It's only been 22 years since 28 Days Later, but nevertheless fans of the iconic 2002 zombie apocalypse film are definitely ready for the long-awaited third chapter in the saga, 28 Years Later.
Produced and directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland like the very first installment, the film centers on exactly what the title suggests—the situation 28 years after an incurable zombie virus upended the world.
28 Days Later centered on Cillian Murphy's character, and the film was what made him a well-known actor. So his alleged return to the franchise after not appearing in 2007's 28 Weeks Later is as hotly anticipated as the film itself—even though it's not even confirmed he's in it.
But fans are convinced they've gotten a secret glimpse of Murphy's iconic character nevertheless.
The film's trailer recently dropped in advance of its 2025 premiere, and in it was one shot that fans are convinced features Murphy as his character Jim, but in zombie form.
It comes when an emaciated, deathly grey zombie rises from the ground with a face that really does seem to feature Murphy's distinctive eyes.
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Murphy has said that 28 Days Later "changed everything" for him, and he has since gone on to an impressive career that culminated in a Best Actor Oscar last year for Oppenheimer. So returning to his roots would be a real full circle moment.
But as far as the emaciated trailer zombie goes, that is officially not Murphy's "cameo"—the gruesome undead guy is played by newcomer Angus Neill, an art dealer-turned-actor.
But at this point, Boyle might want to change his mind just for the pure marketing gold, because the emaciated zombie that is NOT Cillian Murphy is already it's very own hilarious meme. You can't buy that kind of publicity!
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While Murphy hasn't appeared in any of the official press materials for the film, and that definitely isn't him in that scene in the trailer, it does appear that he is in fact in 28 Years Later. He's listed on the film's IMDB page, and a photo of him rumored to have been taken on set recently surfaced on the internet.
Welcome back, Jim.
