Sunshine: I would fly back home via space straight to Ireland

Emmanuel Itier: This is not your typical Hollywood movie. Sure, it has great special effects and is an amazing ride, but it's more, it seems. Why this movie for you, and what did you see in it?

Cillian Murphy: When I read the script, I figured out it was not going to be your usual Hollywood movie and it was a very intelligent script. There were lots of questions. Also, this was a character I had not played before, and I was very intrigued by the idea of Danny Boyle directing this big science fiction film because he loves these movies, but he had never done one. It was his chance to put his stamp on that genre.

EI: How is it to work with Danny Boyle, and what do you get from him as an actor?

CM: It's a very fulfilling experience. He is so committed and full of passion and energy. Everyone will tell you these are his qualities. His visuals are also amazing. You tend to go to great physical lengths and emotional lengths for Danny. He has that effect on people—to work harder than usual. This was a tough shoot, for the crew as much as the cast. At the end, it was very physically demanding with all of the action parts—lots of stunts and fights, and also the suit was exhausting to wear.

EI: Did you do some research about the sun, the universe; and if so, what surprised you the most about your studies?

CM: Well, I really don't know anything, and I still don't know very much after doing this film. Even Brian Cox, who is a scientist and who was our advisor, was telling us that there are still so many unanswered questions. Also, I found out that this film was not beyond the realm of possibility. The premise that the sun will die is possible, except that we have many more years in front of us compared to what is experienced in this film. Still, it's based on reality and it opened my mind about many things.

EI: Neil Armstrong, when he walked on the moon, said that he felt God. Did you feel God while shooting this film? What does God means to you?

CM: I'm not sure I know what this means to me. Working on a movie is not a very holy experience. There is a conflict between science and religion, and it is explored toward the end of the movie. My character is very much on the science side, and for me, I would tend to be on the science side as well.

EI: If you had the possibility to take a real shuttle, what would be your destination of choice?

CM: Ireland ... I would fly back home via space, straight to Ireland.