Cillian Murphy is set to play a key role in the production of 28 Years Later, the highly anticipated third installment in the acclaimed horror franchise.
This latest film follows the original 2002 movie 28 Days Later, where Murphy starred as Jim, a bicycle messenger who awakes from a coma to find the UK ravaged by a rage virus. Although Jim was absent from the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later, Murphy’s involvement in 28 Years Later has sparked excitement among fans.
Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the writer and director duo behind 28 Days Later, are reuniting for this project. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures has won a competitive bidding war to distribute 28 Years Later, which is planned as a two-part story. While Boyle will only direct the first installment, Garland will continue to write the second film.
Alongside Boyle and Garland, Murphy has officially joined the project as an executive producer. While his onscreen return as Jim hasn’t been confirmed, speculation is rife about his potential involvement in front of the camera. Given Murphy’s acclaimed performance in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, his participation in any capacity is a significant addition to the project.
The story of 28 Years Later and its connection to the previous movies remains under wraps. The original ending of 28 Days Later left the fate of Jim and his companions, Selena (Naomie Harris) and Hannah (Megan Burns), ambiguous. Despite this, the door remains open for their potential survival and involvement in the new film. While Murphy’s onscreen return as Jim is uncertain, there’s a possibility he could make a cameo appearance.
Murphy’s past willingness to revisit the post-apocalyptic horror genre, demonstrated by his role in A Quiet Place Part II, fuels hope for his return. As the movie progresses, it wouldn’t be surprising to see other characters from 28 Days Later make a comeback, adding to the nostalgia and continuity of the franchise.
As of now, 28 Years Later does not have a set release date.
Natalie is a big fan of anything related to movies, TV shows, games, and comics — you name it. When she’s not reading or geeking out about the latest shows on Netflix, she’s probably playing Honkai: Star Rail, cosplaying, or daydreaming of meeting her idols.
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