More than two decades after 28 Days Later shocked audiences and redefined the zombie genre, fans eagerly await the next chapter in the series: 28 Years Later. Slated for release on June 20, 2025, the highly anticipated sequel brings exciting new faces and the return of the franchise’s original creative minds. But the biggest question on everyone’s mind is: Will Cillian Murphy return? Here’s everything we know so far.
Big Ambitions for the Franchise
Producer Andrew Macdonald revealed during the Edinburgh International Film Festival in August 2024 that the upcoming movie is just the beginning of an ambitious trilogy. "We’re making, hopefully, three more 28 films with the first one called 28 Years Later," Macdonald said, according to THR.
New Faces Take Center Stage
Joining the 28 Days Later universe are Jodie Comer (Killing Eve), Ralph Fiennes (The Grand Budapest Hotel) and Aaron Taylor-Johnson (Bullet Train). While their roles are still under wraps, their star power adds intrigue to the evolving narrative.
What We Know About the Plot
Set nearly three decades after the Rage virus first escaped from a biological weapons lab and decimated society, 28 Years Later follows a group of survivors living on a heavily fortified island in Britain. The story takes a dangerous turn when one man ventures into the unprotected mainland. There, he uncovers horrifying secrets, mutated infected, and even survivors who have transformed in unexpected ways. The film’s chilling tagline warns: 'Time didn’t heal anything.'
Additionally, one of the film’s stars, Ralph Fiennes, offered insight into another storyline. In an October 2024 interview with IndieWire, Fiennes revealed that the movie also follows a young boy trying to find a doctor to save his dying mother. "He leads his mother through this beautiful northern English terrain," Fiennes said.
Will Cillian Murphy Reprise His Role?
The 2003 film featured Cillian Murphy as Jim, a bike courier who wakes up from a coma after the outbreak begins. While Murphy did not appear in 28 Weeks Later and isn’t in 28 Years Later, some fans speculated they spotted him as a zombie in the trailer. However, producer Andrew Macdonald clarified to Empire that Murphy is not in the new film. "He’s not in this one, but I’m hopeful Jim could return later in the trilogy" he said.
Macdonald also revealed that Murphy is currently on board as an executive producer, leaving the door open for future collaboration.
Why It’s Worth the Wait
Danny Boyle has teased that the story will feel “incredibly relevant,” suggesting that the film will tackle timely issues alongside its signature thrills. The 28 Days Later films have always been more than just horror—they’ve been a mirror to humanity’s resilience and flaws.
Whether Cillian Murphy reprises his role or not, 28 Years Later promises to be a bold and gripping continuation of one of the most influential zombie franchises. Mark your calendars for June 20, 2025, and prepare for another intense ride through a world forever altered by the Rage virus.
