Fans of the horror genre and followers of Cillian Murphy have been buzzing with excitement and speculation about the actor’s involvement in the much-anticipated film, “28 Years Later.” This new installment in the post-apocalyptic franchise, which stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes, has raised questions about whether Murphy would reprise his iconic role as Jim from the original film, “28 Days Later.”
Murphy made his unforgettable debut in the 2002 classic, where he played Jim, a man who awakens from a coma to find London overrun by a deadly virus that turns people into zombies. The film not only became a cult favorite but also set the stage for two sequels, including “28 Weeks Later,” which followed a different storyline without Murphy’s character.
In “28 Years Later,” the narrative shifts to Jamie (played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and his wife Isla (Jodie Comer) as they navigate life with their son, Spike (Alfie Williams), 28 years after the second outbreak. The film culminates in a tense moment when Spike encounters danger, only to be saved by a mysterious figure. This led many fans to wonder if that figure could be Jim, sparking a flurry of rumors about Murphy’s return to the franchise.
Despite the excitement, it has been confirmed that Cillian Murphy is not in “28 Years Later.” However, he did contribute to the film as an executive producer, which showcases his ongoing connection to the franchise.
Rumors about Murphy’s involvement began to circulate when a trailer for “28 Years Later” was released, featuring a zombie character that bore a striking resemblance to him. Social media exploded with speculation, with fans expressing their disbelief and excitement at the possibility of Murphy’s return. Comments such as, “Oh god finally! Was not expecting Cillian Murphy to come back like that! I’m shook!!!” flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
The speculation intensified when actor Angus Neill, who plays a zombie in the film, clarified the situation. He confirmed that he was the one featured in the trailer, not Murphy. Neill shared with The Guardian that director Danny Boyle had envisioned him for the role, putting an end to the rampant speculation about Murphy’s return.
Boyle himself acknowledged the confusion surrounding the trailer, admitting that many people mistook Neill for Murphy. “I showed my girlfriend the trailer, and she said, ‘People will think that’s Cillian,’” Neill recounted. “I said, ‘Don’t be silly.’ I ignored her. So I’ve eaten a bit of humble pie since.”
While fans may be disappointed that Murphy is not reprising his role in “28 Years Later,” there is good news for those hoping to see him back in the franchise. Boyle has confirmed that Murphy will return in the next installment, “28 Days Later: The Bone Temple.” In a January 2025 interview with IGN, he teased, “I shouldn’t give away too much. I’ll get killed,” hinting at exciting developments for fans of the series.
Cillian Murphy has experienced a remarkable rise to fame over the past few years, particularly with his acclaimed performance in “Oppenheimer.” Reflecting on his career, he humorously noted to The Guardian, “I’m stubborn and lacking in confidence, which is a terrible combination.” His self-deprecating humor and dedication to his craft have endeared him to fans around the world.
In conclusion, while Cillian Murphy may not appear in “28 Years Later,” his influence on the franchise remains significant as an executive producer. With the promise of his return in the upcoming sequel, fans have much to look forward to in the ever-evolving landscape of this iconic horror series. Stay tuned for more updates as the franchise continues to unfold, and keep an eye out for Murphy’s next appearance in the world of “28 Days Later.”