Cillian Murphy's Epic Dodge: His Hilarious Take on the '28 Years Later' Buzz

The cinematic world is abuzz, and at its heart stands Cillian Murphy, fresh from his triumphant Oscar win for Oppenheimer. While the glow of his recent accolades still shines bright, another persistent whisper has grown into a roar: could he be returning to the chilling, post-apocalyptic landscape of the 28 Days Later universe? The mere thought of Murphy reprising his iconic role as Jim in the highly anticipated sequel, tentatively dubbed 28 Years Later, has sent shockwaves of excitement through the horror genre and beyond.

When pressed on the matter, the famously private actor delivered a response that was nothing short of brilliant – a masterclass in playful deflection that left interviewers and fans alike roaring with laughter.

Appearing on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, Murphy addressed the elephant in the room with a twinkle in his eye and his characteristic dry wit. It's a testament to his charm that even when sidestepping a major scoop, he manages to be utterly captivating.

"I still haven't had the phone call!" Murphy quipped, adding a touch of theatrical exasperation.

"I'm waiting for the phone call. I mean, I'm a bit old, you know?" He playfully highlighted the considerable time that has passed since the original 2002 film, a gap that surely contributes to the "28 Years Later" speculation. His self-deprecating humor resonated deeply, acknowledging the passage of time but never dismissing the enduring power of the franchise.

Despite the playful evasion, Murphy's genuine affection for 28 Days Later shone through.

He spoke with warmth and respect about the original film, acknowledging its monumental impact on the genre and his own career. "It's a very important film for me," he affirmed, giving due credit to director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, who are indeed confirmed to be reuniting for the new installment.

His words underscore not just the film's significance but also the strong creative bond that birthed it.

The sequel's development is well underway, with Boyle set to direct and Garland penning the script, promising a return to the gritty, visceral horror that captivated audiences decades ago. While Murphy's role remains officially unconfirmed – and his recent comments do little to clarify – his playful non-denial has only fueled the fervent hopes of fans.

The possibility of Jim's return, older and perhaps wiser, to face a new generation of infected, is a tantalizing prospect that continues to dominate discussions among horror enthusiasts.

So, while Cillian Murphy remains tight-lipped and thoroughly amusing about his potential involvement, the excitement surrounding 28 Years Later only intensifies.

Whether he's ultimately part of the terrifying saga or simply cheering from the sidelines, his iconic performance in the original film ensures his place in its legacy. For now, we, like Murphy, will eagerly await that fabled phone call, hoping to see Jim's fierce gaze once more.