UPDATED: A representative for the film reached out to clarify that what Nolan said was misrepresented. The budget is $100 million.
EARLIER: First we hear that ‘Doctor Strange 3’ cost $100 million more than was initially reported, then “Barbie” underreported its budget by $45 million and now we have Christopher Nolan saying “Oppenheimer” is much more expensive than previously stated:
It’s a big story and needs a big talent. It’s a 180-page script and it’s a $180 million movie.
That’s not me saying it, but Nolan himself at the London red carpet premiere of “Oppenheimer.” 180-minute movie, 180 page script, $180 million movie.
This figure does make much more sense. Look at the cast (Downey, Damon, Blunt, Pugh, Cillian, Branagh, Malek, Affleck). That’s, at least, six Oscar nominees, albeit in supporting roles. They don’t come cheap.
It’s also quite possible that Nolan misspoke. When Universal Pictures acquired the film in late 2021, the plan was for a $100 million production + $100 million in marketing costs.