The Dark Knight trilogy set a benchmark for all superhero films to be released in the future. Even a decade after the final installment’s release, fans of the super-powered genre consider the trilogy to be some of the best works of the genre. Not only was Christian Bale and Christopher Nolan’s collaboration a treat to watch, but the supporting actors made the film-watching experience all the more entertaining.
One of them was Cillian Murphy who stole the show with his brilliant portrayal of Scarecrow. However, you might find it interesting that there was a possibility that the actor could’ve ended up playing the man, Bruce Wayne, himself. You read that right! Cillian Murphy actually auditioned for the role of Batman before Christian Bale was finally chosen. That didn’t stop Christopher Nolan from acknowledging the actor’s insane talents!
Cillian Murphy Auditioned to Play Batman
Christopher Nolan wanted anyone and everyone to audition for the lead role in his films. His only requirements were that he should be someone “Without too many past associations’ and someone who could project “extraordinary iconography” in his portrayal. Obviously, Christian Bale managed to tick all the boxes that Nolan wanted and even Cillian Murphy agrees with this statement.
Murphy told The Hollywood Reporter in 2021,
“I don’t believe I was close to landing that role. The only actor who was right for that part at that time, in my estimation, was Christian Bale, and he absolutely smashed it. So, for me, it was just an experience.”
While it was just an experience for Murphy, Nolan was quick to recognize the potential in the actor and he ended up playing Scarecrow in the trilogy. Nolan sure has an eye for talent!
Christopher Nolan Impressed by Cillian Murphy
Murphy went on to state that he never considered himself to be Bruce Wayne material. However, he is grateful for the fact that that audition turned into something much better for him.
“It turned into something else. It turned into that character, Scarecrow, and it turned into a working relationship with Chris. So I think back very, very fondly on that time, but I never, ever, ever considered myself Bruce Wayne material.”
Nolan also stated in a making-of-featurette that while Bale was certainly the better choice for Batman, Murphy’s talents were too good to ignore.
“He wasn’t right for that part in the way that Christian was. But the performance was incredible and everybody took huge notice of it while we were shooting it and while we watched the test.”
In an interview with Total Film, Nolan spoke highly of the Peaky Blinders actor stating that since the time he first him, he knew he was “One of the great actors, not just of his generation, but of all time.” Murphy and Nolan’s pairing will once again be seen on the big screen with Oppenheimer. The actor is all set to play the role of the atom bomb creator, J. Robert Oppenheimer in the much-anticipated film.
You can stream The Dark Knight trilogy on HBO Max whereas Oppenheimer will release in theatres on July 21.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
