The Irish actor was in the running to portray the theoretical physicist on WGN’s Manhattan.
Oppenheimerwriter-directorChristopher Nolanwasn’t the first person to have the bright idea of castingCillian Murphyas theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer.
The list included the singer Beck,The Bearstar Ebon Moss-Barach, and Murphy.
Cillian Murphy in ‘Oppenheimer’.Melinda Sue Gordon/Universal Pictures
“A thousand percent, Cillian Murphy was on that list,” said Shaw.
The role eventually went toMinority ReportandOld Joyactor Daniel London.
“But I really wanted to get on set with you, I wanted to get you on film.
We did those screen tests very elaborately, on 35mm, with a little set.
There was just an electric atmosphere in the crew when you started to perform.
there was no dissent.
That was a big leap for them and it really was purely on the basis of that test.
So that’s how you got to play Scarecrow.”
The thing was, I had no idea.
There was no preamble or anything, I just got the call.
So it was incredibly exciting, and daunting, and terrifying, all at the same time."
Oppenheimeris in theaters now.
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