Christopher Nolan releases Cillian Murphy's first look from Oppenheimer; Kenneth Branagh joins cast

Christopher Nolan has unveiled the first look of Cillian Murphy from his upcoming film, Oppenheimer.

The film is based on American Prometheus: The Triumph of J Robert Oppenheimer, by Kai Bird and Martin J Sherwin, a biography of J Robert Oppenheimer. He was a renowned scientist who helped to build the atomic bomb during World War II.

Murphy essays the titular character in the film. The first look has him pictured staring intently while smoking a cigarette. It is worth a mention that Oppenheimer was a chain smoker who eventually suffered from throat cancer.

Oppenheimer made on a budget of $100 million has the presence of many established actors. Kenneth Branagh, who has worked with Nolan in Dunkirk and Tenet, has joined the cast.

The film also stars Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Florence Pugh, Robert Downey Junior, Benny Safdie, Michael Angarano, Josh Hartnett, Rami Malek, Dane DeHaan, Dylan Arnold , David Krumholtz, Alden Ehrenreich and Matthew Modine.

Oppenheimer is being produced by Emma Thomas, Atlas Entertainment's Charles Roven, and Nolan. It is Nolan's first project since leaving Warner Bros. The film will be distributed by Universal.