Cillian Murphy won't appear in 28 Years Later but may return in future sequels. Released in 2002, 28 Days Later starred Murphy as a British bicycle courier named Jim who awakens from a coma to find London ravaged by the Rage virus. The character didn't appear in the sequel, 28 Weeks Later, though it was widely reported that Murphy was returning in the sequel, 28 Years Later, with original writer Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle back on board. Fans also thought they spotted a zombified Murphy in the 28 Years Later trailer, though that was later debunked.

Now, Murphy apparently isn't appearing in 28 Years Later at all. In a new interview with Empire, producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed that Cillian Murphy doesn't actually appear in 28 Years Later, though he may return for future sequels, including 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, which has already finished filming and is set for release in 2026. However, Murphy is officially involved as an executive producer. Read Macdonald's full comments below:

[On] this, we wanted him 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. He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.

What Cillian Murphy's Absence Means For 28 Years Later

The Franchise Has New Lead Characters

Though Cillian Murphy's reported involvement early on suggested that Jim would return as the lead character in 28 Years Later, producer Andrew Macdonald's comments have seemingly squashed all hopes of that. Instead, the franchise will introduce new lead characters in Jamie (Aaron Taylor Johnson) and Isla (Jodie Comer), who have a 12-year-old son named Spike (Alfie Williams). 28 Years Later's cast also includes Oscar nominee Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Geoffrey Newland, Joe Blakemore, Erin Kellyman, and Edvin Ryding.

In 28 Years Later, Jamie, Isla, and Spike are part of a close-knit island community. Eventually, Spike embarks on a coming-of-age journey beyond the safety of the island to confront the harsh realities of the world. However, his trip quickly veers off course. 28 Years Later is just the beginning of their story, which will unfold across an entire trilogy, continuing with The Bone Temple and concluding with a third installment, directed by Boyle, which won't enter production until audiences react to the first film.

Our Take On Cillian Murphy's Absence In 28 Years Later

Is Producer Andrew Macdonald Attempting To Conceal His Involvement?

Since it was widely reported that Cillian Murphy was returning in 28 Years Later, it's possible that producer Andrew Macdonald's comments are an attempt to conceal the actor's involvement until the film's release, similar to Tobey Maguire and Andrew Garfield in Spider-Man: No Way Home. In September 2024, Murphy was seemingly spotted in Ennerdale, Cumbria filming for 28 Years Later or The Bone Temple, meaning that Macdonald could simply be trying to conceal the actor's involvement. It could end up working since now, following his comments, Murphy turning up in either film will certainly be a surprise.

28 Years Later releases on June 20, followed by The Bone Temple on January 16, 2026.

Source: Empire