Is Cillian Murphy In 28 Years Later? His Role in the Film and Franchise Future Unveiled

The question “Is Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later?” has sparked fervent debate among fans since the first trailer for Sony Pictures’ post-apocalyptic horror sequel dropped in December 2024.

As the star of 28 Days Later (2002), Murphy’s potential return as Jim, the bicycle courier who survived the Rage Virus outbreak, has been a focal point of anticipation.

While Murphy is deeply involved with the Danny Boyle-directed film, set for release on June 20, 2025, his exact role and future in the trilogy have been clarified by key sources.

This article explores whether Murphy appears in 28 Years Later, the nature of his involvement, and what lies ahead for him in the franchise.

Is Cillian Murphy in the Cast of 28 Years Later?

No, Cillian Murphy does not appear on-screen in 28 Years Later. Despite early speculation fueled by a trailer featuring an emaciated zombie resembling Murphy, producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed to Empire that the actor is not in the first film of the new trilogy.

The zombie in question was played by art dealer and newcomer Angus Neill, not Murphy. Director Danny Boyle admitted to Empire that his girlfriend warned him fans might mistake Neill for Murphy, saying, “People will think that’s Cillian,” a prediction Boyle initially dismissed but later acknowledged with “humble pie.”

Fans on X and Reddit speculated wildly, with some believing Murphy’s Jim had returned as an infected, but these theories were debunked by multiple outlets, including The Guardian and Deadline.

What Is Cillian Murphy’s Role in 28 Years Later?

While Murphy does not act in 28 Years Later, he serves as an executive producer, a role that underscores his significant behind-the-scenes influence. Deadline and Business Insider report that Murphy’s involvement as an executive producer was pivotal in securing Sony’s approval for innovative filming techniques, such as using 20 iPhones for certain scenes.

Boyle told Business Insider, “You promise them Cillian Murphy, that’s quite a deflection of any technical concerns. We nakedly used that to get our own way.” Murphy’s name carried weight, helping greenlight the $60-$75 million project.

His executive producer role also extends to the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set for January 16, 2026, ensuring his creative input shapes the trilogy’s vision.

Will Cillian Murphy Appear in the 28 Years Later Trilogy?

Yes, Cillian Murphy is confirmed to return as Jim in the trilogy, but not until the second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta. Danny Boyle told IGN and Business Insider that Murphy “is in the second one,” though he remained cryptic, saying, “I shouldn’t give away too much. I’ll get killed.”

Boyle also teased Murphy’s potential involvement in the third film, which is yet to be financed and depends on the first film’s box office performance. He told IGN, “Everybody’s standing by for that, really. Including Cillian.”

At CinemaCon 2025, Boyle told GamesRadar that fans “may have to wait a little while” for Murphy’s appearance, but confirmed his role in The Bone Temple.

Variety further noted Murphy will feature in the ending of the sequel, with a “dominant” role planned for the third film if it’s greenlit, per Josh Horowitz’s interview with Boyle.

Why Was There Confusion About Cillian Murphy’s Involvement?

The confusion over “Is Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later?” stemmed from the December 2024 trailer, which showed a zombie with high cheekbones and a gaunt frame, leading fans to assume it was Murphy.

X posts, like one from @NahImGhost, claimed Murphy “stuns in first look,” amplifying speculation. The Daily Beast reported fans were convinced Jim had become an undead cameo, despite Murphy’s absence from the cast list.

ScreenRant debunked a theory that Murphy’s Jim had evolved into a cult leader named Jimmy, clarifying that Jack O’Connell plays a different character named Jimmy Crystal.

Early reports, such as Deadline’s May 2024 claim that Murphy would star, added to the mix-up, later corrected by producer Macdonald. Boyle’s partner foresaw the trailer’s misleading impact, as noted in Empire, highlighting how marketing unintentionally fueled the frenzy.

What Is Cillian Murphy’s History with the 28 Days Later Franchise?

Murphy’s connection to the franchise began with his breakout role as Jim in 28 Days Later (2002), a film that grossed $84.6 million worldwide and redefined the zombie genre with its fast-moving infected.

Wikipedia details how casting director Gail Stevens chose Murphy for his “dreamy, slightly de-energised” quality, with his slender physique leading to the iconic nude opening scene.

Murphy did not appear in 28 Weeks Later (2007) due to scheduling conflicts with Batman Begins, as per RadioTimes. His enthusiasm for a third film was evident in a January 2024 Independent interview, where he said, “I would be there in a flash,” signaling his eagerness to reunite with Boyle and writer Alex Garland.

This passion translated into his executive producer role and future on-screen return.

How Does Cillian Murphy’s Involvement Impact the Trilogy’s Future?

Murphy’s executive producer role and confirmed return in The Bone Temple position him as a linchpin for the trilogy’s narrative and financial viability.

Boyle told Business Insider that Murphy’s involvement could help secure funding for the third film, stating, “Hopefully he will help us get the third film financed.”

The first film’s box office success, projected at $28-$50 million domestically, will determine the trilogy’s continuation. ScreenRant suggests Murphy’s return as Jim could see him as a hero combating new threats, like O’Connell’s cult leader, rather than a villain, preserving his fan-favorite status.

X posts, such as @DiscussingFilm’s April 2025 update, reflect ongoing fan excitement for Murphy’s eventual appearance, boosting the trilogy’s buzz.

Highlights of Cillian Murphy’s Involvement in 28 Years Later  

• On-Screen Role: Not in 28 Years Later (June 20, 2025); confirmed for The Bone Temple (January 16, 2026).

• Executive Producer: For both 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple.

• Future Role: Planned “dominant” role in the third film, pending funding.

• Trailer Confusion: Zombie mistaken for Murphy was Angus Neill.

• Franchise Impact: His name aided Sony’s approval; could secure third film’s financing.

• Fan Sentiment: High anticipation on X for his return as Jim.

Some Closing Thoughts:

The question “Is Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later?” has a clear answer: he’s not on-screen in the first film but remains integral as an executive producer, with a confirmed acting role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and potentially the third film.

While fans must wait to see Murphy reprise Jim, his behind-the-scenes influence and future appearances promise to elevate the trilogy.

As 28 Years Later hits theaters on June 20, 2025, join the conversation on X and stay tuned for Murphy’s triumphant return to the Rage Virus saga.