Cillian Murphy to Return in Next ’28 Years Later’ Film, Director Confirms
The next installment of the zombie franchise “28 Years Later” will feature the return of Cillian Murphy, according to director Danny Boyle. Fans of the original “28 Days Later” can anticipate the star’s reprise in the upcoming sequel, which is set to build upon the series’ unique blend of horror and social commentary.
Murphy’s Role Renewed
Danny Boyle has confirmed that Cillian Murphy will be back in the “28 Years Later” series. The Oscar-winning actor will be a part of the fourth installment, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” scheduled for release next January, and will also appear in the fifth and final movie, which Boyle is slated to direct.
The original film, “28 Days Later” from 2002, introduced Murphy as Jim. The upcoming films will also star Alife Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Jodie Comer. Boyle indicated that this new story will explore themes of change and the passage of time within the context of the series.
“Cillian’s character, Jim, will reappear and in fact he will appear at the end of The Bone Temple to take us into the fifth film and that will be his film, really,”
—Danny Boyle
The “28 Years Later” franchise, renowned for its portrayal of fast zombies, will continue to develop its commentary on societal issues. For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that pandemics have increased by 23% since the turn of the century, which reflects the film’s themes (CDC).
Themes and Influences
The new movie touches on themes related to isolation, post-pandemic behaviors, and the evolution of threats. The narrative takes place on an isolated island in the northeast of England, a setting that provides a unique backdrop for the story’s exploration of the impact of the Rage virus.
The film series’ writers, Boyle and Alex Garland, have integrated elements inspired by Brexit and the Covid-19 pandemic to shape the narrative’s themes. This blend of real-world events with horror-genre storytelling continues to engage audiences.
The core of the new film revolves around a father-son dynamic. The relationship between Jamie, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Spike, played by Alife Williams, is central to the plot.
The “28 Years Later” series is expected to offer a fresh perspective on the zombie genre. Audiences can anticipate a mix of familiar elements and innovations, as the filmmakers explore character evolution and themes that reflect contemporary concerns.
