Cillian Murphy confirmed for 28 Years Later with Danny Boyle...sort of

The sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later is definitely happening as Sony recently acquired the rights to produce a brand new trilogy in the horror franchise.

Danny Boyle will return as director and producer, while original screenwriter Alex Garland is also on board.

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Interestingly, Cillian Murphy has been reported as an executive producer on the project, but his involvement in an acting capacity hasn't been confirmed yet.

The first movie, starring Murphy, Naomie Harris, Brendan Gleeson and Christopher Eccleston, was released in 2002 and told the story of a small band of survivors during a deadly pandemic in London, caused by what was described as a 'rage virus'.

On a modest budget of $8 million, it grossed $85 million at the box office. A sequel, 28 Weeks Later was produced, though Boyle was only involved as a producer, while an entirely new cast was used.

The Hollywood Reporter previously detailed that Boyle and Garland are teaming up for 28 Years Later, a sequel which could kickstart a new trilogy set in the post-apocalyptic world.

Fans are already wondering whether Murphy could return as Jim, and it seems like the man himself would be up for it, judging by his past comments.

"I think there's a problem with that, in that I'm 20 years older," he previously admitted.

"But every time I do bump into Danny or Alex I always mention it. Because I showed it to my kids recently, some Halloween about four or five years ago, and they loved it.

"It really stands up, which is amazing for a film that's 20 years old. So yeah, I love the idea and it's very appealing to me."

Upon hearing of a confirmation of the movie, Murphy told The Independent: “That’s great to hear.  didn’t know that – I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys, and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there.”

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28 Days Later... (2002)

A group of Londoners escape a vicious virus that has gripped Britain. The virus causes all infected persons to turn into dangerous killers, who pose a danger to the people who survived the plague.

Directed by: Danny Boyle
Stars: Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris and Christopher Eccleston

28 Years Later

Boyle has been keen to return to the 28 Days Later world for a while, and revealed in 2022 that a script by Garland had already been produced.

"I'd be very tempted (to direct it). It feels like a very good time actually," he previously told NME.

"It's funny. I hadn't thought about it until you just said it, and I remembered 'Bang, this script!' which is again set in England, very much about England. Anyway, we'll see... who knows? I instantly knew the film (28 Days Later) was something very special. I remember reading the first ten pages thinking, 'This is brilliant'.

"It was like a quarter of a page. He wanders around London on his own and you just thought, 'Oh my God!'"