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.

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

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

“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.”

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.”

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

“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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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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.

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

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’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.”

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

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

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.”

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

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 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.

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