Cillian Murphy has shared candid reflections on the impact of his 2024 Best Actor Oscar win for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s critically acclaimed film. Despite the accolade marking a significant milestone in his career—also earning him a Golden Globe, BAFTA, and Screen Actors Guild award—Murphy revealed that the Oscar has not notably increased the demand for his participation in high-profile studio films. Speaking to Variety, he explained that his immediate commitments to other projects, including the historical drama Small Things Like These and the Netflix release Steve, meant he was not available to capitalise on any sudden surge in offers. “Maybe some day it will. Or maybe it’s too late,” he commented on the possibility of future heightened interest.

Murphy's recent work reflects a willingness to explore varied and challenging roles beyond the blockbuster arena. Steve, a drama adaptation of Max Porter’s novella Shy, is a prime example. Directed by Tim Mielants and released on Netflix, the film delves into the turbulent psyche of a reform school headteacher managing a fraught environment during a single intense day in the mid-1990s. Critics have responded with mixed views. Clarisse Loughrey of The Independent noted that while the film shifts narrative perspective from the novella’s teenage protagonist to the headteacher—skillfully portrayed by Murphy—it results in sidelining the original central character, yielding a “daring choice that yields limited results.” Nonetheless, Murphy’s performance has been widely praised as extraordinary, anchoring the complex emotional landscape of the film.

Looking ahead, Murphy is set to return to the horror genre with a brief role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the sequel to the 2002 cult classic 28 Days Later. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film continues the story of the zombie apocalypse in Britain and is slated for release on 16 January 2026. Murphy has expressed pride in the project while remaining tight-lipped about his involvement, describing the film as an “amazing accompaniment” to Danny Boyle’s original.

Additionally, Murphy will reprise his iconic role as Thomas Shelby in the forthcoming Netflix film The Immortal Man, a continuation of the hugely popular Peaky Blinders series. The franchise is also expanding with a new sequel series exploring the post-World War II era of Birmingham, with Murphy taking on executive producer duties. This next chapter promises to delve into the city's reconstruction in 1953, continuing the gritty narrative that has cemented Murphy’s status in television drama.

Murphy’s career trajectory, punctuated by prestigious awards and diverse roles, illustrates an artist focused on creative choice rather than conventional stardom. His reflections on the Oscar win reveal an actor grounded in the realities of scheduling and personal artistic priorities, rather than immediate fame-driven demand.

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Source: Noah Wire Services