Struggling Actor, Now 28, Gives Insight After Years of Zombie Role Allegations Involving Cillian Murphy
Struggling Actor, Now 28, Gives Insight After Years of Zombie Role Allegations Involving Cillian Murphy
This week, horror enthusiasts were treated to the initial teaser for an anticipated addition to the genre: 28 Years Later, the highly anticipated sequel in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland's zombie series. The trailer showcases a world still grappling with post-apocalyptic chaos decades after the dead started roaming, and it’s as chilling as expected. A brief moment in the trailer sparked discussions: was that 28 Days Later star and recent Oscar laureate, Cillian Murphy, reprising his role as Jim… in a near-skeletal form?
However, as it turns out, it’s not Murphy career-wise, as he's executive-producing the film but his on-screen appearance hasn't been confirmed (though the film's cast is impressive without him: Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, and Ralph Fiennes). According to The Guardian, the zombie in question is Angus Neill—and they managed to track him down for details.
It appears Neill caught Boyle's eye theoretically due to his unique features. His naturally gaunt appearance isn't far off from what Murphy showcases if one considers his sharp cheekbones, making it plausible for Boyle to envision Neill as a zombie. Prosthetics and special makeup effects undoubtedly contribute to the final look, but Neill serves as a perfect vessel for an expressive ghoul. The production team behind 28 Years Later has yet to comment on Neill's role.
When chatting with The Guardian, Neill elaborated, “Danny had always had me in mind for the role. We met up, got along great, and I agreed to take part ... On set, he possesses a mesmerizing ability to captivate you, and working with him was an incredibly intense experience.”
Below you'll find the film's official synopsis: “Almost three decades have passed since the rage virus broke free from a biological weapons facility, maintaining a strict and merciless quarantine in its wake. Living amidst the infected, a group of survivors call a small island their home, connected to the mainland via a heavily guarded causeway. One individual embarks on a mission towards the mainland's heart, unearthing secrets, discoveries, and horrors that have mutated not just the infected but other survivors as well.”
It's still possible that Murphy's Jim may find his way into 28 Years Later, blending seamlessly into the story, serving as a touching link to the series' opening chapter. Released in 2002, the film propelled Murphy into stardom. Although 28 Years Later is set to be the beginning of a new trilogy, there's ample time for the future to unfold, revealing whatever Jim has been up to since our last encounter with him.
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The upcoming zombie sequel, 28 Years Later, is generating excitement on IO9, a platform known for its coverage of technology, movies, and futuristic concepts. Cillian Murphy, a renowned actor who previously starred in 28 Days Later, has been rumored to reprise his role in the sequel, sparking intrigue among fans.