Introduction

The excitement is palpable among fans of the post-apocalyptic genre as the trailer for “28 Years Later” dropped earlier this week, igniting wild speculation surrounding a lookalike zombie that some believe could represent a zombified Cillian Murphy. The buzz escalated quickly as internet users began connecting the dots, hoping for a twist that could see Murphy reprising his iconic role from the original film, “28 Days Later.”

Speculation and Reports

According to reports, the speculation was notably fanned by Deadline, which suggested that Murphy could return as Jim, the character who fell victim to the dreaded “Rage Virus.” Although Murphy’s name is absent from promotional materials for the sequel, he still plays a vital role as an executive producer.

Unexpected Casting

Now, in an unexpected twist, British art dealer Angus Neill has stepped into the limelight, claiming the role of the “Emaciated Infected” in Danny Boyle’s highly anticipated follow-up. Neill disclosed to The Guardian that Boyle personally selected him for the role, expressing his long-held vision of Neill as the undead character.

Neill's Experience on Set

In his own words, Neill shared, “Danny told me he’d always had me in mind for the role. So we met up, hit it off, and I agreed to take part. On set, he has an extraordinary ability to hypnotize you, making the filming experience very intense.”

Fans' Curiosity and New Cast

With the absence of Murphy from the credits, fans can't help but wonder what his involvement truly means for the film. As "28 Years Later" moves towards its release scheduled for June 20, it marks the beginning of a new trilogy, with other franchise newcomers like Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Erin Kellyman, and Jack O’Connell joining the cast.

Production and Expectations

Produced by Columbia Pictures in collaboration with BFI, DNA Films, and Decibel Films, the film’s tagline, “Time didn’t heal anything,” hints at a chilling narrative awaiting audiences. With a powerhouse production team involving Andrew MacDonald and Peter Rice, as well as Boyle’s visionary direction, “28 Years Later” is poised to captivate and terrorize audiences alike.

Conclusion

As fans await more updates, one burning question remains: will we see a return of Cillian Murphy in some unexpected capacity? Stay tuned!