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

Even the most well-executed sequences can have a few surprises behind the camera. One actress, filming a sultry sequence with Cillian Murphy for “Oppenheimer,” found herself in a strange predicament.

Throughout his career, Cillian Murphy has undoubtedly won over many hearts with both his remarkable beauty and his indisputable talent. The Irish actor has gained a devoted following over the years.

Cillian Murphy, winner of the Best Actor in a Leading Role award for “Oppenheimer”, onstage at the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

One user said, “I think Cillian Murphy is the prettiest man ever.” “Cillian Murphy is the most handsome, gorgeous-looking HUMAN born on this planet,” exclaimed someone else, swooning.

Cillian Murphy during “Intermission” London Premiere at The Electric Cinema on November 23, 2003 | Source: Getty Images

Some even referred to him as the “most handsome actor,” and still others as the “most handsome man in the world.” Murphy’s allure extends beyond his physical attributes; his on-screen personas have also drawn interest.

Cillian Murphy during the 60th BFI London Film Festival at Odeon Leicester Square on October 16, 2016, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Critics have been talking a lot about Murphy’s highly regarded, multiple-Oscar-winning biopic “Oppenheimer.” Murphy portrays J. Robert Oppenheimer in this engrossing historical drama. a physicist who was instrumental in creating the atomic bomb, which eventually contributed to the conclusion of World War II.

Cillian Murphy at Carlton House Terrace on October 12, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

His interpretation of Oppenheimer has received praise for its nuance and passion. Beyond the praise for his acting, however, he’s received a lot of attention for his on-screen romance with Florence Pugh’s character, Jean Tatlock.

Florence Pugh and Cillian Muphy on the set of “Oppenheimer” posted on December 16, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@UniversalPictures

Tatlock, a pivotal role in Oppenheimer’s life, is presented as having an affair with him for several years both before to and throughout his union with Emily Blunt’s Kitty Oppenheimer.

Florence Pugh attends the reopening of The Landmark at Tiffany & Co 5th Avenue on April 27, 2023, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images

The movie featured multiple private nude and sex scenes between Murphy and Pugh, and viewers weren’t blind to these moments. Some were left wondering why such graphic scenes were necessary.

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One user questioned, “Were these scenes really necessary for the movie?” Another user answered, “They just put them there for’men’ viewers.” “Absolutely not,” retorted a third user, illustrating the differing views on the matter.

Florence Pugh and Cillian Muphy on the set of “Oppenheimer” posted on December 16, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@UniversalPictures

The scene that seemed to spark the most debate was this one. A scene from a flashback in which Tatlock and Oppenheimer had sex in front of a large group of people. Several viewers expressed discomfort over this; one said that the sex scene involving Murphy and his co-star was “uncomfortable, and unnecessary.”

Florence Pugh and Cillian Muphy on the set of “Oppenheimer” posted on December 16, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@UniversalPictures

The uneasiness that surrounded those private moments in “Oppenheimer” wasn’t limited to the viewers. Behind the scenes, things also became a little awkward. Pugh spoke candidly in January 2024 about a standout scene from the shoot that put her and Murphy in an unforeseen circumstance.

Florence Pugh at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 13th Governors Awards on November 19, 2022, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

In an interview, Pugh revealed that the camera malfunctioned during one of their sex scenes, leaving them in a difficult situation. “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 said.

Florence Pugh on the set of “Oppenheimer” posted on December 16, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@UniversalPictures

Since there weren’t many cameras on the set, the performers had to wait for repairs while the fault was fixed. She explained how she and Murphy were left trying to hide while standing in the closed set while the crew frantically tried to remedy the problem.

Cillian Muphy on the set of “Oppenheimer” posted on December 16, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@UniversalPictures

Since this is a closed set and Cillian and I are in the same room, we are both clutching our bodies. She said, “And this camera surgeon walks into the room and starts doing repairs, and I’m like, ‘Well, this is my moment to learn,’” making light of the embarrassing circumstance.

Florence Pugh on the set of “Oppenheimer” posted on December 16, 2023 | Source: YouTube/@UniversalPictures

As they waited for the scene to resume, she even asked the technician in a lighthearted way, “So, tell me, what’s wrong with this camera?”

Florence Pugh attends the 96th Annual Academy Awards on March 10, 2024, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images

Murphy talked about the sex scenes as well, acknowledging that they’re not the most enjoyable aspect of the work. He did admit, though, that they were crucial to the narrative. He clarified, “I think they were vital in this movie.”

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“I think the relationship that he has with Jean Tatlock is one of the most crucial emotional parts of the film,” he continued, speaking about his role. They should be valuable, in my opinion, if they are essential to the plot.”

Cillian Murphy at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Christopher Nolan, the director of the movie, maintained the importance of the love tale. As to Nolan’s statement, the film revolved around the emotional significance of Oppenheimer’s relationships, especially the one with Tatlock.

Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, and Florence Pugh at the “Oppenheimer” UK premiere on July 13, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

As for Murphy, while he was more guarded about the specifics, he did acknowledge the intensity of the moments, especially those featuring Pugh and Blunt. “I’m under strict instructions not to give away anything,” he continued, allowing the film’s suspense speak for itself.

Emily Blunt, Cillian Murphy, and Florence Pugh at the Photocall for “Oppenheimer” on July 12, 2023, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

Murphy plays dramatic and perhaps difficult sequences on television, but in real life, he is a model of stability and dedication. Since 2004, the Irish actor and his spouse, Yvonne McGuinness, have enjoyed a happy marriage.

Known for his parts in critically acclaimed television shows like “Peaky Blinders” and movies like “Batman Begins,” Murphy would rather lead a quiet life away from the flash and glamour of Hollywood.

Cillian Murphy arrives at the “Dunkirk” World premiere on July 13, 2017, in London, England. | Source: Getty Images

McGuinness, his spouse, is a skilled visual artist who specializes in making avant-garde, situational art pieces. Even with their well-known professions, the pair has a private life. After years of living in London, they decide to raise their two adolescent sons, Malachy and Aran, in Dublin.

Aran Murphy, Yvonne McGuinness, Cillian Murphy, and Robert Downey Jr. at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Murphy has a steadfast devotion to his family. He underlined the value of remaining near to his loved ones in a 2005 interview with PEOPLE, adding, “I don’t need to live in Los Angeles. My family would be incredibly far away from me, and I would never see them. I adore being a London resident.”

Cillian Murphy and Yvonne McGuinness at the 96th Annual Oscars on March 10, 2024, in Los Angeles, California. | Source: Getty Images

When he accepted the Academy Award for Best Actor for “Oppenheimer” at the 2024 Oscars, his affection for his family was evident as well.

“I want to thank Yvonne McGuinness, my partner in life, and my two boys, Malachy and Aran, who are sitting up there,” Murphy said in his tearful address, referring to his wife and kids. I’m a very proud Irishman standing here tonight, and I love you so much.”

Yvonne McGuinness and Cillian Murphy at the 81st Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2024, in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images

Cillian Murphy’s career in Hollywood has been distinguished by his extraordinary talent and unwavering commitment to his craft. Even though he was successful, he freely acknowledged that he lacked confidence and was stubborn—a combination he called “terrible.” […] Anything that I don’t think is outstanding, I don’t want to release.”

His performances are fueled by this dedication to quality, which also pushes him to constantly challenge himself in his roles.