It’s wonderful how the internet can argue. Fans believe they have discovered Cillian Murphy aka Jim, the main character of the film “28 Days Later” (2004), in the trailer for the new Danny Boyle drama “28 Years Later”: as a zombie. Well, the Rage virus is not actually a zombie virus. But everyone knows what kind of creatures emerge after infection: emaciated speedsters who kill healthy people.
Is this Cillian Murphy?
There’s not much to be said for it. Although Murphy, who became a superstar after winning the lead actor Oscar for “Oppenheimer,” is surprisingly not in the top billing for “28 Years Later.” In front of him are five others: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson (who looks like Rick Grimes here), Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes. So that means that Jim could very well die as a supporting character, and quickly. However, it would be somewhat unwise for director Danny Boyle and author Alex Garland to reveal a possible death of the popular Jim in a trailer of all things.
Trailer “28 Years Later”:
Contrary to what many fans believe, Jim didn’t die in “28 Days Later.” He only died in an alternative version of the film’s ending. So he wouldn’t have to wander around as a zombie. The only question then is: What happened to his girlfriend Selena (Naomi Harris), and what happened to Hannah (Megan Burns), the foster daughter?
“28 Years Later” opens in theaters on June 20, 2025. Part four, “28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple,” is directed by Nia DaCosta from a screenplay by Alex Garland and Danny Boyle. The new “28…” films also mark Alex Garland’s return to the role of not director plus screenwriter, but just screenwriter, for the first time since the 2012 comic book hero film “Dredd.”