Will Cillian Murphy appear in 28 Years Later?
The possibility of Cillian Murphy reprising his role as Jim in the upcoming 28 Days Later sequel is high, and his recent success in leading blockbuster projects has sparked excitement about his potential involvement in the new zombie trilogy.
The Return of 28 Years Later
28 Years Later has been rumored for years, and now, the sequel is officially in development and can give Cillian Murphy an opportunity to check another career accomplishment off of his list. The upcoming movie, which will be shopped to studios and streamers, will serve as a continuation of the horror film series, which includes 28 Days Later in 2002 and 28 Weeks Later in 2007. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the director and writer of the first movie, are attached to the project, and even though Murphy, who played Jim in the 2002 movie, is not confirmed to return, the hope is that he will reprise his role in the third feature.
Cillian Murphy looking up with his hands up by his forehead in 28 Days Later
28 Days Later revolved around Murphy's character, who woke up from a coma after 28 days to find the world in chaos. The highly contagious 'rage virus' had spread throughout Great Britain following the release of an infected chimpanzee, and the island quickly fell into an epidemic. The 2002 post-apocalyptic horror movie is credited with reviving the zombie genre. The sequel, 28 Weeks Later, took place 28 weeks after the first film and featured the reintroduction of the virus. Now, more than 20 years after the premiere of the original story, the series is being revived, which could allow Murphy to accomplish something he has never experienced in his career.
Cillian Murphy walking through a deserted London street in 28 Days Later
The upcoming sequel, 28 Years Later, is being crafted as the first installment in a trilogy of new zombie movies. Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland hope the third film in the 28 Days Later series is not the last and will pave the way for two more projects. If their aspirations come to fruition and Cillian Murphy signs on to reprise his role as Jim, it would be the first time the actor has led a trilogy or a franchise. Murphy previously played Dr. Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow in Christopher Nolan's The Dark Knight trilogy, but his role was only as a supporting character.
Cillain Murphy as Jim in 28 Years Later
Of course, not much is known about the upcoming post-apocalyptic horror movie, so it might not include Murphy as Jim or be connected to the first two films. But if Boyle and Garland reach out to the actor to see if he is interested in returning as Jim in 28 Years Later, and he agrees, Murphy would have his first trilogy/franchise. Given that 28 Days Later was one of his first notable movie credits, the new trilogy would be the perfect opportunity for Murphy to return to his roots and simultaneously accomplish a first in his career.
Which characters could come back for 28 Years Later
The Perfect Vehicle For Cillian Murphy
Cillian Murphy has always been a talented actor, but his recent role as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer proved that the actor is capable of leading a blockbuster project. The 2023 epic biographical thriller film tells the story of Oppenheimer, the 'father of the atomic bomb,' the Manhattan Project, and the downfall of the theoretical physicist. It was the third highest-grossing movie of 2023 and has already won various accolades at prestigious award ceremonies, like the 2024 Golden Globe Awards.
Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer's final moments.
By taking into account the triumph of Oppenheimer and Murphy's role in its success, it's easy to see the actor leading 28 Years Later (and possibly a trilogy). Murphy is quite talented, and his popularity has grown exponentially following the release of Nolan's 2023 film. It would just make sense if Danny Boyle and Alex Garland asked Murphy to star in their upcoming project because he would significantly elevate it, especially if Murphy wins Best Actor at the 96th Academy Awards in March 2024.
Interest in a 28 Days Later Sequel
The possibility of Cillian Murphy reprising his role as Jim in the upcoming 28 Days Later sequel is high, given his past comments surrounding a possible continuation of the 2002 movie. Although the actor has not worked on many sequels (except for The Dark Knight trilogy), Murphy previously revealed that he would be interested in returning to the post-apocalyptic horror series. During an interview with Collider, Murphy expressed his willingness to be a part of the sequel, stating, 'I was talking to Danny Boyle recently, and I said, 'Danny, we shot the movie at the end of 2000.' So I think we're definitely approaching the 28 Years Later. But like I've always said, I'm up for it. I'd love to do it. If Alex [Garland] thinks there's a script in it and Danny wants to do it, I'd love to do it.'
Cillian Murphy looking serious as Jim in 28 Days Later
The actor's comments undoubtedly bode well for his involvement in Boyle and Garland's new project. Nothing is official at this time, but it's looking more likely that Murphy will, at the very least, be contacted about signing on for the movie. If his schedule is open, Murphy could lead his first trilogy/franchise with 28 Years Later.
