Nolan, managed to surpass it in terms of box office performance. As per data from The Numbers, Oppenheimer emerged as the sixth highest-grossing film of 2023, cementing its status as a cinematic success in its own right. This achievement underscores Nolan’s consistent ability to captivate audiences with his thought-provoking narratives and cinematic craftsmanship, leaving a lasting impact on the world of filmmaking.
Source: The Independent
