’28 Years Later’ Moves Forward Without Cillian Murphy—But He May Return

Cillian Murphy will not appear in Danny Boyle‘s 28 Years Later, but may appear later in the trilogy. It was previously reported that Murphy’s Jim is in the movie, but the trailer hasn’t shown any scenes of him.

In a recent interview with Empire, producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed that Murphy will not reprise his role as Jim in the first installment of the planned new trilogy. While absent from 28 Years Later, Macdonald said there is hope for Murphy’s return in a future installment, stating, “I’m hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line.”

Although Murphy won’t appear on-screen, he is involved in the project as an executive producer, helping behind the scenes. He might show up in the already-finished sequel, 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple (set to release in 2026), or in the third film, which will happen if 28 Years Later is successful.

Macdonald said, “[On] this, we wanted him [Cillian Murphy] 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,” Macdonald confirmed. Instead, Murphy’s role for now is more behind the scenes. “He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer,” Macdonald added, “and I hope we can work with him in some way in the future of the trilogy.”

The trilogy is led by acclaimed director Nia DaCosta, who might include Murphy’s character, Jim, in future films if the story and audience response support it.

Is Murphy’s appearance being kept hidden from the movie or is it a surprise? During the filming of 28 Years Later in Northumberland, Murphy was spotted on set as an old man. You can see the image below.

Here’s the official synopsis of 28 Years Later from Sony Pictures:

28 Years Later tells a terrifying new story set in the world created by 28 Days Later. It’s been almost three decades since the Rage Virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory—and now, still under a ruthlessly enforced quarantine—some have found ways to exist amidst the infected. One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily defended causeway. When one of the group ventures off the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected—but other survivors as well.

The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson as Jamie, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Erin Kellyman, Alfie Williams, and Edvin Ryding as E. Sundqvist.

The film is produced by Andrew Macdonald, Peter Rice, Bernard Bellew, Danny Boyle, and Alex Garland, with Cillian Murphy serving as the executive producer. It is a production of Columbia Pictures, DNA Films, BFI, and Decibel Films.

28 Years Later will hit theaters on June 20, 2025, distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing.