The emaciated zombie in 28 Years Later is not Cillian Murphy, sources confirm | Films

When the trailer for Danny Boyle’s delayed zombie sequel “28 Years Later” was released on Tuesday, the less than rosy appearance of the first film’s lead actor, Cillian Murphy, did not go unnoticed.

A scene in which a noticeably thin member of the undead suddenly stands up naked behind new star Jodie Comer was seen as confirmation of rumors that Murphy had returned to appear in the new film.

The reaction to I didn’t expect Cillian Murphy to come back like this! I’m shocked!!!”

Murphy, 48, lost significant weight for his role as J Robert Oppenheimer, but his cheekbones were a trademark long before that Oscar-winning performance.

However, the Guardian can reveal that the actor who plays Emaciated Infected in the film, which is due to be released in June 2025, is not Murphy, but newcomer Angus Neill.

Neill, an art dealer specializing in Old Masters, was discovered by Boyle, who was very impressed by his distinctive appearance. Neill also works as a model, his professional profile suggests that he has a 28 inch waist.

“Danny told me he always had me in mind for the role,” said Neill. “So we met, hit it off and I agreed to take part.

“He has an extraordinary ability to hypnotize you on set and working with him on the film was a very, very intense experience.”

The Guardian has contacted Sony Pictures, which is distributing the film, for comment.

In the original 2002 film “28 Days Later,” Murphy played a bike messenger who awakens from a coma to find that a highly contagious virus has caused the collapse of society and a land roamed by zombies and desperate survivors.

His character survived that film, but did not appear in the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later. However, the actor has repeatedly expressed his desire to appear in a third film. Speaking to the Independent in January, Murphy said:

“I would be there immediately. I did two films with these two guys (Boyle and writer Alex Garland) and would love to work with them again. Of course I’m here.”

In addition to Comer and Neill, the new film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell. Murphy may also be featured.