Despite claims that he would return as an infected version of his character Jim from 28 Days Later, Empire Magazine has broken the news today that Cillian Murphy will not actually appear in Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later, the first in a brand new trilogy of post-apocalyptic horrors.
Releasing theatrically on June 20, the Alex Garland-penned 28 Years Later stars Ralph Fiennes, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Jack O'Connell and Erin Kellyman. The film follows 2002's 28 Days Later and its sequel, 2007's 28 Weeks Later.
In 28 Years Later:
It’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected […] One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway.
When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
Speaking with Empire, producer Andrew Macdonald stated that Murphy will only be involved on the first film in a behind the scenes capacity, as executive producer:
[On] this, we wanted him to be involved and he wanted to be involved. He is not in the first film, but I’m hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line […] He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.
Don't panic just yet though, folks – as Macdonald hopes, there's still a chance that Murphy will return as Jim in Nia DaCosta's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set for release on January 16, 2026.
Joking about the viral moment that saw newcomer Angus Neill mistaken for Murphy in the buzzy first trailer, Boyle told Empire he personally didn't see the resemblance:
I showed my girlfriend the trailer and she said, ‘People will think that’s Cillian […] I said, ‘Don’t be silly.’ I ignored her. So I’ve eaten a bit of humble pie since.
At the time of writing, the third film in the 28 Years Later trilogy is still very much a mystery, with no word on who will direct.
For more 2025 horror news, read our rundown of this year's most anticipated releases.
