Sony Drops Explosive Details on 28 Years Later Trilogy – Including Cillian Murphy’s Mysterious Return!

The long-awaited 28 Years Later trilogy is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated film events of the decade, with Cillian Murphy confirmed to reprise his role in the upcoming films. The announcement was made during Sony’s slate presentation at CinemaCon 2025, solidifying the actor’s return to the post-apocalyptic world he helped define in 28 Days Later.

Rumors about Murphy’s involvement in the trilogy had circulated ever since its initial announcement, but now the return is official, though with some ambiguity regarding when fans will see him back on screen. During the presentation, a representative from the studio hinted that while Murphy will be part of the trilogy, audiences might have to wait a bit to see him. This suggests that his character could potentially appear in the second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which was filmed back-to-back with the first movie and directed by Nia DaCosta.

The first film, 28 Years Later, sees the return of 28 Days Later director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who also penned the script for The Bone Temple. The two filmmakers are set to continue the franchise’s legacy of intense survival horror, with Garland’s script promising an evolution of the story’s harrowing tone. While details about Murphy’s role remain under wraps, it’s clear that his involvement will be central to the story’s development.

In terms of visuals, Sony treated CinemaCon attendees to an exclusive trailer, though it has yet to be shared with the public. According to DiscussingFilm, the footage offers more glimpses of the film’s setting, which features a small English town surrounded by a massive barrier and bridge to the mainland, adorned with skulls and graves. These haunting images suggest that the survivors have formed tight-knit communities, growing accustomed to a life dominated by the pandemic.

The trailer also introduces Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s character, Jamie, a scavenger who is married to Jodie Comer’s Isla. Together, they raise their 12-year-old son, Spike (played by a young actor), who has begun training to fight the infected—a key plot point that hints at the evolution of the next generation in the aftermath of the pandemic.

In addition, DiscussingFilm offered a first look at Ralph Fiennes in the trilogy, playing Dr. Kelson, a survivor who has clearly experienced significant trauma. Fiennes’ role is still shrouded in mystery, but the photo shared during the presentation suggests that his character will have a profound impact on the unfolding story.

The cast also includes Jack O’Connell, who will portray a cult leader, adding another layer of complexity to the post-apocalyptic world where survival is no longer just about the infected. The blend of new characters and returning faces promises a multi-faceted narrative that will keep fans on the edge of their seats.

28 Years Later is scheduled to be released on June 20, 2025, with its sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set to hit theaters on January 16, 2026. As the trilogy continues to unfold, the anticipation is building, with fans eager to see how Murphy’s return will shape the future of the franchise and whether the second film will live up to the legacy of its predecessors.