Introduction

Oppenheimer's Stare of Regret is a meme that captures the somber expression of J. Robert Oppenheimer, portrayed by Cillian Murphy in the 2023 film, as he reflects on his role in the development of atomic weapons.

Background

Oppenheimer's Stare of Regret, also known as Oppenheimer Staring, is based on a poignant image from the 2023 film 'Oppenheimer.' The scene depicts Oppenheimer, a key figure in the creation of atomic bombs, gazing downward with a sense of regret. Memes utilizing this image often convey feelings of remorse over ideas or inventions that have negatively impacted humanity.

How It Began

The meme originated shortly after the premiere of the film 'Oppenheimer' on July 21, 2023. In a climactic scene, Cillian Murphy's character expresses deep anxiety about the potential consequences of his scientific breakthroughs, fearing they could lead to global destruction. A memorable line from this scene captures the essence of his internal conflict. On July 26, 2023, user @MrDrewLandry on X (formerly Twitter) posted a meme comparing Oppenheimer's regretful expression to that of director Greta Gerwig, which quickly gained traction.

Internet Reaction

Following its initial spread, the meme saw further popularity on July 27, 2023, when user @eventualforever shared it alongside a quote from Dong Nguyen, the creator of Flappy Bird, who removed his game due to its perceived societal destructiveness. This post garnered significant attention with thousands of reposts and likes. Although the meme format had moderate use in the months following, it gained notable traction in March 2024 when user @lextorias used it to reference a controversial DLC suggestion for The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. In the ensuing months, the meme proliferated across X and Reddit, leading to a wave of reposts and new variations.