Producer Andrew Macdonald Confirms Cillian Murphy’s Future in the ’28 Days Later’ Films, Including Whether He Will Appear in Current Film

The internet went wild, convinced that Cillian Murphy made a surprise appearance in the teaser for 28 Years Later. It wasn’t hard to see why – the trailer showed a gaunt, rage-infected figure with a hairstyle that screamed Peaky Blinders and cheekbones that looked all too familiar.

With Danny Boyle and Alex Garland back for the sequel to their 2002 hit 28 Days Later, many believed Murphy’s character, Jim, had returned.

But here’s the catch: Cillian Murphy isn’t in the film. At least, not in this first installment of the new trilogy. Producer Andrew Macdonald cleared things up in an interview with Empire.

“[On] this, we wanted him to be involved and he wanted to be involved. He is not in the first film, but I’m hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line. He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy,” Macdonald said for Empire.

So, while Murphy isn’t on-screen yet, he’s still part of the project. Macdonald revealed that Murphy is currently an executive producer and might return in future films, like 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta and set for release in 2026. If things go well, the trilogy will continue, leaving room for Murphy to step back into the spotlight.

The real buzz was stirred by Angus Neill, the extra whose appearance sparked the confusion. Even Boyle’s partner saw the resemblance. Boyle admitted, ‘I showed my girlfriend the trailer, and she said, “People will think that’s Cillian.” I didn’t believe her, but now I’ve had to eat some humble pie.’

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