Fans stunned as Cillian Murphy returns as zombie in first 28 Years Later trailer

Cillian Murphy appears to be returning in 28 Years Later, but not in the way you'd expect, this time out he's a zombie.

The news was revealed in the new trailer for the upcoming sequel, which is set to star Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer.

The trailer was dropped this morning ahead of its release date in June of 2025.

Here's the trailer:

Danny Boyle returns to direct the film, after handing over the reins for the oft-forgot Jeremy Renner-led 28 Weeks Later to Juan Carlos Fresnadillo.

With Boyle returning and Civil War, Ex Machina, and 28 Days Later writer Alex Garland also coming back, this feels like a true sequel to the 2002 horror classic.

While the trailer is being hailed one of the 'best of the year', the main focus for many was the fact that Cillian Murphy appears to be returning as a zombie.

One comment on r/movies said: "The one second shot of Cillian Murphy is giving me a bone deep sense of terror.

"Seeing the 'hero' end up like that makes it feel more 'real' than a movie should have any right to lol."

What many believe is Murphy returning in the sequel (Sony)

Another said of the trailer: "Absolutely incredible. Sent chills down my spine. Really excited for this.

"Also didn't expect completely emaciated Cillian Murphy either."

One added: "Murphy... Look how they massacred ma boi."

Another on Twitter said: "Hahah, why did they do my man dirty."

While the trailer reveals that things did not exactly go hunky-dory after the ending to 28 Days Later for Cillian Murphy, the focus of the film is on Comer and the favourite to play the next James Bond, Taylor-Johnson.

Unlike the gap from Days to Weeks to Years, the next in the 28 Zombie franchise has already been announced.

Ralph Fiennes is also starring in the film alongside Taylor Johnson and Comer (Sony)

Ralph Fiennes, who also stars in the film, said in an interview that there would be two further sequels.

This was confirmed by Variety, who said there will be a trilogy, with 28 Years Later shot back to back with 28 Years Later II: The Bone Temple.

Discussing returning alongside Director Danny Boyle, Taylor-Johnson said in an interview with GQ: "The energy, the enthusiasm, and the charisma of this filmmaker is infectious.

“He’s childlike, and has this bubbling energy that, oh my god, just reignited the love and passion for acting in me.

"Not that I don’t have it innate in me, but the excitement and the beauty of imagination. I think that movie allows for all of that because it’s got such an incredible set up.”

28 Years Later releases June 20, 2025.