Renowned filmmaker Christopher Nolan is known for shrouding his projects in mystery before release. In a recent GQ interview, his frequent collaborator, Cillian Murphy, shed light on Nolan’s unique way of delivering scripts. Murphy and Nolan have collaborated on several acclaimed films, including Inception and The Dark Knight trilogy. Their latest project, Oppenheimer, earned them an Oscar Award for Best Actor and Best Director, respectively.
Murphy disclosed in the interview that Nolan, residing in Los Angeles, went to great lengths to maintain secrecy around Oppenheimer. Despite the tradition of using family members to deliver scripts, Nolan personally flew from Los Angeles to Ireland, where Murphy resides, to hand-deliver the confidential Oppenheimer script in an extraordinary gesture.
Christopher Nolan Went Above and Beyond to Deliver Oppenheimer Script in Person
Cillian Murphy wins Best Actor Oscar
Cillian Murphy recently spilled the beans on director Christopher Nolan’s unique way of guarding his scripts. In a chat with GQ, the actor described how Nolan usually enlists family members – mom or brother – to hand-deliver scripts in secrecy.
Recalling their meeting in the fall of 2021, Murphy revealed that Nolan personally flew to Ireland to deliver the highly confidential script.
“It’s been his mum who’s delivered the script to me before. Or his brother; he’ll go away and come back in three hours.” Murphy said.
“Part of it has to do with keeping the story secret before it goes out. But part of it has to do with tradition. They’ve always done it this way, so why stop now? It does add a ritual to it, which I really appreciate. It suits me.”
But for Oppenheimer, Nolan broke his own rule. Instead of sending a family member across the pond, he surprised Murphy with a personal visit to Ireland, script in hand.
“He’d already called me and said he wanted me to play the part. And I had said yes, because I always say yes to him,” the actor said.
In a December 2023 interview with the British Film Institute‘s digital production editor Lou Thomas, Murphy said that this particular project was different. He admitted to accepting the role even before receiving the script.
“I always say, ‘Chris, whatever it is, it’s a yes.’ But this one was different because I had no idea, there was no warning,” he added.
Thankfully, saying yes turned out to be a wise decision. Murphy’s performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer has been met with critical acclaim.
Cillian Murphy Received a Very Special Message from Christopher Nolan
Cillian Murphy and Christopher Nolan in Oppenheimer (2023). Image Credit: Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pic
Cillian Murphy’s talent and dedication have clearly earned him a special place in director Christopher Nolan’s heart. While they’ve collaborated on several films before, Murphy always played supporting roles. This time, in their latest project titled Oppenheimer, Murphy finally takes center stage.
Nolan, recognizing Murphy’s exceptional talents, left a touching note when casting him for their latest project. The note Nolan penned on the project’s page expressed genuine warmth: “Dearest Cillian. Finally, a chance to see you lead… Love, Chris.”
This message speaks volumes about Nolan’s belief in Murphy’s abilities and his excitement to see him step into the spotlight. In an interview with 60 Minutes via CBS News, Murphy shared his thoughts on working with Nolan, revealing that every collaboration with the director has been a phenomenal experience. He expressed, “It’s always paid off for me, you know, in every film that I worked with him on.”
This sweet gesture from the director must have been especially meaningful for Murphy, finally fulfilling his desire to lead a Nolan masterpiece after years of collaboration.
