“It was kind of a no-brainer”: Robert Downey Jr. Reveals Why He Left His Family for Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer After Bidding Farewell to MCU as Ironman

Robert Downey Jr. Reveals Why He Left His Family for Cillian Murphy’s Oppenheimer After Bidding Farewell to MCU as Ironman
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Robert Downey Jr., who rose to fame as Iron Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe has a reputation for giving standout performances on the big screen. After bidding farewell to the MCU as the beloved ‘Tony Stark’, the 58-year-old actor talked about his decision and motivation to get cast in the upcoming biopic film, Oppenheimer. 

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In the film, which stars Cillian Murphy as the lead character, Downey Jr. will be seen in a pivotal role. The actor, who plays Lewis Strauss, explains why it was so special to work on Christopher Nolan’s upcoming biographical thriller film. He also added that he viewed this as a chance to push himself both professionally and personally.

Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer (2023)
Robert Downey Jr. as Lewis Strauss in Oppenheimer (2023)

Fans have been buzzing with excitement ever since it was revealed that the actor will play a significant part in the upcoming film.

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For the unversed, the upcoming biographical thriller film, which is scheduled to hit theaters on July 21, 2023, was written and directed by Christopher Nolan, a five-time Academy Award nominee. 

Also Read: The Rise, Fall, & Rise Again of Robert Downey Jr (VIDEO)

Why Oppenheimer Was So Special for Robert Downey Jr.

Robert Downey Jr., who stars in Christopher Nolan’s epic biopic Oppenheimer, recently explains why it was so special to film the movie.

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After producing The Dark Knight trilogy, which features arguably the most iconic cinematic portrayal of Batman, Nolan moves on to a complicated historical figure. He is now prepared to recount the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the man who invented the created the first nuclear weapons.

Given that Nolan is known for pushing the envelope when it comes to using IMAX technology, the cast of Oppenheimer, including Downey, had a very real IMAX experience.

Why Oppenheimer Was So Special for Robert Downey Jr.
Why Oppenheimer Was So Special for Robert Downey Jr.

Prior to the Oppenheimer release, the Sherlock Holmes actor was quoted as saying that being in the movie was notably special because of Nolan’s approach to shooting. He also admitted that the decision to leave his family for months in order to focus on the film was not an easy one.

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“I had been cooling my heels for about a year before the pandemic, just reacquainting myself with my family and other interests because I had been working super consistently. But this was Christopher Nolan, doing something that was important to him. The cast was this large gathering of folks who have their choice of projects. And just as soon as we were under way, world events lined up in a way that turned this movie into an important metaphor that could speak to any number of things. So, it was kind of a no- brainer.”

Also read: “There’s something very sobering about it”: Iron Man star Robert Downey Jr. Has a Moving Reason Behind Leaving Marvel Franchise

Oppenheimer Cast Praises Christopher Nolan

Robert Downey Jr. is not the only star who has had positive things to say about Christopher Nolan. His co-star, Florence Pugh, spoke to BBC Radio 1 about the incredible ambiance on the film’s set.

“Working with Christopher Nolan was quite possibly one of the most thrilling experiences in a different way. Partly because he works with professionals. He is a professional. But his dedication to the craft of filmmaking and old filmmaking is just magical to watch. To just watch every single crew member on that set work so hard for him, to get his approval. And not like in a weird way, but like everybody knows who they’re working for and everybody’s proud of being there.”

Another member of the Oppenheimer cast, Alden Ehrenreich, gushed to THR that his time working with Nolan and his team was “just terrific” and that “It is a different quality.”

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Oppenheimer Cast Praises Christopher Nolan
Oppenheimer Cast Praises Christopher Nolan

Then there is Cillian Murphy, who plays J. Robert Oppenheimer also praised Nolan’s script for the three-hour biopic and referred to it as “the best script I ever read” in an interview with Rolling Stone UK.

Well, along with the aforementioned Downey Jr., Murphy, the impressive cast also includes Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, and Rami Malek in Nolan’s eagerly anticipated film. 

Note that Oppenheimer will be made available in theaters on July 21. So, mark the date!

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Also read: “We hope to keep them laughing”: Jamie Foxx Claims Unreleased Robert Downey Jr. Movie is More Offensive Than $195M Cult Classic With Tom Cruise That Got Him Oscar Nod

Source: Oppenheimer Production notes

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Written by Siddhika Prajapati

Articles Published: 1511

Between everyday normalities and supernatural abnormalities, Siddhika Prajapati finds the story in everything. Literature Honors Graduate and Post-Graduated in Journalism (from Delhi University), her undying need to deduce the extraordinary out of simplicity makes her a vibrant storyteller.

Serving as a Senior Entertainment Writer at Fandom Wire and having written over 1500 pieces, Siddhika has also worked with multiple clients and projects over the years, including Indian Express, India Today, and Outlook Group.

Who knows, maybe your next favorite persona on the screen will be crafted by her.