Cillian Murphy out as Jim, but 28 years later trilogy remains in the works
The mystery surrounding Cillian Murphy’s involvement in 28 Years Later has been cleared up.

Although the actor is part of the new trilogy of sequels to 28 Days Later, he won’t be reprising his iconic role as Jim in the first installment.
Andrew Macdonald, the producer of 28 Years Later, confirmed in a recent interview with Empire that while Murphy is not returning as the main character, he is involved as an executive producer. Macdonald hopes Murphy will have a role in the trilogy down the line, but not in the first film.
When the first trailer for 28 Years Later dropped in December, fans speculated that Murphy might appear as a zombie, due to a character's resemblance to the Oppenheimer star. However, it was later revealed that the zombie in question was played by extra Angus Neill, not Murphy.
In 28 Days Later, Murphy’s character, Jim, was a bike courier who woke up in a hospital to find the world ravaged by the "Rage Virus," turning people into violent, uncontrollable monsters. 28 Years Later picks up nearly three decades later, and while Murphy’s character isn’t involved, the film explores a new story set in Lindisfarne, a remote island off England's northeast coast. The island's isolated community is at the heart of the new plot, which follows Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Isla (Jodie Comer), two parents raising their son, Spike (Alfie Williams). As Spike comes of age, he embarks on a journey beyond Lindisfarne to see the devastated world firsthand.
In addition to this plot, 28 Years Later introduces new challenges as the virus and its effects continue to haunt survivors. Ralph Fiennes, who plays a doctor in the film, has previously revealed more about the storyline. His character plays a key role when a young boy, seeking medical help for his dying mother, encounters a doctor who, despite initial impressions, proves to be a force for good amidst the chaos.
The highly anticipated 28 Years Later will hit theaters on June 20. Following that, the next sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, is slated for release on January 16, 2026.