Movie fans have been left stunned by a Hollywood actor’s gruesome zombie transformation in the new 28 Years Later movie.
The nail-biting trailer for the upcoming post-apocalyptic horror film dropped on Tuesday morning, giving fans a glimpse of what’s to come in the horror sequel.
However, viewers were left aghast by one notable unexpected moment when a clip showing a zombie rise up in a field behind Jodie Comer‘s character appeared to be that of the film star’s character.
The sequel film is set to hit cinemas in June 2025 and also stars Jodie, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Erin Kellyman and Jack O’Connell.
It was previously speculated that this actor would be reviving his role in Danny Boyle‘s latest flick, however, it was expected that he’d be returning in human form.
But the new trailer has left fans reeling as the star seemingly made a jaw-dropping comeback in zombie form. But can you guess who it is?
Yes, it’s Cillian Murphy! Or at least fans believe it is!
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, fans were quick to share their shock at the zombified form of what is seemingly Cillian’s character Jim, with the scene indicating the grim fate of the courier following the 28 Weeks Later film.
They penned: ‘Bro, what this mf did to Cillian Murphy’
‘Us seeing Cillian Murphy’; ‘Is….is that Cillian Murphy?’
‘Cillian Murphy has that perfect eerie vibe to pull off an infected’
‘That better not be Cillian Murphy rising out of that field. I didn’t think we’d actually ever get this movie’; ‘that’s not cillian murphy’
‘Oh god finally! Was not expecting Cillian Murphy to come back like that! I’m shook!!!’
Back in January, Cillian, 48, addressed speculation that he’d once again feature in the hit zombie franchise.
Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter , fans were quick to share their shock at the zombified form of what is seemingly Cillian’s character, with the scene indicating the grim fate of Jim following the 28 Weeks Later film
Cillian told The Independent of his plans for involvement: ‘I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys (Boyle and Garland), and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there.’
The original film 28 Days Later starred Cillian as a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to discover the accidental release of a highly contagious, aggression-inducing virus has caused the breakdown of society.
Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns, and Brendan Gleeson appeared in supporting roles.
The film 28 Years Later is the sequel to 2002’s 28 Days Later and 2007’s 28 Weeks Later.
A sequel has already been ordered – 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple – and will be directed by The Marvels’ Nia DaCosta.
Last month, fans were stunned to discover that the 2025 blockbuster was filmed on an iPhone – the biggest movie to ever do so.
While most films use cameras from German manufacturers ARRI Group, director Danny Boyle decided the first ’28’ film in 18 years needed something different.
28 Years Later concluded filming this summer – and principal photography took place with a bunch of adapted iPhone 15s, WIRED reported.
With a budget of $75million, 28 Years Later is the biggest film to be created with an iPhone and follows in the footsteps of a new Apple TV show.
28 Days Later was a genre-defining film as it was the first to portray zombies as lightning fast rather than slow and sluggish.
The films take place 28 days, weeks, and years after the outbreak of a deadly virus in London, which infects everyone and turns them into bloodthirsty killers.
Anthony Dod Mantle will serve as 28 Years Later’s cinematographer – he and Danny won Oscars together in 2009 for their work on Slumdog Millionaire.
Anthony was also cinematographer on 28 Days Later, as well as Danny’s other films 127 Hours (2010), Trance (2013), and T2 Trainspotting (2017).
Principal filming for 28 Years Later wrapped at the end of August, and until now the production has kept under wraps the fact that the movie was shot with smartphones, with the film’s staff being asked to signed NDAs preventing the disclosure of this detail.
