Christopher Nolan appears to be going back to the studio that helped him win those Oscars with his mega-hit Oppenheimer, and he's bringing along one of his A-list performers to head up the ensemble. Deadline's sources confirm that the filmmaker is planning to revisit Universal for his upcoming feature film. Matt Damon is reportedly in talks to star in a July 17, 2026, release in Imax theatres. The date is consistent with previous releases of Nolan films that have taken place on the same day.

Production timeline and plot details

Sources indicate that production is set to begin in early 2025, but details about the plot, typical of Nolan's films, are being kept under wraps. Despite rumors that Nolan might have handled marketing for this package, Universal seemed like an obvious choice after the success of Oppenheimer, which earned $328.9 million in the US and $975.6 million internationally while also receiving numerous plaudits.

When it comes to Damon, this will be his third collaboration with Nolan. He previously appeared in 2014's Interstellar before Oppenheimer, showcasing Nolan's talent for re-teaming with actors. Damon now joins the ranks of Christian Bale and Murphy as actors who have collaborated with Nolan on at least three occasions.

Now that production has begun, Damon can expect to assemble yet another all-star cast with the support of the project's many A-listers.

Recap of Oppenheimer and its success

Nolan released his epic biographical thriller drama film Oppenheimer in 2023. The American theoretical physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, who contributed to the creation of the first nuclear bombs during WWII, is the protagonist of this biopic. The film, based on the 2005 biography American Prometheus by Martin J. Sherwin and Kai Bird, depicts Robert Oppenheimer's academic career, leadership of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, and the 1954 security hearing. Robert Downey Jr. plays Lewis Strauss, a member of the United States Atomic Energy Commission, while Cillian Murphy plays Oppenheimer. Kenneth Branagh, Emily Blunt, Florence Pugh, Josh Hartnett, Casey Affleck, and Matt Damon are all members of the ensemble supporting cast.

Oppenheimer's Oscar winners included Murphy for Best Actor and Downey for Best Supporting Actor, in addition to Best Picture and Best Director for Nolan. Five Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture—Drama, and seven BAFTAs, including Best Film, recognized the film. Both the American Film Institute and the National Board of Review voted it among the top 10 films of 2023.

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