Cillian Murphy has revealed the encouraging words Christopher Nolan wrote on the cover of his Oppenheimer script during a new interview.
The Peaky Blinders star, who won best actor at Sunday’s Baftas for his portrayal of Robert J, Oppenheimer, appeared on a recent episode of CBS’ news show 60 Minutes.
During the segment, the Irish actor showed a copy of his script, which was printed on red paper and in black ink so it couldn’t be photocopied.
On the title page of it however was a heartfelt message from Nolan, that read: “Dearest Cillian. Finally, a chance to see you lead… Love, Chris”. Oppenheimer is the sixth film Murphy and Nolan have worked together on, but the first that the actor has led, an opportunity the 47-year-old said he was “desperate for”.
Murphy previously told AP: “I have always said publicly and privately, to Chris, that if I’m available and you want me to be in a movie, I’m there. I don’t really care about the size of the part.
“But deep down, secretly, I was desperate to play a lead for him.”
Christopher Nolan left a note on Cillian Murphy's #Oppenheimer script
— Culture Crave 🍿 (@CultureCrave) February 19, 2024
“Dearest Cillian. Finally, a chance to see you lead… Love, Chris"
(via @60Minutes) pic.twitter.com/zKeGMGx1F5
Nolan and Murphy’s working relationship spans almost two. They have worked together on three Batman films as well as Inception and WWII epic Dunkirk.
Nolan’s biopic about the father of the atomic bomb swept the board at the 2024 Baftas - taking home seven awards including best film and best director.
Murphy made history becoming the first Irish-born star to win best actor at the Baftas while Robert Downey Jr. picked up the best supporting actor prize for his role as Lewis Strauss, head of the Atomic Energy Commission.
In his acceptance speech, Murphy told Nolan: “Thank for always pushing me and demanding excellence because that is what you deliver time and time again.”
He said Oppenheimer was a “colossally knotty character”, adding: “We have a space to debate and interrogate and investigate that complexity and it’s a privilege to be a part of this community with you all.”
Oppenheimer also won the Baftas for best cinematography, score and editing.
