Written by Shehnaz Shaikh
December 11, 2024
The trailer for the highly anticipated 28 Years Later has finally dropped, sending fans of the franchise into a frenzy. The follow-up to the iconic horror films 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007) is set to release next summer, and viewers are already buzzing about the potential return of Cillian Murphy, the Oscar-winning star of Oppenheimer.
A Zombie Jim? Fan Theories Explode After 28 Years Later Trailer
The trailer for 28 Years Later has sparked a whirlwind of speculation, with the most intriguing theory suggesting that Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, might return—but not as the survivor fans remember. Instead, could Jim have succumbed to the rage virus and become one of the infected?
Why Fans Believe Jim Could Be a Zombie:
- Shadowy Glimpses in the Trailer: Fans have pointed out eerie shots of an infected figure that bears a
- Danny Boyle’s Love for Twists: Director Danny Boyle is known for subverting expectations. Bringing Jim back as a tragic infected character could be the emotional punch fans—and the story—crave.
- Jim’s Role in the Story: If Jim returns as a zombie, it could symbolize the futility of fighting against the virus, showing how even the strongest survivors aren’t immune to its grasp.
Counter-Theory: Jim as the Savior
Others speculate Jim could return as a hardened leader of the resistance, drawing on his experiences from 28 Days Later to fight back against the evolved rage virus. The lack of confirmation on Murphy’s role in the trailer has only added fuel to both theories.
A Clue in the Narration?
The cryptic narration about someone who “knows the darkness inside” has been linked to Jim’s traumatic experiences in the original film. Whether this line hints at his descent into infection or his rise as a hero remains to be seen.
The Plot of 28 Years Later
Set nearly three decades after the first film, the story unfolds in a world still reeling from the rage virus outbreak. A group of survivors has found refuge on a small, quarantined island.
The peace is disrupted when one member ventures to the mainland, uncovering horrifying mutations among both the infected and survivors.
Tagline: “Time didn’t heal anything.”
The Trailer Breakdown
Opening Scene
The trailer begins with children watching Teletubbies on an old TV, the cheerful theme song underscoring an eerie tension.
Action Highlights
- Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes are seen battling zombies in intense fight sequences.
- A mummified figure lurches through a field of yellow flowers—possibly Murphy’s zombified Jim.
- A chilling pile of skulls appears in a clearing.
Intriguing Details
- A church’s windows shatter as Kipling’s Boots is ominously recited in the background.
- Graffiti quoting the Bible’s Book of Revelation reads: “Behold he is coming with the clouds”, alongside the word “Jimmy”, hinting at Jim’s potential return.
The Cast and Crew
The film stars:
- Jodie Comer (Killing Eve)
- Aaron Taylor-Johnson (The Fall Guy)
- Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)
The original creators, Alex Garland and Danny Boyle, return as writers and producers, ensuring continuity in the franchise’s gritty tone and storytelling.
Fan Reactions
Social media erupted with theories about Murphy’s potential cameo.
- “Method acting that would even shame Christian Bale,” quipped one user.
- Others expressed disappointment, calling the brief zombie shot a potential spoiler.
Release Date
Mark your calendars! 28 Years Later will hit theaters on June 20, 2025.
FAQs
1. Is Cillian Murphy returning to 28 Years Later?
While his name is absent from the cast list, fans believe they spotted a zombified version of Jim in the trailer.
2. What is the storyline of 28 Years Later?
The film follows survivors on a quarantined island who face new horrors after venturing to the mainland.
3. Who is directing the film?
Original creators Alex Garland and Danny Boyle return as producers, with Garland penning the script.
Final Thoughts
The trailer for 28 Years Later offers a thrilling glimpse into a world where the rage virus has evolved and humanity’s survival hangs by a thread. Whether or not Cillian Murphy reprises his role, the film promises to be a chilling addition to the franchise.
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