One might say that the universe is like one giant cosmic web where everything is connected in one way or another. Each decision we make becomes part of a huge interconnected dance. Perhaps that’s why they say a time traveler shouldn’t even move a chair in the past. Take Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer and Ellen DeGeneres’ downfall, for example. Could these two seemingly opposite events in pop culture history be connected? The answer may surprise you. A certain series of events have unfolded since the tragic and heartbreaking September 11 attacks, leading to a domino effect that shifted the spotlight towards Nolan while casting shadows over DeGeneres.
The Internet is filled with striking coincidences, and content creator @wtfaleisapost recently posted a video that is sure to leave viewers astonished. According to her insightful summary of events from 2001 to 2024, “9/11 is now not only responsible for the downfall of Ellen DeGeneres but also for Oppenheimer possibly winning every Academy Award at this year’s ceremony.” You might find this journey intriguing, as it explores how deeply intertwined our cultural narratives can be.
Consider My Chemical Romance’s Gerard Way, who was interning at Cartoon Network during the 9/11 attacks. While on his way to work when the traumatic event unfolded, it ultimately led him to change his life direction. On the band’s 20th anniversary, they released statements acknowledging how 9/11 influenced their formation as a pivotal music group in history.
Continuing in this vein, My Chemical Romance has been cited as a significant inspiration behind Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Meyer once noted (via Entertainment Weekly), “This band is so in touch for me with Jacob’s character. This really raw, uncontrolled emotion — where it’s not about some person who’s grown up and callused over and learned how to control things.” The overwhelming success of Twilight transformed it into one of the biggest franchises globally, with a continuously growing fan base. This success also resulted in a plethora of fanfiction, including the one that birthed Fifty Shades of Grey.
What started as a fanfiction spin-off of Twilight gradually evolved into a prominent novel series, which subsequently became a franchise of its own. Author E.L. James conveyed to ABC News that Meyer “flipped this switch” in her mind, motivating her to pen Fifty Shades. The erotic series, once adapted into films, launched Dakota Johnson into international stardom. This momentum invited Ellen DeGeneres to invite Johnson onto her talk show, a move that would have significant repercussions for the host.
During the appearance, Johnson confronted DeGeneres for not being as kind as she portrayed herself to be, prompting several employees to voice concerns about the show’s toxic work environment. This sequence of events ultimately contributed to Ellen DeGeneres’ unraveling, exemplifying how the far-reaching consequences of 9/11 seemingly played a role in this cultural narrative.
In looking for the link between 9/11 and Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, we can trace the thread back to Twilight. The lead actor, Robert Pattinson, famously distanced himself from the franchise, seeking unique and challenging roles to establish his versatility as an actor. Notably, he starred in Remember Me (2010), a film that poignantly illustrates the events of September 11. Pattinson’s growing prominence in the film industry drew critical attention, eventually resulting in Nolan casting him in the time-bending thriller Tenet (2020).
During the film’s wrap party, Pattinson gifted Nolan a book containing speeches from J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb. In an interview, Nolan shared that after reading about “how these great intellects were dealing with massive consequences that have completely changed life forever for all of us,” he felt compelled to craft what many believe to be the zenith of his career, Oppenheimer (2023). The film has swept away the accolades at the 2024 Oscars, reinforcing the notion that historical events can dramatically shape cultural trajectories.
Isn’t it remarkable to ponder how one pivotal event in history can spawn such a diverse array of outcomes? Moreover, Oppenheimer is now available to watch on Prime Video, providing audiences an opportunity to dive deeper into this cinematic masterpiece. As Nolan’s triumph ascends, the downfall of DeGeneres serves as a cautionary tale, underscoring the unpredictable nature of fame and the complex interweaving of cultural narratives driven by historical moments.