The Oppenheimer What-If: Cillian Murphy’s Nearly Iconic Role in 2014’s TV Show
Before being cast in Universal’s “Oppenheimer,” Cillian Murphy was considered for the role of a nuclear physicist in the 2014 drama series “Manhattan.”
The WGN America series, set in the aftermath of World War II, revolved around the construction of an atomic bomb in Los Alamos, N.M. The focus of the show was on Frank Winter (played by John Benjamin Hickey), an exceptional and self-destructive physics professor recruited for the Manhattan Project.
While the show introduced the father of the atomic bomb in its first season, his role was expanded in the following season.
According to writer Lila Byock, the casting process for “Oppenheimer” included considering various ideas, even thinking about some rock stars for the role. David Bowie was among the names, but he was not available. Beck was also considered.
Creator Sam Shaw explained that they wanted Oppenheimer to have undeniable charisma and stage presence while feeling alien or distinct in some ways.
Cillian Murphy was one of the actors considered for the role, and he fit the criteria they were seeking.
Unfortunately, “Manhattan” was originally planned as a six-season show but was cancelled after its second season. The show’s plot was to include the nuclear blast in Japan at the end of Season 3, with subsequent seasons focusing on the fallout of the Cold War conflict.
