Barbenheimer: Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy talk Barbie and Oppenheimer

Margot Robbie and Cillian Murphy are two of the most versatile and acclaimed actors of their generation. 

They have starred in a range of films, from comic book adaptations to historical dramas, and have earned multiple nominations and awards for their performances. This year, they both headline two of the most anticipated movies of the summer: Barbie and Oppenheimer.

Robbie plays the iconic fashion doll in the comedy Barbie, directed by Greta Gerwig and co-written by Noah Baumbach. The film is a modern and meta take on the Barbie franchise, exploring themes of identity, feminism, and self-expression. Robbie, who also serves as a producer, says she was drawn to the project because of its empowering message and its subversive humor. “I think Barbie is a fascinating character, because she has been around for so long and has been reinvented so many times. She represents different things to different people, and I wanted to explore that in a fun and creative way,” she says.

Murphy portrays J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the development of the atomic bomb, in the biopic Oppenheimer, directed by Christopher Nolan. The film chronicles the life and work of Oppenheimer, from his early days as a brilliant scientist to his involvement in the Manhattan Project and his subsequent downfall during the Cold War. Murphy, who has collaborated with Nolan in several films, says he was challenged and inspired by the role of Oppenheimer, who is often called the “father of the atomic bomb”. “Oppenheimer is a complex and conflicted figure, who had a huge impact on history and humanity. He was a genius, a visionary, a patriot, but also a flawed and tragic human being. I wanted to portray him with honesty and respect,” he says.

The two actors recently sat down for an epic conversation, dubbed ‘Barbenheimer’ by their fans, where they discussed their respective films, their careers, their influences, and their views on the world. They also shared some anecdotes, jokes, and insights, revealing their chemistry and friendship.

The conversation was moderated by renowned film critic and journalist, David Edelstein, who praised both films as “masterpieces of cinema”. The conversation was recorded and will be released as a podcast and a video on the official websites of Barbie and Oppenheimer.