‘Oppenheimer’ is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated films of the summer, and there is already huge Oscar buzz surrounding it - including murmurs of a ‘Leading Actor’ nomination for Cillian Murphy.
However, the promo trail for Christopher Nolan’s film has unravelled somewhat after the cast left the London premiere last night.
The reason for their quick departure was due to the announcement of the Actor’s Strike - which is running in conjunction with the Writer’s Strike that has been underway in recent weeks.
Murphy, as well as his castmates Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Rami Malek, Robert Downey Jr., and Kenneth Brannagh attended the red carpet part of the premiere at London’s Odeon Leicester Square, but staged a ‘walk-out’ to “write their picket signs" after the announcement was made late on Thursday evening.
The actor’s strike announcement was anticipated, with Brannagh telling reporters on the red carpet: “Everybody is working very hard to make sure it doesn't happen, if it happens I stand in solidarity with our Sag members. We know it is a critical time at this point in the industry and the issues need to be addressed, difficult conversations, I know everybody is trying to get a fair deal, that is what's required so we'll support that."
Speaking from the stage after the actors had departed, director Nolan said: "I have to acknowledge the work of our incredible cast, led by Cillian Murphy.
"The list is enormous - Robert Downey Jr, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Kenneth Branagh, Rami Malek and so many more. You've seen them here earlier on the red carpet.
"Unfortunately, they are off to write their picket signs for what we believe to be an imminent strike by SAG, joining one of my guilds, the Writers Guild, in the struggle for fair wages for working members of their union."
Murphy was also due to attend a screening of ‘Oppenheimer’ at the IFI in Dublin on Saturday - although that now looks very unlikely.
