The personal note Christopher Nolan left for Cillian Murphy on his Oppenheimer script is the most wholesome thing you'll see today

News
By published

Oppenheimer is Cillian Murphy's first lead role in a Christopher Nolan movie

Oppenheimer
(Image credit: Universal Pictures)

Christopher Nolan left a note on Cillian Murphy's Oppenheimer script – and it's the sweetest thing you'll see all day.

The note, written on the cover page of Murphy's script reads: "Dearest Cillian - Finally, a chance to see you lead… Love, Chris." The script is also printed on red paper with the text in black ink so it can't be photocopied (which Robert Downey Jr. said made the script hard to read).

Nolan and Murphy had previously worked together on Batman Begins and Dunkirk, with Murphy in supporting roles. Oppenheimer marks Murphy's first lead role in a Nolan movie – and hopefully the first of many.

Murphy auditioned for the lead in Batman Begins, with his audition going viral once again around the time of Oppenheimer's release. Despite knowing that the role would go to Christian Bale, Nolan "wanted to get [Murphy] on film," because of the "electric atmosphere" around his performance.

"He's so understated and self-deprecating and, in his very English manner, just said, 'Listen, I've written this script, it's about Oppenheimer. I'd like you to be my Oppenheimer,'" Murphy said (H/T Variety). "It was a great day… We have this long-standing understanding and trust and shorthand and respect. It felt like the right time to take on a bigger responsibility. And it just so happened that it was a huge one."

Oppenheimer is streaming now on Peacock. For more, check out our list of the most exciting upcoming movies in 2024 and beyond. For more Oppy, check out our  interview with Christopher Nolan on crafting Oppenheimer

Lauren Milici
Lauren Milici
Senior Entertainment Writer

Lauren Milici is a Senior Entertainment Writer for GamesRadar+ based in New York City. She previously reported on breaking news for The Independent's Indy100 and created TV and film listicles for Ranker. Her work has been published in Fandom, Nerdist, Paste Magazine, Vulture, PopSugar, Fangoria, and more.