Cillian Murphy will be part of the upcoming 28 Years Later trilogy (no, not as that zombie from the trailer)! The rumors about Murphy returning have been swirling since the trilogy was first announced, but during the Sony slate at CinemaCon 2025, it was confirmed that he'd be back. The only downside is that we still don't know when he'll return.
DiscussingFilm is in attendance at the convention and providing live updates on the ongoing presentation. They shared a quote regarding Murphy's part in the movies, saying, "You may have to wait a bit to see him though."
That comment makes it sound like Murphy won't be in 28 Years Later, but he could be in the second movie, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which was filmed back-to-back with the previous film and was directed by Nia DaCosta. 28 Days Later writer and director Alex Garland and Danny Boyle returned to helm 28 Years Later, with Garland also writing the script for The Bone Temple.
A new trailer and the first look at Ralph Fiennes
Sony shared an exclusive trailer with CinemaCon attendees, so we don't have it to share. DiscussingFilm described the new footage, adding that it shares similarities to the initial trailer (which broke viewing records upon release).
"We are shown more of the film’s setting, a small English town surrounded by a large barrier and bridge to the mainland, adorned by skulls and graves. We are shown the settlements and the groups of survivors who have grown accustomed to the pandemic life."
Additional footage gives a new look at Aaron Taylor-Johnson's on-screen son, 12-year-old Spike, who has begun training to fight the infected.
DiscussingFilm also shared a new first look at Ralph Fiennes, who plays survivor Dr. Kelson in the upcoming trilogy. We don't know much about him but the photo makes it look like he's been through significant trauma.
Taylor-Johnson plays Jamie, a scavenger married to Jodie Comer's character Isla; they are Spike's parents. Jack O'Connell is also part of the cast, playing a cult leader.
28 Years Later will be released on June 20, 2025, with its sequel set to follow on January 16, 2026.