The Irish actor, who plays the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, in Christopher Nolan’s latest film, has finally addressed the rumors about his drastic weight loss and diet for the role.

How did Cillian Murphy prepare for the role?

Cillian Murphy is known for his dedication and transformation for his roles, whether it is playing the gangster leader Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders or the blindfolded survivor in A Quiet Place Part II. However, his role as Oppenheimer required him to undergo a more challenging and demanding process, as he had to portray the brilliant but troubled physicist who led the Manhattan Project during World War II.

Cillian Murphy’s co-star Emily Blunt, who played his wife Kitty, revealed Murphy’s preparation for the role. Last year, Blunt told ExtraTV that to transform into J Robert Oppenheimer’s physique, Murphy had to follow a strict diet. “He had such a monumental undertaking. And he could only eat, like, an almond every day. He was so emaciated,” she said.

However, Murphy has recently clarified that his diet was not as extreme as Blunt suggested. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “I didn’t eat one almond a day. That’s a slight exaggeration. But I did lose a lot of weight, yeah. It was tough, but it was part of the job. And I think it helped me get into the character’s mindset” .

Murphy also said that he did a lot of research on Oppenheimer’s life and work, reading books, watching documentaries, and listening to audio recordings. He said that he was fascinated by Oppenheimer’s personality, which was complex and contradictory. “He was a genius, a visionary, a pacifist, a poet, a lover, a leader, a traitor, a hero, a villain. He had so many layers and dimensions. And he was haunted by his own creation, the atomic bomb, which changed the course of history and humanity” .

How did he work with Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr.?

Oppenheimer is the tenth collaboration between Murphy and Nolan, who have worked together in films such as Inception, Dunkirk, and the Dark Knight trilogy. Murphy said that he has a great relationship with Nolan, who he considers as one of the best filmmakers of his generation. “He’s a master of his craft, and he always challenges me as an actor. He has a very clear vision, but he also gives me a lot of freedom and trust. He’s a joy to work with” .

Murphy also praised his co-star Robert Downey Jr., who played General Leslie Groves, the military leader of the Manhattan Project. He said that working with Downey Jr. was an extraordinary experience, as he is one of the most talented and charismatic actors in the industry. “He’s just electrifying, the most available, engaged, present, unpredictably brilliant actor I’ve ever worked with. He brought so much energy and humor to the set, and he was very generous and supportive of me” .

What is the film about and how has it been received?

Oppenheimer is a biographical drama that chronicles the life and work of J. Robert Oppenheimer, from his early years as a professor at Berkeley to his involvement in the Manhattan Project, the secret program that developed the first nuclear weapons during World War II. The film also explores the moral and ethical dilemmas that Oppenheimer faced, as well as the political and personal consequences that followed after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The film was released on July 16, 2023, and has received critical acclaim and commercial success. It has been praised for its direction, screenplay, cinematography, music, and performances, especially by Murphy and Downey Jr. It has also been nominated for several awards, including the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, and the BAFTAs. It has grossed over $500 million worldwide, making it one of the highest-grossing films of the year .

Oppenheimer is a film that offers a compelling and captivating portrait of one of the most influential and controversial figures of the 20th century, as well as a reflection on the impact and legacy of the atomic bomb. It is a film that will not only entertain, but also educate and inspire audiences. It is a film that you should not miss.