Why Nolan’s Classics Aren’t Just Adapted—They’re Reimagined, Says Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy’s insights into Christopher Nolan’s approach to adapting classic stories shed light on the creative partnership that has shaped some of the most iconic films of the 21st century. From Oppenheimer (2023) to The Dark Knight trilogy (2005–2012) and Inception (2010), Nolan’s unique blend of innovation, fidelity to source material, and deep character development has made him one of the most influential directors in modern cinema. Through Murphy’s reflections, we gain a deeper understanding of how Nolan balances reverence for the classics with a transformative cinematic vision.

A Long-Standing Collaboration

Murphy and Nolan’s collaboration spans over two decades, a relationship that began with Murphy’s audition for the role of Batman in Batman Begins (2005), which led to his casting as Dr. Jonathan Crane, a.k.a. Scarecrow. Their professional bond deepened with each project, and Murphy has become a central figure in Nolan’s universe, from supporting roles in Inception and Dunkirk (2017) to a lead role in Oppenheimer, a performance that earned him an Academy Award for Best Actor in 2024. Murphy’s admiration for Nolan’s filmmaking process is evident in his words, calling Nolan “might be the perfect director,” reflecting a trust that has defined their working relationship (The Guardian, 2023).

Character Depth at the Forefront

One of Nolan’s key strengths, according to Murphy, lies in his unwavering commitment to character depth. Nolan’s approach to adaptation is not about simply retelling stories but about truly understanding the people at their heart. This focus on authenticity and realism is particularly evident in the way Nolan approached Oppenheimer, adapting the biography American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin. Murphy notes that Nolan focused on “who the real people were,” ensuring the adaptation was driven by the complexities of its central figures.

This dedication to character development is also seen in Nolan’s Batman trilogy, where he sought actors who could embody the iconic nature of characters like Bruce Wayne and the Joker while bringing something unique to their portrayals. In a 2023 interview, Murphy mentioned how Nolan’s casting decisions are always rooted in his desire to find actors who understand not just the characters but the essence of the stories they are telling. This commitment to character is central to Nolan’s method of adapting classic stories, ensuring each film remains deeply personal and human, even when dealing with larger-than-life narratives.

Blending Genres and Innovating Cinematically

Murphy also revealed how Nolan’s films often defy traditional genre boundaries, creating a rich and multifaceted viewing experience. In discussing Oppenheimer, Murphy described the film as a blend of biopic, thriller, and even horror, a genre fusion that exemplifies Nolan’s ability to reshape genres to suit his storytelling. This fluidity between genres was similarly evident in The Dark Knight, where Nolan transformed the superhero film into a grounded, psychological drama that explored moral ambiguity and the nature of heroism. Nolan’s use of genre-blending helps elevate his adaptations beyond mere retellings, infusing them with contemporary relevance and emotional depth.

Nolan’s passion for classic films also plays a role in his creative process. In conversations with Murphy, Nolan cited films like Citizen Kane and Dr. Strangelove as major influences, although he famously avoided watching Dr. Strangelove while making Oppenheimer to ensure the film maintained its own identity. This highlights Nolan’s approach of drawing inspiration from the past while forging new cinematic paths, ensuring his adaptations are not only faithful but transformative.

Selecting Stories with Impact

Nolan’s choice of stories to adapt is another crucial element of his filmmaking approach, with Murphy noting that the director often selects narratives that carry profound historical or cultural significance. In a 2024 interview, Nolan described Oppenheimer as “the biggest film I’ve ever made,” drawn to the immense gravity of the story of the atomic bomb’s creation. This thematic weight is also present in Nolan’s work with Batman, where he rebooted the iconic series with a focus on realism and psychological depth.

The adaptation of American Prometheus was particularly ambitious, involving multiple timeframes and exploring themes that resonate with contemporary issues such as the Ukraine war. As NBCUniversal Studio Group Chairman Donna Langley pointed out, the way Nolan navigated these complex themes ensured that Oppenheimer was not only a historical drama but a film with ongoing cultural relevance.

Trust in Vision and Collaborative Effort

Central to Murphy’s insights is the deep trust actors place in Nolan’s vision. Throughout their partnership, Murphy has emphasized how Nolan fosters a collaborative atmosphere on set, allowing actors to immerse themselves in their roles while trusting the director’s broader creative direction. This level of trust and collaboration is what allows Nolan’s films to maintain their integrity and emotional impact, even as they tackle expansive, often monumental, stories.

Cillian Murphy’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the mind of Christopher Nolan, highlighting a director who adapts classic stories with a careful balance of reverence, innovation, and deep character exploration. Through genre-blending, an unwavering focus on authenticity, and the selection of narratives with lasting significance, Nolan has proven himself a master at adapting stories that resonate far beyond their original contexts. As Murphy’s career continues to evolve under Nolan’s direction, their partnership remains one of the most exciting creative collaborations in contemporary cinema.