Emily Blunt said Cillian Murphy ate one almond a day to play Oppenheimer.
The impassioned and strong dedication of Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer was noteworthy. Co-star Emily Blunt said Murphy went all out to transform for the role.
You ask how extreme? The man ate one almond a day to play the emaciated physicist. You read correctly—one almond. It’s not just dieting.
In an Extra interview (via Hindustan Times), Emily Blunt said Murphy was “so emaciated” from the intensive weight loss. Her statements show that the actor was significantly changing his body, not just slimming down.
His diet was probably not fun, though details are few. Murphy admitted earlier this year that the part needed him to be “very slim, almost emaciated,” which he achieved with strict diets and a customized wardrobe.
Here’s the catch: Murphy didn’t drink martinis and smoke smokes like Oppenheimer. Instead, he had to be creative with weight loss. “I love acting with my body,” Cillian told The New York Times, adding that his body has to “fit” the role’s distinctive style.
However, the extreme diet had side effects.
Murphy nearly developed unhealthy habits, pushing himself “a touch too far.” Trying to beat yourself is easy, but unhealthy. Lesson learned: don’t compete with yourself in weight loss.
The Oppenheimer film is a crazy ride. Cillian Murphy and the physicist who created the atomic bomb are explored by Christopher Nolan. He slays it. His rigorous diet adherence is evident in every photo. His amazing cast includes Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr., Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh. A powerful cast and tale.
Next time you consider dieting, remember that Cillian Murphy ate one nut a day for his trade. Pure dedication.