Cillian Murphy’s ‘Oppenheimer’ Co-Star Opened up About Awkward Moment While Filming Their Intimate Scene, and It Got People Talking – Details

Behind the camera, even the most polished scenes can come with a few surprises. One actress found herself in a rather awkward situation while filming a steamy scene with Cillian Murphy for “Oppenheimer.”

Cillian Murphy has certainly captured the hearts of many throughout his career, not just for his undeniable talent but for his striking good looks. Over the years, fans can’t seem to get enough of the Irish actor.

“I think Cillian Murphy is the prettiest man ever,” one person wrote. While another swooned, “Cillian Murphy is the most handsome, gorgeous-looking HUMAN born on this planet.”

Some even dubbed him the “most handsome actor,” while others have called him the “most handsome man in the world.” Murphy’s charm isn’t just limited to his appearance, his on-screen performances have become a subject of fascination as well.

One of the most talked-about films of Murphy’s career is the critically acclaimed, multi-Oscar-winning biopic “Oppenheimer.” In this gripping historical drama, Murphy plays J. Robert Oppenheimer. A physicist who played a pivotal role in the development of the atomic bomb, which ultimately helped bring an end to World War II.

His portrayal of Oppenheimer has been lauded for its intensity and depth. But beyond the accolades for his performance, there’s been a lot of buzz about his on-screen relationship with his co-star, Jean Tatlock, played by Florence Pugh.

Tatlock, a significant figure in Oppenheimer’s life, is depicted as having a years-long affair with him before and during his marriage to Kitty Oppenheimer, portrayed by Emily Blunt.

Murphy and Pugh shared several intimate nude and sex scenes in the film, and these moments didn’t go unnoticed by audiences. Some were left questioning the necessity of such explicit scenes.

“Were these scenes really necessary for the movie?” one user asked, to which another replied, “They just put there for ‘men’ viewers.” A third user countered, “Absolutely not,” showing the divided opinions on the subject.

One particular scene seemed to stir the most controversy. A flashback moment where Oppenheimer and Tatlock engage in a sexual act in a room full of people. This left some viewers uncomfortable, with one person commenting that the sex scene between Murphy and his co-star was “uncomfortable, and unnecessary.”

The awkwardness surrounding those intimate scenes in “Oppenheimer” didn’t just play out for audiences. Things got a little uncomfortable behind the scenes as well. In January 2024, Pugh opened up about one memorable moment during filming that left her and Murphy in an unexpected situation.

During an interview, Pugh shared that in the middle of one of their sex scenes, the camera suddenly broke down, leaving them in quite a predicament. “No one knows this, but it did — our camera broke when we were both naked and it was not ideal timing and there weren’t many cameras,” Pugh revealed.

With only a limited number of cameras on set, the malfunction left the actors waiting for repairs. She described how, as the crew scrambled to fix the issue, she and Murphy were left trying to cover themselves up while standing in the closed set.

“So Cillian and I are in this room together, and it’s a closed set, so we’re both holding our bodies. And this camera surgeon comes into the room and starts doing repairs and I’m like, ‘Well, this is my moment to learn,’” she joked, turning an awkward situation into a teachable moment.

She even humorously asked the technician, “So, tell me, what’s wrong with this camera?” as they waited for the scene to resume.

Murphy also addressed the sex scenes, admitting they’re not the most comfortable part of the job. However, he acknowledged their importance to the story. “I think they were vital in this movie,” he explained.

Speaking about his character, he added, “I think the relationship that he has with Jean Tatlock is one of the most crucial emotional parts of the film. I think if they’re key to the story then they’re worthwhile.”

The film’s director Christopher Nolan defended the love story’s significance. According to Nolan, the emotional weight of Oppenheimer’s relationships, particularly the one with Tatlock, was central to the film.

As for Murphy, while he was more reserved about the specifics, he did acknowledge the intensity of the scenes, especially those involving Pugh and Blunt. “I’m under strict instructions not to give away anything,” he added, letting the film’s intrigue speak for itself.

Despite portraying intense and sometimes uncomfortable scenes on screen, Murphy’s personal life is a picture of stability and devotion. The Irish actor has been happily married to his wife, Yvonne McGuinness, since 2004.

Murphy, known for his roles in films like “Batman Begins,” and the critically acclaimed series “Peaky Blinders,” prefers to keep a low-profile life, far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

His wife, McGuinness, is an accomplished visual artist specializing in creating innovative, situational art installations. Despite their high-profile careers, the couple lead a quiet life. They choose to raise their two teenage sons, Malachy and Aran, in Dublin after years of living in London.

Murphy’s dedication to his family is unwavering. In a 2005 interview with PEOPLE, he emphasized the importance of staying close to his loved ones, saying, “I don’t need to live in Los Angeles. I’d be tremendously far away from my family — I’d never see them. I love living in London.”

His love for his family was also on full display when he accepted the Academy Award for Best Actor for “Oppenheimer” at the 2024 Oscars.

During his emotional speech, Murphy paid tribute to his wife and children, saying, “I want to thank Yvonne McGuinness, my partner in life, and my two boys, Malachy and Aran, who are sitting up there. I love you so much, and I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight.”

Cillian Murphy’s journey in Hollywood is marked by remarkable talent and a steadfast dedication to his craft. Despite his success, he openly admitted to being stubborn and lacking confidence, a combination he described as “terrible. […] I don’t want to put anything out that I don’t think is excellent.”

This commitment to excellence fuels his performances and continually drives him to challenge himself in his roles.