Christopher Nolan is known for his close relationships with his actors and often audiences can see him cast the same actors in multiple films -establishing his reputation for creating a collaborative and supportive work environment. Hence, it’s no surprise that for his first-ever biopic, the filmmaker assembled an epic cast of actors who had already worked with him.
Based on the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the movie is set in the 1930s and 40s. And to make the movie exceptional, Nolan continued with his tradition of adding familiar faces to his project. Here are the actors who have returned to work with Christopher Nolan in Oppenheimer.
1. Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy is one of the most acclaimed actors working today. Having starred in a wide range of films, from indie dramas to big-budget blockbusters, he is known for his intense performances and his ability to bring complex characters to life. Before portraying the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer, Murphy starred in three Nolan films, including Inception, The Dark Knight trilogy, and Dunkirk.
2. Matt Damon
Known for his intelligent and nuanced performances, Matt Damon shouldered the responsibility of portraying Leslie Groves in Oppenheimer. A complex and contradictory figure, Damon had to transform himself physically and mentally to seem convincing as Groves. Prior to Oppenheimer, Damon collaborated with Nolan in the 2014 movie Interstellar.
3. James D’Arcy
Having begun his career in the theater, James D’Arcy is an English actor known for his versatile performances, which have ranged from romantic comedies to historical dramas to superhero films. Portraying the role of Patrick Blackett, J. Robert Oppenheimer’s tutor whom he tried to poison, D’Arcy has collaborated with Nolan in Dunkirk.
4. Tom Conti
Tom Conti is a beloved Scottish actor who has starred in films such as Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence, Reuben, Reuben, and American Dreamer. In Oppenheimer, he portrays the role of Albert Einstein, one of the most revered scientists in history. Oppenheimer seeks Einstein’s advice at several points in the film, and as a pacifist, Einstein tells Oppenheimer that what he is doing is wrong. Prior to this, Conti played a small role in The Dark Knight Rises, playing the Prisoner who helps nurse Bruce Wayne back to health in The Pit.
5. David Dastmalchian
David Dastmalchian is an American actor known for his versatile performances, which have ranged from small-screen roles in The Dark Knight trilogy and Ant-Man to starring roles in Blade Runner 2049 and The Suicide Squad. Before portraying the role of William L. Borden in Oppenheimer, Dastmalchian worked with Nolan in Dark Knight as one of the Joker’s thugs.
6. Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman is known for his ability to transform himself into a wide range of characters, from Winston Churchill to Dracula to Sirius Black. One of the most versatile actors in Hollywood, Oldman has won an Academy Award, two Golden Globes, and a BAFTA Award among others. Having portrayed the role of Harry S. Truman, the 33rd President of the United States in Oppenheimer, Goldman had previously worked with Christopher Nolan as Jim Gordon in the Dark Knight trilogy.
7. Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh is a British actor, director, and writer. Over the years, Branagh has starred in a number of critically acclaimed films, including Much Ado About Nothing, Hamlet, and Dead Again. He has also directed a number of successful films, including Henry V, Much Ado About Nothing, and Thor. One of the closest associations of Nolan, Branagh previously starred in Dunkirk and also played the role of the villain in Tenet.
8. Matthew Modine
Matthew Modine is an American actor who has been working in the film industry for over 40 years. He is known for his versatility and his ability to disappear into his roles. Having starred in a wide range of films, from critically acclaimed dramas to popular blockbusters, his breakthrough role came in 1983, when he starred in the film Scarface. Playing the role of Vannevar Bush in Oppenheimer, Modine worked with Nolan in The Dark Knight Rises where he played the role of GCPD Deputy Commissioner Peter Foley.
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Apart from these, Josh Hartnett who played the role of Ernest Lawrence in Oppenheimer deserves a special mention since even though this is his first project with Christopher Nolan, it isn’t the first where the filmmaker considered him for a role. Earlier, Nolan approached Hartnett for the role of Batman/Bruce Wayne in the 2005 action fantasy Batman Begins.
Source: Screen Rant
