Cillian Murphy Returns to Face the Undead in ’28 Years Later’: What We Know So Far

After over two decades since the release of the groundbreaking horror film “28 Days Later,” fans are eagerly anticipating the return of Cillian Murphy in the franchise’s latest installment, “28 Years Later.” This highly anticipated sequel reunites Murphy with acclaimed director Danny Boyle, marking a significant milestone in their cinematic partnership.

A Glance Back at the Original

In “28 Days Later,” Murphy captivated audiences as Jim, a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to discover the UK ravaged by the “Rage” virus, a pathogen that transforms humans into fast, ferocious zombies. This depiction of the undead was a stark departure from the traditional slow-moving zombies, adding a fresh and terrifying dynamic to the horror genre. The film’s unique vision of a post-apocalyptic Britain not only captivated viewers but also earned $84 million worldwide, reigniting interest in zombie movies during the early 2000s.

The Sequel Takes Shape

The sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” released in 2007 and produced by Boyle, shifted focus towards gory action under the direction of Juan Carlos Fresnadillo. However, fans of the suspense-driven horror of the original have been eagerly waiting for a return to its roots. Their patience has been rewarded with the announcement of “28 Years Later,” confirmed by The Hollywood Reporter in January 2024, with Boyle and original writer Alex Garland at the helm.

An All-Star Cast Joins Murphy

Cillian Murphy, who has often expressed his desire to revisit the franchise, will reprise his role as Jim. “I’ve always said I would love to be involved because that movie changed everything for me and I have great affection for it and for those guys, Alex and Danny,” Murphy shared with Variety in February. His enthusiasm is mirrored by the creative team, who are excited to bring the original band back together.

Joining Murphy in this new chapter are British stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Ralph Fiennes, and Erin Kellyman. Although details about their characters remain under wraps, their involvement promises to bring a fresh dynamic to the series. Comer, in particular, hinted at the innovative approach Boyle and his director of photography, Anthony Dod Mantle, are taking. “It’s him. It’s Danny, and I think he’s constantly trying to find new ways… I think people are going to be very excited,” Comer shared on the “Happy Sad Confused” podcast.

The Future of the Franchise

Scheduled for a theatrical release on June 20, 2025, “28 Years Later” marks the beginning of a new trilogy. According to Deadline, Nia DaCosta, known for her work on “Candyman,” is in talks to direct the second installment, with Garland set to pen the entire trilogy. While specifics about the plot are scarce, fans can expect the return of the relentless, fast-moving zombies that defined the original film.

An intriguing potential title for DaCosta’s film, “28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple,” has surfaced via the United States Copyright Office. Although this doesn’t reveal much about the plot, it suggests a fresh and possibly more intense direction for the series.

Conclusion

With Cillian Murphy back in action and Danny Boyle’s visionary direction, “28 Years Later” is poised to reignite the horror genre and captivate a new generation of fans. As the release date approaches, anticipation continues to build for what promises to be a thrilling continuation of a beloved franchise.