Last month we were happy to report that there had been a good swell of momentum in a new sequel to the 2002 zombie film, “28 Days Later.” Announced as a trilogy, beginning with “28 Years Later,” some big names are already involved. (Specifically Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes.) While that line-up is certainly nothing to sneeze at, it did leave the question open regarding the original film’s star, Oscar winner Cillian Murphy.
After all, it was really his first starring role in a major film, would this new series bring him back? We’ve got our answer now.
Chairman of Sony Motion Pictures Group Tom Rothman recently he sat down for an interview regarding the centennial anniversary of Columbia Pictures. Sony acquired the historic studio in 1989 after it was effectively sold to them by Coca-Cola. Yeah, that’s right, Coca-Cola. (Look, Columbia had a wild ride in the ’80s but that’s a different story for a different day). With the dissolution of Fox Searchlight (into simply Searchlight after Disney purchased Fox), Sony ultimately found its way to acquiring the rights to create new movies in the series.
Rothman notes that he’s happy to be working with Danny Boyle again, as the director will be returning to direct the first film in the new trilogy. (Original series writer Alex Garland will be returning as well). The question most everyone has is whether Murphy, fresh off his Oscar win for Best Actor in “Oppenheimer,“ would be returning. The answer, according to Rothman, is yes.
The context for Cillian’s return is mysterious. The exact answer to the question was, “Yes, but in a surprising way and in a way that grows, let me put it that way.” You can start your speculating from there. Is Murphy going to be in all the movies? Has he taken a villainous turn? Is there going to more full frontal nudity like the first go around? You know, the important questions.
“28 Years Later” is slated for release on June 20th, 2025. It will be shot back to back with its sequel, which will be directed by Nia DaCosta (“Candyman,” “The Marvels“). We look forward to bringing you more news about the projects as they develop.
