Robert Downey Jr. Says Cillian Murphy Was ‘Meant To Play’ Oppenheimer: ‘Your Life Is Gonna Change’

Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” is not just the story about the creation of the atomic bomb; it’s also a clash of egos between Oppenheimer, played by Cillian Murphy, and government official Lewis Strauss, played by Robert Downey Jr. In an interview taped prior to the SAG-AFTRA strike, Access Hollywood guest correspondent Simone Boyce spoke to both Cillian and Robert about their characters’ “complex” relationship and what it was like to act together. Cillian also reacted to the Oscar buzz surrounding his performance, and Robert praised his co-star’s work, saying, “You were meant to play this character, dude, and I’m sorry, but your life is going to change a little bit.” “Oppenheimer” is in theaters now.