28 Years Later Spoiled Cillian Murphy’s Big Return—Fans Were Devastated

I’ve been quite fond of the marketing approach for “28 Years Later” up until now, but I’m a bit disappointed that Cillian Murphy’s role in the upcoming trilogy was already revealed by its director. The upcoming film is indeed intriguing as it marks the first installment in the series since 2007’s “28 Weeks Later”. Notably, this new movie will be helmed by Danny Boyle and penned by Alex Garland, who were instrumental in creating the original zombie franchise. This leads me to suspect that Murphy may have a part in the upcoming trilogy.

In the year 2002, Murphy portrayed Jim, the lead character in “28 Days Later.” Despite making it through the initial film, Jim was absent from “28 Weeks Later,” which adds anticipation to his potential appearance in the upcoming trilogy. However, some enthusiasts are already more thrilled about “28 Years Later” and its sequels than they are for the forthcoming movie due in a matter of weeks. Yet, my excitement for “28 Years Later” and its subsequent films would be significantly heightened if Danny Boyle didn’t disclose a crucial aspect regarding Murphy’s return.

28 Years Later’s Marketing Has Been Almost Perfect

Is The First Trailer One Of The Best In Years?

Given that “28 Days Later” is often considered one of the greatest zombie films, there was considerable excitement surrounding “28 Years Later” upon its announcement. However, this anticipation escalated significantly once the first trailer for “28 Years Later” was unveiled. Unlike typical background music, the latest movie’s trailer uses Rudyard Kipling’s poem “Boots,” which generates a distinctly eerie atmosphere for the film. Moreover, the trailer wisely withholds many details about the plot of “28 Years Later,”, potentially making it an unpredictable cinematic experience.

The initial trailer is widely considered one of the best movie previews in recent times, while the second trailer didn’t fall short either. Interestingly, the second trailer for “28 Years Later” conceals a secret message, making it stand out. Several frames in the second trailer contain coded symbols, which can be interpreted using the Pigpen Cipher. These symbols reveal the Latin phrase “memento mori“, which means “remember (that you have) to die“. This phrase is also the key to unlock a website called rageleaks.net, where clues about “28 Years Later’s” storyline can be found and a file containing the following message:

(This paragraph aims to maintain the original meaning while making it more accessible and easy to read.)

The virus brought us more than the rage.
Our grief stems from the loss of our home. We bear the burden of remorse for those we’ve departed. We harbor anger for the hidden truths concealed from us.
For nearly three decades now, we’ve been dealing with the aftermath of that initial event, yet there remains no concrete evidence unveiling the truth behind it. People claim it’s for our safety, or in our best interest. However, given how long this secret has been kept, one can’t help but wonder: what exactly is it they continue to conceal?
They categorize satellite photos. They prohibit any interaction with the survivor groups. They squash whispers and undermine tales suggesting that the infected might have evolved.
They don’t want us to see. But we must bear witness. All of us.

As a cinephile, I’ve got to say that the cleverly cut trailers for “28 Years Later” and the secret message hidden within them make for an ingenious marketing tactic. Director Boyle shared during our chat at the exclusive ScreenRant preview event, co-hosted by Sony Pictures and Regal Entertainment, that they’ve been meticulous in keeping the film’s story under wraps. So, even if you might think you have a good guess about what the plot of “28 Years Later” entails, odds are, you’re off the mark!

The outcome isn’t what you might expect. This aspect was crucial for us as filmmakers, and it was crucial for everyone involved. It’s what drew such talented actors to it, and Alex and I aimed to keep the audience guessing.
Sony is delaying the release of the entire movie because they want to prolong the suspense, making the story more enjoyable. The plot, however, takes an unexpected turn, and the military’s role isn’t what you might anticipate. Contrary to expectations, they do not weaponize the virus; instead, things unfold differently. I’d be thrilled if you could join me in watching the entire movie when it is finally released.

From the previews of the film, it appears that Aaron Taylor Johnson’s character Jamie and Jodie Comer’s character Isla, along with their son Spike, are likely to play significant roles. Furthermore, Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson and Jack O’Connell’s Jimmy might be key figures, possibly even the primary antagonist across the trilogy. However, due to the director’s statements, it is challenging to determine the exact plot of the upcoming movie and its sequels. As suggested by the director, the upcoming film titled “28 Years Later” will also involve the military in an unforeseen capacity.

However, Cillian Murphy’s Return Plan Should’ve Been A Secret

Danny Boyle Ruined Cillian Murphy’s The Bone Temple Return

It’s quite unexpected that director Boyle revealed a significant detail about Murphy’s return in the upcoming 28 Years Later trilogy, considering Sony, Boyle, and Garland have been keeping the plot under wraps. Given how excited fans of the original movie are about this new series, it would have added to the anticipation if the specific timeline for Murphy’s appearance had remained a secret.

It turns out that Boyle has disclosed some information about the sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” stating that Cillian Murphy will make an appearance towards the end. Earlier, Boyle had been tight-lipped about Murphy’s role in the “28 Years Later” trilogy, particularly during a fan event at ScreenRant. At this event, he did not reveal any details about the fates of Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris’ characters from “28 Days Later.” However, in a separate interview, Boyle mentioned that director Nia DaCosta had worked with Murphy for the end of the second film in the trilogy.

Nia DaCosta secures a small role featuring Cillian Murphy towards the end. Patience is key; we’ll need to wait for Cillian’s appearance, and let’s hope he assists in securing funding for the third movie.

Following the debut of “28 Years Later”, enthusiasts won’t have to endure a long wait to catch the second movie of the trilogy. In fact, “The Bone Temple” has been completed and is set to hit cinemas on January 16, 2026. This news is thrilling, but due to Boyle’s latest remarks, a significant aspect about “The Bone Temple’s” conclusion has already been disclosed. I can’t help but feel disappointed that Boyle exposed Murphy’s appearance timeline so early, as it would have been intriguing to guess when he would reappear between the first two films in the trilogy.

Despite My Disappointment, I’m Glad Jim Will Appear In The Bone Temple

Murphy’s Return in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Is Highly Anticipated

Had Boyle not previously disclosed Murphy’s appearance towards the end of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” the audience’s reactions during the play could have been incredibly thrilling. Not knowing whether Murphy would feature in the movie would have added an element of surprise, but now, unfortunately, that mystery has been resolved. However, even though I am a bit disappointed about the reduced suspense, I am still extremely excited that Murphy will be part of “The Bone Temple.

As a die-hard movie enthusiast, I’m eagerly anticipating Boyle’s involvement in the final installment of the trilogy titled “The Bone Temple”. Despite handing over directorial duties for this film to DaCosta, Boyle has expressed his desire to take charge of the last movie in the series. The first film was nothing short of spectacular, and it’s clear that Boyle and Garland have a grand vision for this trilogy. Given their ambitious plan, I can’t wait for the third movie to materialize so we can witness a fitting conclusion to Murphy’s character. Essentially, a third “28 Years Later” film is crucial to ensure a satisfying culmination of the storyline.

2025-06-05 19:10