The release of the 28 Years Later trailer came as a shocker for the fans of the iconic horror franchise. Set to premiere next summer; this third installment builds on the legacy of 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007). With eerie visuals, cryptic clues, and unexpected hints, the trailer has left audiences both thrilled and curious, particularly about a possible appearance by Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim. Could the Oscar-winning actor be making a surprise return to the world of rage virus survivors?
The Intriguing Return of a Horror Classic
After nearly three decades, the 28 Days Later franchise is back, with fans obsessing over a moment in the trailer that seemingly depicts a zombified version of Murphy’s Jim. In the blink-and-you-miss-it shot, a figure resembling Jim lurks ominously behind Jodie Comer's character. Social media erupted with theories, with some fans convinced it’s Murphy reprising his role, while others believe it’s just a clever Easter egg.
Murphy, whose character survived insurmountable odds in the first film, has not been listed in promotional materials for this sequel. However, his role as an executive producer on the project raises eyebrows and hopes for a potential twist.
A Franchise Reborn
The latest film, directed by original creators Alex Garland and Danny Boyle, moves the story 28 years into a grim future. The rage virus still plagues the world, but survivors have taken refuge on a remote island, living under strict quarantine; their precarious peace is shattered when one survivor goes to the mainland and discovers a new kind of horror—mutations that blur the lines between infected and human.
The trailer is a suspenseful masterclass, combining nostalgic callbacks with haunting visuals. It begins with an innocuous yet menacing scene featuring children watching Teletubbies before descending into chaos. The visuals range from smashed church windows to graffiti referencing biblical verses, leaving viewers questioning the deeper meaning behind phrases like “Behold he is coming with the clouds” and “Jimmy.”
Nostalgia Meets New Horror
Fans can rejoice at the return of Boyle and Garland, who have ensured the franchise’s trademark blend of psychological and physical horror remains intact. Featuring a stellar cast that includes Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, the film promises both intense drama and gripping action.
The trailer’s tagline, “Time didn’t heal anything,” aptly captures the essence of this sequel. With its cryptic hints about Jim’s fate, the 28 Years Later trailer has succeeded in ramping up excitement for what could be the most intense chapter in the series yet.
Mark your calendars—28 Years Later is set to release on June 20. Fans will finally get their answers; the film invites audiences to step into a world where survival is uncertain, hope is fragile, and the past refuses to stay buried. Will Cillian Murphy’s Jim make a dramatic return? Fans will have to wait and see
