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Christopher Nolan has had discussions with several major studios about his next film, revolving around J. Robert Oppenheimer and his involvement in the development of the atomic bomb during WWII.
While Nolan’s last films were all at Warner Bros., the director wasn’t thrilled when WarnerMedia made the decision to put its entire 2021 roster on HBOMax. Nolan’s most recent film, “Tenet,” was not part of this movement – it received an exclusive theatrical release.
His new film would be a throwback to WWII history after “Dunkirk”, but this time taking place in America. “Tenet” hit theaters amid the pandemic as moviegoers were still cautious and the vaccine was unavailable. It brought in $ 363 million, but the feeling was that it normally would have been a much higher result if it had not been for the pandemic. After “Tenet”, Nolan had discussed with several studios about a possible first-glance deal, but this project would not be one of them, according to sources. During these discussions, Nolan made it clear that he was interested in some degree of theatrical exclusivity on his films.
Bidders assume that an agreement for the Oppenheimer Project would also include this requirement. This might not rule out streaming services, however. Netflix, for example, has exclusive theatrical screenings of upcoming films such as “Hand of God” and “Don’t Look Up,” and streamer’s filmmaker Scott Stuber said. Variety in July he wanted to make films with Nolan.
“If and when he releases his new movie, it’s about whether we can be a focus and what do we need to do to make that happen,” Stuber said. “He’s an incredible filmmaker. I’ll do whatever I can.
According to Deadline, who first reported news of the project, “Dunkirk” and “Inception” actor Cillian Murphy could be making a comeback for Project Oppenheimer. The Irish actor also appeared in “Batman Begins” and “The Dark Knight” by Nolan. A source said Murphy must be involved, but it was unclear what role he would play.
Oppenheimer is among those known as the father of the atomic bomb and ran the Los Alamos laboratory where the bomb that ended WWII was developed. His work on the bomb was dramatized in the 1989 drama “Fat Man and Little Boy” with Dwight Schultz playing Oppenheimer and Paul Newman playing General Leslie Groves. This film was a box office dud and received poor reviews. Oppenheimer came to have complex feelings about his involvement and opposed the H-bomb, which cost him his job.
Nolan’s film is said to have a substantial budget, estimated at over $ 100 million, which may make it less appealing to some studios given that it is an adult drama. Nolan’s agent, Dan Aloni of WME, is handling the negotiations. Most, if not all of the major studios would have been in discussion. That includes Warner Bros., despite tension between the filmmaker and the company over HBO Max’s move.
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