‘Rekindling on the Set: A Conversation with Matt Damon and Emily Blunt in 'Oppenheimer'’

Matt Damon and Emily Blunt on Reuniting in ‘Oppenheimer‘ and Why the Set Felt Like Summer Camp

Meredith B. Kile ‍ 10:48 AM PDT, July 10, 2023

Twelve years after their last collaboration in “The Adjustment Bureau,” Hollywood stars Matt Damon and Emily Blunt are back together on the set of “Oppenheimer.” Directed by Christopher Nolan, this new epic film tells the story of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the Manhattan Project during World War II and is known as “the father of the atomic bomb.”

A Star-Studded Cast and Complex Characters

Oppenheimer‘s life and work were filled with complexities, and Nolan has assembled a star-studded cast to bring these characters to life. Emily Blunt takes on the role of Katherine “Kitty” Oppenheimer, a German-American biologist, botanist, and member of the Communist Party of America. Matt Damon portrays Lieutenant General Leslie Richard Groves Jr., the Army Corps of Engineers officer who directed the Manhattan Project for the government.

Both actors expressed their excitement about working together again, even if they don’t share much screen time. Blunt praised Nolan as a groundbreaking director, saying, “I mean, he is such a groundbreaking, extraordinary director — I would have done one scene. I mean, I would have done anything.” Damon echoed those sentiments, adding, “Nobody says this out loud, but everybody feels lucky to be there. You’re a part of a great director’s vision, so it’s very exciting.”

A “Summer Camp” Atmosphere on Set

The camaraderie among the cast and crew was cultivated easily on the set of “Oppenheimer.” As the majority of the shoot took place in a remote area of New Mexico, everyone stayed at the same hotel and ate at the same restaurant for each meal. This created an atmosphere akin to a “summer camp.” Damon reminisced about nightly dinners, while Blunt added, “So many margaritas.” They described it as a dining hall experience, with everyone sitting together and immersing themselves in the production. Such an environment undoubtedly contributed to the sense of camaraderie among the cast and crew.

A Testament to Nolan’s Excellence

Damon and Blunt had nothing but praise for working with Christopher Nolan. The director personally presented the script to the actors, avoiding digital distribution and emphasizing the significance of the project. Blunt expressed her emotional reaction to reading the script, asserting, “This is not a dusty old biopic, this is like a bone-shattering experience.” She emphasized that the film goes beyond the science and delves into the trauma of living with a brilliant mind like Oppenheimer‘s. Damon agreed, highlighting that the film explores Oppenheimer‘s relationships and the overall impact on his life.

“Oppenheimer” will hit theaters on July 21, offering audiences a thought-provoking look into the life of one of history’s most influential scientists.

Keywords: Hollywood, interview, film, Oppenheimer, Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, conversation