With the memory of the film released in 2002 still vivid, the long-awaited sequel “28 Years Later” marks the return of a horror franchise that has terrified generations of fans, thanks to the inspired post-apocalyptic setting - with references to the films of George A. Romero - and the hordes of infected capable of frightening even the most fearless viewer. After the second chapter “28 Weeks Later”, released in 2007, the new film sees the return to directing of Danny Boyle, a historic filmmaker also known for the transgressive “Trainspotting”. Alongside him, an exceptional cast that includes Ralph Finnes and Aaron Taylor-Jonson, in an attempt to equal the prestige of the first, unforgettable cult.

Coming out in theaters on June 18, “28 Years Later” also benefits from the contribution to the screenplay by Alex Garland, appreciated last year as director of the controversial “Civil War”. In this third chapter we will follow the events of a group of refugees forced into a brutal quarantine on an island, exactly twenty-eight years after the catastrophe unleashed in the first film, when the rabies virus, escaped from a biological weapons laboratory, had generated a large-scale epidemic. With the mainland at the borders, one of the survivors decides to venture beyond the protected zone, bringing to light secrets and truths that he never could have imagined.

In addition to the curiosity for what this highly anticipated sequel will bring, many fans are wondering what happened to Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris, unforgettable interpreters of Jim and Selena in the first chapter. However, during a special event held in New York earlier this month, Boyle remained very secretive about the two characters, despite some clues leaked from the set and Murphy's involvement as a producer.

Asked directly about the subject, immediately after the preview screening of the first 28 minutes of the film, Boyle responded bluntly: "We don't know what happened to them. I can't tell you." Then, quickly changing the subject, he reassured the audience of the strength of the new protagonists, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) and Isla (Jodie Comer), declaring that they will be "more than worthy replacements."

The rumors about a Murphy cameo, however, have never died down, despite the official denial by producer Andrew Macdonald and the speculations that arose after the release of the trailer, which would contain shots considered suspicious. However, it didn't take long to get some more clarification from Boyle. Interviewed by IGN, the director reiterated that the actor will not appear in the film, but also leaked something else: «He's in the second film. I shouldn't reveal too much. I'll be killed». It therefore seems confirmed that the Oscar-winning actor will return in the next "The Bone Temple" title scheduled for 2026, which will once again see the collaboration between Boyle and Garland. The director also hinted that Murphy's involvement will follow a precise narrative direction, and that patience will still be needed to see him return to the scene: «All I can say is that you'll have to wait for Cillian, but I hope he will help us get the third film financed».

Finally, speaking about the franchise’s ambitions for the future, Boyle added: “Even though each story is self-contained, there’s also a section that’s designed as a handover to the next film. So it’s really ambitious. We haven’t got the money for the third film yet. It depends on how the first one does, I guess. But hopefully, if we do well, they’ll give us the green light to get the money and do the third. Everyone’s there to support it, really, including Cillian.”

Confirming that Murphy will return to an active role, the director finally revealed a curious backstory: the promise of the actor's involvement was crucial to obtaining the green light to shoot "28 Years Later" with iPhones: "You promise that Cillian Murphy will be there and that diverts attention from any technical concerns. They forget about it quickly. We used it openly to get what we wanted. What better promise could we have made?"

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