Oppenheimer footage screened at CinemaCon brings Christopher Nolan’s explosive biographical feature to life. The highly anticipated film follows the titular theoretical physicist (played Cillian Murphy) who helmed the creation of the atomic bomb during World War II. With a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, and Florence Pugh, Oppenheimer reaches theaters on July 21.
During Universal Pictures’ CinemaCon presentation (which Screen Rant was present for), Nolan appeared on stage to screen new Oppenheimer footage.
The footage highlights how Oppenheimer was aware of the immense power an atomic explosion could hold, yet went through with exploring it regardless. At the same time, he struggled with the weight of the decision, but ultimately says, “I don’t know if we can be trusted with the weapon, but I know the Nazis can’t.” All in all, the footage turns the historical story into a pulse-pounding thriller, with what Nolan describes as “the highest stakes imaginable.”
The Oppenheimer Footage Highlights How Important He Was
While he might not be as famous as some other scientists who played a role in the Manhattan Project, namely Albert Einstein, the new footage highlights just how important of a historical figure Oppenheimer was. From his contributions that led to the creation of the atomic bomb to suspicions regarding his ties to the Communist Party and potential espionage under his watch, many of the decisions Oppenheimer made are still reverberating to this day. Nolan, who appeared on stage at CinemaCon to thunderous applause, declared “J. Robert Oppenheimer is the most important person who ever lived.”
Related: Oppenheimer True Story: The Real Manhattan Project Explained
The biggest takeaway from the new footage is Oppenheimer grappling with the ethics of creating the atomic bomb. On one hand, he was aware of the unbelievable loss of life and destruction it could cause, but he was more concerned about what would happen if the odious apparatus of the Nazi rule developed a nuclear weapon first. As he witnessed the first nuclear test, Oppenheimer infamously quoted the Bhagavad-Gita: “Now I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds.” Oppenheimer would later become one of the chief critics of weapons of mass destruction, illustrating the fascinating moral paradox of his life.
The new footage, as well as Nolan’s comments on stage at CinemaCon, make a compelling case for why audiences should see Oppenheimer in theaters this summer. It’s one of the most ambitious films in recent memory, especially one that’s releasing during a season that is generally inundated with superhero flicks and other escapist fare. Instead, Oppenheimer ponders some of the most weighty questions imaginable by chronicling a scientific discovery that reshaped the course of human history.
Key Release Date
Oppenheimer
Release Date:2023-07-21
