The long-awaited third film in the 28 Days Later franchise, 28 Years Later, has fans buzzing with questions. Many are eager to know if Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy will reprise his iconic role as Jim.
The film’s trailer, released recently, gives a glimpse of a mysterious figure in the background that looks eerily similar to Murphy’s character from 28 Days Later. Is it really Jim? Fans are divided on this mystery, with some hoping for a return while others remain uncertain.
In this article, we break down the trailer’s key moments and what they might reveal about Cillian Murphy’s potential return to the world of the 28 Days Later series.
28 Years Later – What We Know So Far
The new film, 28 Years Later, picks up nearly three decades after 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). The franchise is known for its gritty take on a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by the “rage virus.”
In the upcoming film, a group of survivors has found refuge on a small island, far away from the chaos. However, when one survivor ventures to the mainland, he uncovers new, terrifying mutations. These mutations have affected both the infected and the surviving humans.
The tagline for the film is ominous: “Time didn’t heal anything.”
The 28 Years Later Trailer – Key Moments and Clues
The trailer for 28 Years Later opens with a strange and unsettling scene. A group of children watches the popular children’s show Teletubbies. What starts as a nostalgic moment quickly turns eerie as chaos erupts.
The trailer continues with fast-paced action and violent scenes. A haunting version of Rudyard Kipling’s war poem Boots plays in the background, adding to the tension. As the action unfolds, we see glimpses of a rural island with religious symbols, including wooden crosses and rosary beads hanging from them.
One of the more intriguing moments in the trailer is a brief shot of a figure that some believe could be a zombified version of Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim. This figure appears in a field behind Jodie Comer’s character, looking much worse for wear.
Fans have been quick to speculate. Could this be Jim, now transformed into one of the infected? Or is it just a red herring?
Could Cillian Murphy Return to 28 Years Later?
Though Murphy’s name is not listed among the main cast members, some fans still hope for his return. Interestingly, Murphy is credited as an executive producer on the film, which only adds fuel to the speculation.
The brief appearance of the mysterious figure in the trailer has sparked widespread debate online. Many believe Murphy’s Jim might be transformed by the virus that ravaged the world in the earlier films. Others point to the religious references and graffiti that seem to hint at his character’s fate. One piece of graffiti, in particular, reads “Behold he is coming with the clouds,” with the name “Jimmy” written beside it. This could be a nod to Murphy’s role, or it could be a coincidence.
Despite these clues, it’s unclear if Murphy will have a significant role in the plot. Fans are also debating whether the shot of the zombified figure is a deliberate tease or a spoiler.
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New Cast Members in 28 Years Later
While Murphy’s future in the franchise remains uncertain, the film stars several high-profile actors. Jodie Comer, best known for her role in Killing Eve, plays a central character. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, from The Fall Guy, and Ralph Fiennes, known for Conclave, also join the cast. The trailer shows these actors battling zombies and navigating the post-apocalyptic world.
The film seems to promise intense action and heart-pounding moments, as we witness these new characters struggle to survive in a mutated world.
The Return of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland
Both Danny Boyle and Alex Garland, the creators behind 28 Days Later, are returning for 28 Years Later. Boyle is directing, while Garland is producing. Their return is a huge deal for fans, as their vision defined the first two films in the series.
In 28 Days Later, Boyle introduced the world to the rage virus, which rapidly turns people into violent, zombie-like creatures. Garland’s screenplay and Boyle’s direction created a raw and gripping story that broke new ground in the zombie genre.
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A Glimpse into the Future
The 28 Years Later trailer has left fans with more questions than answers. Will Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, return in some form? Is the zombified figure in the trailer him? Or is it a new twist in the story?
The mystery surrounding Murphy’s role has only added to the excitement. The film’s release is set for June 20, and fans are counting down the days to find out what happens next in the world of 28 Days Later.
In the meantime, discussions around the trailer continue to grow, with fans eagerly trying to piece together the clues. Whatever happens, 28 Years Later promises to be another thrilling chapter in this iconic franchise.
28 Years Later is shaping up to be an intense and thrilling continuation of the 28 Days Later saga. With a mix of old and new characters, plus the return of the franchise’s key creators, it promises to keep fans on the edge of their seats. Whether or not Cillian Murphy returns as Jim remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: time has not healed the world ravaged by the rage virus.