The supposed genre of Christopher Nolan’s next film shouldn’t be surprising after Oppenheimer’s $975 million success

In a recent report about the famous director Christopher NolanThere has been speculation about what his next film would be, and a theory isn’t as out of the question as it might seem. Since 1998, Nolan has been a notable director of cerebral, mind-bending films that are visually stunning and narratively complex. His most recent film, Oppenheimer, won his first Oscar and was a box office success. So, many are eager to know what Nolan’s next film will be about. The director could return to the science fiction genre, stick with historical fiction, or go somewhere completely different.

It was recently reported in an article by Variety that Nolan is moving toward his next big project. Although the article focuses on Nolan remaining at Universal rather than returning to Warner Bros. the piece also discusses what Nolan’s mysterious new film is about. One quote says: “Sources say Nolan’s latest film isn’t another sci-fi epic; some speculate that it may be of the espionage genre.” For some, this move away from science fiction and spy films may come as a surprise. However, after reflecting on Nolan’s films so far, it actually makes a lot of sense.

Christopher Nolan’s films often have spy elements (including Oppenheimer)

How Nolan Used Espionage in His Films

Although Nolan has never directed a full-length spy film, his resume is full of films with unexpected spy elements. For example, Oppenheimer focuses on the life of physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, but there are many aspects of his story that border on espionage. Oppenheimer confronts a communist spy while working on the atomic bomb at Los Alamos, and Oppenheimer himself is accused of disloyalty to his country because of his ties to communism in his youth. In this way, The role of a spy is rooted in Oppenheimer story, even if it’s not the main conflict.

Nolan’s other films have similar scenarios, some of which are much less egregious. Many of Nolan’s films center on somewhat mysterious characters and keepers of important information. In Interstellar, Cooper isn’t necessarily a spy, but his job is to complete a very difficult task. that only a few people in the world can do. With this, he must keep certain secrets from his family and colleagues. Cobb in Start plays a similar role. He is the best at what he does and must accomplish a mission using his specific set of skills.

Christopher Nolan’s love for spy films is noticeable throughout his career

How Nolan approached the spy genre

In addition to how his films use elements of the spy genre, Nolan’s career has also veered in directions that have brought him closer to making a spy film. A perfect example is the fact that Nolan openly revealed that he would love to direct a film for James Bond franchise. In a quote reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Nolan said: “I deeply love the character and am always excited to see what they do with him. Maybe one day this would work.” Nolan also acknowledged that the Bond films profoundly impacted his work.

Furthermore, the closest Nolan has come to making a spy film was in 2020. Principle. The film follows John David Washington as the unnamed protagonist, who joins a secret organization to help prevent World War III. It’s clear that the film leans firmly into the science fiction genre, using time travel and alternate timelines to carry out its story. However, the Protagonist’s role as secret agent is incredibly similar to that of a Bondian spy. If anything, Principle perhaps a sign that Nolan is getting closer to fully committing to the spy genre.

Christopher Nolan’s films can hardly be described by just one genre

Nolan is best when he mixes genres

Nolan has never made a straight-up spy film, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he never did. Part of Nolan’s talent is the way his films mix genresoffering the public several things at the same time. His projects are never just action films or science fiction films. For example, Oppenheimer is a biopic, but it also includes incredible action and horror elements. Principle uses pieces from the espionage genre, but also delves into science fiction and mystery. Overall, this is what sets Nolan’s films apart, so it would be a shame for him to end this trend.

That’s why, Nolan may be tackling a spy movie next, but audiences probably shouldn’t have any expectations Based on his career, Nolan never tells a story that is completely predictable, and the same will likely be true of his potential spy film. It may lean more fully towards espionage, but other genres could appear as well. Anyway, whatever Christopher Nolan We hope the upcoming projects are as engaging as your previous projects.

Source: Variety, The Hollywood Reporter