Cillian Murphy, star of the original “28 Days Later” zombie thriller, is set to return to the franchise, though his highly anticipated comeback will unfold over the next two films, per variety.com. Director Danny Boyle confirmed that while Murphy won’t appear in the immediate release, “28 Years Later” (June 20), he will make a crucial appearance at the end of its sequel, “The Bone Temple,” slated for January 2026.
Boyle and writer Alex Garland envisioned “28 Years Later” as the launch of a new trilogy. The first two installments, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, have already filmed back-to-back. The ultimate third film hinges on the box office success of “28 Years Later.” Boyle explicitly stated his hope that Murphy’s involvement, especially after his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, will help secure financing for the concluding chapter. “You promise them Cillian Murphy, that’s quite a deflection of any technical concerns,” Boyle quipped, revealing how Murphy’s name even helped greenlight filming with iPhones.
Fans have long speculated about Murphy’s return, with some even mistaking another actor for him in the “28 Years Later” trailer.
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