Christopher Nolan On Robert Pattinson's Influence On Oppenheimer And Why He Is Not In It

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer has generated significant anticipation among fans. The movie delves into the true story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, a scientist whose groundbreaking research played a pivotal role in the development of the world’s first nuclear weapons. Prior to the film’s release, Christopher Nolan shared insights into how actor Robert Pattinson supported him throughout the project. However, he also revealed the reasons behind Pattinson not being cast in the film, despite his contributions.

In a conversation with Tara Hitchcock, Christopher Nolan discussed his collaboration with Robert Pattinson in the 2020 film Tenet. Nolan revealed that there was a reference to Oppenheimer in Tenet, and Pattinson presented him with a book of Oppenheimer’s speeches as a wrap-up gift. Christopher Nolan said, “Yeah, Rob, off the back of Tenet, where we refer to Oppenheimer, and I had wrote a thing about this incredible moment that Oppenheimer and the scientist of the Manhattan Project had where they could not completely eliminate the possibility that when they triggered that first gadget, that first atomic device, they might start the chain reaction that would destroy the world. We used that as a metaphor for Tenet, which Rob was in. As a wrapped gift, he gave me a book of Oppenheimer‘s speeches from the 1950s, where you’re reading these great intellects trying to deal with the massive consequences of the way in which they’ve changed life forever, for all of us.”

Christopher Nolan further explained the reason behind not casting Robert Pattinson in Oppenheimer. He said Pattinson was occupied with other projects. “He was busy. He’s very much in demand these days,” the filmmaker said. Pattinson’s upcoming commitments include reprising his role in the highly successful Batman franchise with the sequel to The Batman, following its 2022 hit release. Additionally, he has been confirmed to join the cast of Average Height, Average Build, a film centered around a serial murderer.

Meanwhile, Oppenheimer stars Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr., Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, Rami Malek, Kenneth Branagh, and others. The much-anticipated film is slated to release in theatres on July 21, 2023.