28 Years Later: Cillian Murphy’s Alleged Trailer “Cameo” Has Been Debunked

As a film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the trailer for “28 Years Later” has left me both excited and perplexed. On one hand, it’s a thrill to see the return of a beloved franchise, especially one as iconic as Danny Boyle’s zombie apocalypse series. On the other hand, the alleged cameo of Cillian Murphy’s character has turned out to be a red herring, leaving fans like me scratching our heads.

On December 10th, Sony Pictures unveiled the initial trailer for the eagerly awaited third part of Danny Boyle’s beloved zombie apocalypse movie franchise titled 28 Years Later. This upcoming film, set 28 years after a virus outbreak that triggered rage, delves into how humanity copes with the emergence of deadly creatures. The sequel further hints at the introduction of novel monsters since the virus has evolved to spawn new terrors. The trailer gained widespread attention partly due to viewers believing they spotted Cillian Murphy’s character “Jim” from the original 28 Days Later. Regrettably, this supposed cameo has been disproven, as the zombie portrayed isn’t actually Murphy but another actor.

In the preview, the camera zeroes in on a decayed, emaciated zombie in a vast expanse of grass. Due to his advanced state of decomposition, it was difficult for people to recognize him. However, his prominent cheekbones and build were reminiscent of Cillian Murphy. Since Jim, Murphy’s character, didn’t appear in the sequel, 28 Weeks Later, his fate remained a mystery – but having Angus Neill, an art dealer, portray the zombie in the field could complete the franchise’s narrative loop, according to The Guardian.

28 Years Later welcomed Neill into its fold, casting him as “The Liberated Zombie.” The art dealer’s distinctive appearance caught director Boyle’s eye, and he approached Neill for the role. As Neill recounted, “Danny told me he’d long envisioned me in this part. We got along well, and I agreed to participate.” Neill further described working with Boyle as “overwhelming,” noting his exceptional skill at captivating actors, making the filming process an extremely intense experience.

Although Cillian Murphy doesn’t make an appearance in the trailer for “28 Years Later,” he functions as an executive producer alongside director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, implying a close involvement in the project. Moreover, producer Tom Rothman has suggested that Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, will reappear in the movie in an unexpected manner and in a way that expands upon his previous role. The intriguing statement, coupled with hints in the trailer suggesting the name “Jimmy” being written in ominous locations, has sparked speculation among fans about whether Jim might not be the hero we thought he was at the end.

28 Years Later Is the First of a New Trilogy

28 Years Later: Cillian Murphy’s Alleged Trailer “Cameo” Has Been Debunked

28 Years Later signifies a significant leap for Sony Pictures’ franchise, as they have announced it serves as the opening act in a three-part series. The movie has already been shot concurrently with its direct sequel, titled 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple, to be directed by Nia DaCosta who previously worked on Candyman. For now, information about the third film is being kept confidential. This means that there’s a lot of room for Cillian Murphy’s character Jim to unfold in the subsequent films.

Ralph Fiennes, who plays a role in the initial movie, has disclosed some fascinating plot points about the upcoming third installment. The tale unfolds in a Britain that has experienced 28 years of a devastating plague, leaving only scattered areas untouched by infection. The storyline revolves around a young boy on a quest to find a physician for his ailing mother, guiding them through the rugged northern English landscape while steering clear of infected beings concealed in forests and hillsides. According to the official synopsis from Sony Pictures, this odyssey will shed light on past enigmas as they encounter long-forgotten marvels and terrors from times past.

As a passionate movie reviewer, I’m thrilled to share that the iconic zombie franchise has seen a fresh breath of life, with its debut film, 28 Days Later, stepping back into the spotlight. This cinematic gem had been lingering in distribution limbo following Disney’s acquisition of Fox. However, the tide has turned this year as Sony Pictures reclaimed the movie’s rights and is now set to unleash it on digital platforms. This means that for the first time in years, new viewers can experience this timeless classic legally without any hassles.

28 Years Later is scheduled for release on June 20, 2025.

2024-12-12 19:09

28 Years Later Is the First of a New Trilogy

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