The collaboration between Barbie and Oppenheimer has become the viral event of the year. Each with their special characteristics, both films have managed to boost box office numbers that were previously in the dumps and make 2023 not as catastrophic for the film industry as expected.
As for Oppenheimer, the movie boasts many virtues, and one of the most striking is its cast. Starring Cillian Murphy, the main character from Peaky Blinders and a classic collaborator of Christopher Nolan, the film features some highly refined performances that undoubtedly have the potential to be contenders at the Oscars.
The most remarkable one, beyond Murphy’s performance, is Robert Downey Jr.‘s. The Iron Man actor has made a triumphant return by portraying the politician Lewis Strauss, and many are already saying that it could be the best performance of the year and, undoubtedly, of his career. The same goes for actresses like Florence Pugh and Emily Blunt, who deliver spectacular roles. However, there are many other famous actors who make appearances in the film and have, let’s say, somewhat secondary roles.
Below, we present all the surprising cameos and supporting roles by actors whom few expected to appear in the movie, but there they are.
Rami Malek
What? The star of Bohemian Rhapsody appears in Oppenheimer? Well, after watching the film, it’s evident that he does, but he has such a minor role that it’s surprising that he accepted it after winning an Oscar. But of course, it’s Christopher Nolan who called him… and with such a fascinating character, no less.
Even though he appears for just a few minutes and has limited dialogue, Rami Malek is responsible for one of the best plot twists in the movie. When he finally speaks, it’s clear that the casting choice was no coincidence. And even with little screen time, the way he performs is impressive.
Jack Quaid
Yes, Hughie is also here! The star of The Boys makes an appearance in Oppenheimer, once again with a rather minor role. Jack Quaid portrays Richard Feynman, co-winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics. Even though he doesn’t have many lines, it’s endearing to see him on screen.
As a curious fact, every time he appears celebrating, he is playing timbales. A quite discordant note amidst the seriousness of Oppenheimer, but it makes it clear that Christopher Nolan is also not completely averse to having some fun.
Casey Affleck
Another actor who goes somewhat unnoticed but is there is Casey Affleck, the Oscar winner for Manchester by the Sea. As the brother of Ben Affleck and a regular collaborator of Christopher Nolan, it’s not surprising that the director has reserved a small cameo for him in Oppenheimer.
In this case, Affleck portrays Boris Pash, the commander of the Alsos Mission, who interrogated Oppenheimer about his association with the Communist Party. Despite having a minor role, with just four glances and remarks, he makes it very clear that he is a top-notch actor.
Gary Oldman
Gary Oldman is the most chameleon-like in the movie, and he couldn’t have been cast in any other role than as President Harry S. Truman. The Jim Gordon of The Dark Knight takes on the role of Truman, a character with only one scene, but as soon as we see Oldman, we quickly understand why no other actor could have done justice to the role.
Oldman delivers a sublime performance as an egotistical, brusque, and quick-witted man. While it’s unclear whether history teachers would agree with Truman’s portrayal, it’s evident that Oldman thoroughly enjoyed playing the character.
Matthew Modine
Matthew Modine, a classic Hollywood actor known for his roles in Full Metal Jacket and Notting Hill, also makes an appearance in this movie. The Stranger Things villain fills Oppenheimer with his commanding presence from his first appearance, and every time he appears, he does it again.
Modine plays the role of Vannevar Bush, one of the administrators in charge of the Manhattan Project. Undoubtedly, one of the many castings by Nolan that showcases his prowess as a director.
So many other actors…
“Oppenheimer” is Christopher Nolan’s most star-studded film, featuring a range of actors from major roles like Matt Damon, Kenneth Branagh, and Josh Hartnett to more modest appearances like Benny Safdie and Dane DeHaan, all of whom bring magic to the screen.
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