Cillian Murphy, who currently stars in the role of J. Robert Oppenheimer in the film “Oppenheimer,” was also considered to play the same role in a short-lived TV series.

The TV series, “Manhattan,” was set in Los Alamos, New Mexico, during the development of the atomic bomb. The series primarily centered on Frank Winter, a physics professor leading the Manhattan Project.

J. Robert Oppenheimer appeared in the first season of “Manhattan” and had a larger role in the second season. However, the series was canceled after the second season.

Lila Byock, a writer on “Manhattan,” said that the casting team considered a number of different actors for the role of Oppenheimer. They wanted someone who had a certain undeniable charisma and presence, but also someone who felt “alien” or “other.”

Showrunner Sam Shaw said that Cillian Murphy was on their list of actors for the role. Shaw said that he was disappointed that the series was canceled before they could tell the full story of Oppenheimer.

It is interesting to think about how Cillian Murphy’s performance in “Oppenheimer” might have been different if he had played the role in the TV series. However, it is also clear that Murphy is a talented actor who is able to bring Oppenheimer to life on the big screen.