Introduction

In a jaw-dropping announcement following the release of the trailer for Danny Boyle's much-anticipated zombie sequel, 28 Years Later, fans were quick to speculate about the identity of a gaunt, disturbing figure that seemed to hint at a surprise return of original star Cillian Murphy. The character, dubbed the 'Emaciated Infected,' captivated viewers with its eerie appearance in a tense scene featuring new lead, Jodie Comer.

Fan Reactions

Social media erupted as fans reacted positively to what they believed was Murphy’s unexpected cameo. One enthusiastic fan declared, 'Oh god finally! Was not expecting Cillian Murphy to come back like that! I’m shook!!!' Another chimed in, recognizing Murphy’s unique ability to evoke fear: 'That perfect eerie vibe to pull off an infected!'

The Truth Revealed

However, the rumor mill has been put to rest with new revelations from The Guardian. It turns out that the emaciated zombie is not Cillian Murphy, but rather a newcomer to the film industry, Angus Neill. Neill is not just an actor; he also has a background as an art dealer with a specialization in old masters. His unconventional look caught Boyle’s attention, leading to his casting in this pivotal role. In a recent interview, Neill mentioned, 'Danny told me he’d always had me in mind for the role,' highlighting the serendipitous nature of his casting.

Neill's Experience on Set

Neill, who has reportedly maintained a striking 28-inch waist, shared insights into his intense experience on set, stating, 'On set, he [Boyle] has an extraordinary ability to hypnotize you, making it a very, very intense experience.'

Anticipation for the Sequel

The highly-anticipated sequel will hit theaters in June 2025 and features a star-studded cast including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jack O’Connell, alongside Comer and Neill. While Murphy's presence in the film has not been confirmed, his past comments express a desire to reunite with Boyle and writer Alex Garland, whom he previously collaborated with on the original 28 Days Later and its sequel, 28 Weeks Later. Murphy’s character, Jim, who was a bicycle courier in the first film, remains a beloved figure in zombie cinema, and fans are left wondering if he might yet make a surprise appearance.

Conclusion

Will Cillian Murphy join the undead or is this the end of his journey in the 28 Days Later saga? Only time will tell, and fans can't wait to find out when the film finally screams into theaters!