Universal’s biographical thriller “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan, is confirmed to hit Japanese cinemas on March 29, 2024. The release date was officially revealed by Universal’s local distribution partner, Bitters End, which has previously collaborated on successful releases like “Darkest Hour” and “Licorice Pizza.”

The decision to bring “Oppenheimer” to Japan was made after extensive deliberation, considering the sensitivity of the subject matter. In a statement released earlier in Tokyo, Bitters End explained that the film’s portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer’s role in the Manhattan Project and the subsequent moral and political dilemmas raised concerns about its reception in Japan. Notably, the film does not explicitly depict the bombings on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a conscious decision by Nolan to stay true to Oppenheimer’s perspective.

Despite a global rollout starting in July, the film’s fate in Japan was uncertain due to the nation’s historical context. The hashtag #NoBarbenheimer gained traction on Japanese Twitter earlier this year, reflecting concerns about the potential trivialization of nuclear weapons through online memes.

“Oppenheimer” has already made headlines this awards season, securing an impressive 13 Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Director, Actor, Supporting Actor and Actress, Adapted Screenplay, Cinematography, and Editing. The film will premiere in Japan after the Academy Awards ceremony on March 10.

Starring a stellar cast, including Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, and Kenneth Branagh, “Oppenheimer” has achieved remarkable success globally, grossing over $950 million. Its stellar performance has positioned it as the No. 3 movie of 2023 and the top-grossing biopic of all time.

Bitters End, known for its history of handling award contenders, expressed enthusiasm for the Japanese release, emphasizing Christopher Nolan’s creation of a cinematic experience that transcends traditional storytelling. The distributor encourages audiences to witness the film on the big screen, inviting them to be part of the unique narrative crafted by Nolan.

As the countdown begins for “Oppenheimer’s” Japanese debut, fans and moviegoers eagerly await the opportunity to experience the thought-provoking and visually stunning film on the silver screen.