In a world riddled with surprises, few things capture attention quicker than the glimpse of a familiar face. This very notion stirred fans when the trailer for “28 Years Later” made its debut, hinting at the unexpected.
The trailer for “28 Years Later,” released by Sony Pictures, opens with a haunting scene. Children are seen watching “Teletubbies” on TV when chaos erupts as a woman urgently enters, leaving another child with them while imploring silence. As the eerie tranquility is shattered, blood splatters across the TV, amplifying the sense of doom. The narrative then shifts to a secluded island community post-apocalypse. Here, survivors have carved out roles among themselves, such as manning the watchtower, while cloaked mysteries hint at darker secrets yet to be unveiled. The foreboding tagline, “What will humanity become?”, lingers ominously.
However, it was a particular moment in the trailer that truly captivated audiences. In a fleeting shot, an emaciated zombie appears, sparking speculation among fans who believe it closely resembles Cillian Murphy. Although his presence in this role remains unconfirmed, Sony’s evasiveness only fuels curiosity. Despite this, Tom Rothman of Sony Motion Pictures Group mentioned that Murphy would return “in a surprising way and in a way that grows.” This statement adds further intrigue, suggesting “28 Years Later” might not follow the conventional sequel route.
Surprisingly, Murphy did not reprise his role in “28 Weeks Later,” which introduced a new set of characters. As an executive producer for “28 Years Later,” his involvement goes beyond acting, implying a deeper creative influence.
The anticipated movie stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes. Notably absent from the official cast list is Murphy, further stoking the flames of mystery regarding his potential zombie role. The infectious “rage virus” distinguishes the franchise from traditional zombie films, featuring aggressive infected individuals who starkly contrast the shambling undead of yore.
The storyline unfolds thirty years post-virus outbreak, where humanity remains in quarantine while some brave souls adapt to the blighted world. Survivors on a well-guarded island venture across a dangerous causeway to the mainland, encountering untold wonders and horror. Their journey is a search for secrets that have morphed not only the infected but their fellow survivors as well.
With “28 Years Later” poised for release on June 20, anticipation mounts. The creative reunion of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland promises a riveting continuation of the saga. Only time will unravel whether Cillian Murphy indeed returns as an undead figure, or if his role is of a different, unexpected nature.
