Throughout his career, the esteemed actor has tackled various roles and accents, including that of a scarecrow. Now, he is switching sides in the 28 franchise, taking up an unexpected role in this highly-anticipated undead thriller.
The trailer for 28 Years Later debuted this morning (December 10), preceding its anticipated release in June 2025. Check it out:
Directed once more by Danny Boyle, the film will feature Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for Kick-Ass, alongside Jodie Comer from Killing Eve.
28 Days Later first hit theaters globally in 2002 with Murphy in the lead role. Its sequel, 28 Weeks Later, was released five years later, starring Jeremy Renner.
While Boyle directed the original film in the trilogy, Juan Carlos Fresnadillo took over for 28 Weeks Later.
After an 18-year hiatus, 28 Years Later is slated for release next year, with the teaser trailer already receiving praise from fans as one of the ‘best of the year.’ It hints, however, that Murphy’s character did not find lasting success after the initial film’s events.
On Reddit, one viewer remarked, “The one second shot of Cillian Murphy is giving me a bone deep sense of terror.
“Seeing the ‘hero’ end up like that makes it feel more ‘real’ than a movie should have any right to lol.”
Fans on Twitter were equally enthusiastic. One individual tweeted, “When elements of George A Romero and The Walking Dead come together, we could be getting one of the best horror movies this generation.”
Another commented, “Zombie Cillian Murphy?”
A third fan shared, “28 days later was the first zombie movie I watched as a kid. Now year later, I’m a man! And exited for 28 years later!”
The long wait for this installment is finally over, and there is more in store for the franchise. Ralph Fiennes, who also stars in the film, has revealed plans for two more sequels. The next one, 28 Years Later II: The Bone Temple, is already in the works.
In an interview with GQ, Taylor-Johnson, who is a top contender for the next James Bond role, discussed returning to work with Boyle.
“The energy, the enthusiasm, and the charisma of this filmmaker is infectious,” he said.
“He’s childlike, and has this bubbling energy that, oh my god, just reignited the love and passion for acting in me.
“Not that I don’t have it innate in me, but the excitement and the beauty of imagination. I think that movie allows for all of that because it’s got such an incredible set up.”
