Cillian Murphy has been making waves in the entertainment industry, recently trending across search engines and social media platforms. This surge in interest is driven by a combination of his continuing success in Hollywood, his iconic performances in projects like Peaky Blinders, and the buzz surrounding his involvement in the much-anticipated film 28 Years Later. The latter is the upcoming sequel to Danny Boyle’s critically acclaimed zombie series, which has been generating substantial attention for its innovative production techniques and Murphy's potential return to the franchise.
Why Cillian Murphy is Trending
Cillian Murphy has long been admired for his versatility and intense on-screen presence, but his current spike in popularity can be attributed to renewed interest in his past projects and speculation about his involvement in 28 Years Later. Fans of the 28 Days Later series, where Murphy first rose to international fame, are eager to see if the Irish actor will reprise his role as Jim in the upcoming sequel. Although no official announcements have been made about his return to the franchise, Murphy's name has been consistently linked to the project in fan discussions and media speculation.
Murphy’s portrayal of complex characters, whether as the troubled Tommy Shelby in Peaky Blinders or as the troubled survivor in 28 Days Later, has cemented his status as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actors. His ability to bring depth and nuance to every role has made him a favorite among both fans and directors, which explains why he's a central figure in the ongoing dialogue about 28 Years Later.
The Legacy of the '28 Days Later' Franchise
The original 28 Days Later, released in 2002, was a groundbreaking film that revitalized the zombie genre. Directed by Danny Boyle, the movie followed Jim (played by Cillian Murphy), a Londoner who wakes up from a coma to find himself in a city ravaged by a viral outbreak. The film was lauded for its gritty realism, innovative cinematography, and intense performances—particularly by Murphy. Its success led to the release of 28 Weeks Later in 2007, but Murphy did not reprise his role in the sequel.
Fast forward to today, and the franchise is set to expand with 28 Years Later, helmed once again by Danny Boyle. The new film is generating excitement not only for its storyline and potential cast but also for the cutting-edge techniques used during its production.
Danny Boyle’s Groundbreaking Approach: Filming with iPhones
One of the most talked-about aspects of 28 Years Later is Danny Boyle’s decision to shoot the entire movie using an iPhone 15 Pro Max. This has stirred the film industry and fans alike, as the production marks the largest blockbuster to be filmed on a smartphone. With a reported budget of $75 million, it’s extraordinary that such a high-profile movie was captured using a device typically associated with casual photography and videography.
In a detailed report by Wired, Boyle explained that using the iPhone allowed for more dynamic and intimate shots, which complemented the film's intense, fast-paced narrative. The decision is being hailed as revolutionary, potentially setting a precedent for future big-budget films embracing smartphone technology.
Similarly, Bloody Disgusting noted that production wrapped earlier this summer, and Boyle emphasized the creative freedom that came with using such a portable and advanced piece of technology. The iPhone 15 Pro Max’s advanced camera system, including its ability to shoot in ProRes format, allowed the team to capture high-quality footage typically associated with professional cinema cameras.
Yahoo's report further highlighted the impact of this choice, noting that the film’s $75 million budget makes it the most expensive blockbuster ever shot on a smartphone. While the iPhone has been used in smaller indie productions before, 28 Years Later represents a significant leap forward in the use of this technology in mainstream filmmaking.
Cillian Murphy’s Potential Role in '28 Years Later'
While the production details of 28 Years Later are captivating, much of the buzz surrounding the film is centered on whether Cillian Murphy will return to the franchise. Murphy's character, Jim, became an iconic figure in zombie cinema, and fans have long hoped for his return to the series. Although there has been no official word from Murphy or the studio, the actor's growing popularity and the strong fan demand make his potential involvement a hot topic.
Given Murphy’s strong relationship with Danny Boyle—having worked with the director on both 28 Days Later and Sunshine—it wouldn’t be surprising if the actor were to make a cameo or even take on a central role in the upcoming film. However, until there’s an official announcement, fans will have to wait and see.
Conclusion
Cillian Murphy's name is trending for good reason. As one of the most talented actors of his generation, his continued success in Hollywood has people talking. The renewed interest in the 28 Days Later franchise, particularly the buzz surrounding 28 Years Later, has only amplified the excitement. Danny Boyle’s innovative decision to shoot the film using an iPhone 15 Pro Max has also added a layer of intrigue to the project, making it one of the most anticipated releases in the coming year.
Whether or not Murphy reprises his role in 28 Years Later, the actor remains at the forefront of discussions in both film and television. His past work, coupled with his potential future projects, ensures that his star will continue to rise.