Trond Fausa om Oppenheimer og Hollywood-stjerner

Norwegian actor Trond Fausa has successfully bridged the gap between local television and global cinema, appearing in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer as George Kistiakowsky. According to Fausa, the experience of working on a Hollywood blockbuster differs primarily in budget and logistics compared to Norwegian productions, though the core acting work remains the same.

How was the experience on the set of Oppenheimer?

Fausa played George Kistiakowsky, a Ukrainian chemist and explosives expert whom director Christopher Nolan described as a “crazy dude.” Fausa considers this the largest project of his career. He worked alongside stars like Cillian Murphy (50) and Matt Damon (55).

Despite initial nerves and shyness, Fausa noted a complete lack of “diva” behavior among the A-list cast. He observed that everyone, including the biggest stars, was friendly and felt lucky to be part of the production.

The role required a thick Russian accent, but Fausa admitted his personal English skills were a challenge. He stated that he loses 60-70 percent of his personality when speaking English, eventually deciding to stop worrying about how he sounded during small talk.

Did You Know? While filming Oppenheimer, Fausa shared a minivan with Nolan, Murphy, and Damon, where he overheard Matt Damon describing the extreme cold experienced on the glacier during the filming of the 2014 movie Interstellar.

What are the differences between Hollywood and Norwegian film sets?

Fausa highlighted a stark contrast in production “glam.” In the U.S. and England, productions often build “small towns” on set, and actors have their own trailers.

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In contrast, Fausa noted that in Norway, actors often change costumes in bathrooms or whatever room is available at the filming location. While the budgets differ, he maintains that the actual job of acting is identical across both environments.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that Fausa’s ability to navigate these two extremes—from the minimalist sets of Norwegian comedy to the sprawling infrastructure of a Nolan film—demonstrates a professional versatility that is highly valued in international casting.

What other roles is Trond Fausa taking on?

Fausa is returning to the comedy series Evig Singel for its third season. He plays Kennet, a character from Fetsund who suppresses a “dark” side by focusing on pursuing women. The series is produced by the Norwegian company Seefood.

Additionally, Fausa appeared in Greenland 2: Migration, directed by Ric Roman Waugh and co-starring Gerald Butler (56) and Morena Baccarin (47). Filmed in 2024 across London and Iceland, Fausa played a skeptical survivor of a comet strike.

Given his recent trajectory in high-profile international films, Fausa may see more opportunities for global roles, which could potentially lead to a more permanent presence in English-language cinema.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who did Trond Fausa play in Oppenheimer?
He played George Kistiakowsky, a Ukrainian chemist and explosives expert.

Where was Greenland 2: Migration filmed?
The movie was filmed in 2024 in London and Iceland.

How did Fausa describe the stars on Nolan’s set?
He stated that all the stars were friendly and that he did not see any “diva” behavior on set.

Do you think the lack of “diva” behavior on high-budget sets is a result of the director’s influence or the nature of the project?