DUBLIN:
Irish actor Cillian Murphy, who secured the Best Actor Academy Award in 2024 for his powerful portrayal of the physicist in Christopher Nolan’s ’Oppenheimer,’ has offered a surprisingly grounded perspective on the immediate impact of his monumental career victory.
In the wake of the Oscar win, the popular star appeared in the historical drama ’Small Things Like These’ and, most recently, the school drama ’Steve.’ The common industry expectation was that the massive success of Oppenheimer would instantly place Murphy in unprecedented demand for new projects, but his account suggests a different reality.
When asked by Variety if the win had immediately put him in “hot demand,” Murphy stated candidly: “No, because I had these other two films straight away. I just wasn’t available, so it didn’t happen.” He added a reflective note: “Maybe someday it will. Or maybe it’s too late.” His answer suggests a commitment to pre-scheduled projects over leveraging the immediate post-Oscar frenzy.
Murphy’s upcoming slate includes a small role in the ‘28 Days Later’ sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, before he reprises his iconic role as Thomas Shelby for the Netflix feature film, The Immortal Man, based on the Peaky Blinders series.
Speaking about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Murphy chose to remain tight-lipped on the plot but praised the collaboration. “But I will say that I think Nia DaCosta has made an extraordinary film, and it’s an amazing accompaniment to Danny’s [Boyle] movie. I’m only in it a tiny bit, but I’m really proud of it,” he told the outlet.
Murphy’s latest film, Steve, which was released on September 19, has been met with exceptionally positive reviews. However, the 49-year-old actor admitted that the creative process always leaves him feeling exposed: “You’re always nervous… So, I’m not finished until the audience sees it. I’m very proud of it,” he said. When questioned if taking on a producer role added pressure, Murphy conceded: “It’s doubly nervous because that’s what makes it more stressful! Yeah, but the reaction’s been brilliant so far.”
