Cillian Murphy, known for his roles in movies like “Inception” and “Peaky Blinders,” shared surprising insights about his experience with the 2002 hit film “28 Days Later.” In a recent conversation, Murphy revealed that he didn’t realize the movie was a zombie flick when he first signed up for it.

During a chat at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Conversations program, Murphy expressed his initial ignorance about the film’s genre. “I wasn’t too aware we were making a zombie movie, to be honest with you,” he confessed. The actor mentioned that he hadn’t watched any of the classic zombie films by George A. Romero, which might have given him a clue.

Interestingly, Cillian Murphy attributed his lack of awareness to the timing of the film’s production. He explained, “It was right around the time SARS happened and there was all this ‘air rage’ stuff going on. So I never felt it was a zombie film.” Instead, he viewed it as more of a societal breakdown scenario.

The actor also highlighted the uniqueness of “28 Days Later” in reviving the zombie genre. “Before ’28 Days Later,’ there weren’t that many zombie movies — it was kind of a dead genre,” he quipped, drawing laughs from the audience.

Moreover, Cillian Murphy credited writer Alex Garland for shaping the film’s narrative around a pandemic theme, which became especially relevant during the COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned receiving numerous memes referencing the film during the global health crisis, emphasizing the prescience of good writing.

Reflecting on his audition process for the role, Murphy recalled his admiration for director Danny Boyle’s previous works like “Shallow Grave” and “Trainspotting.” He eagerly pursued the opportunity, auditioning multiple times before landing the part.

Regarding the possibility of a sequel, Murphy expressed his availability for reprising his role as Jim. With talks of a follow-up gaining traction, he humorously offered, “I’m available.”

Interestingly, Murphy also shared anecdotes about working with Brendan Gleeson and shooting alternate endings for the film. Despite his personal preference for a darker ending, he acknowledged the importance of hope in the chosen conclusion.

The conversation, recorded in December, proved timely with the recent announcement of a sequel being greenlit, featuring Boyle and Garland’s return. Murphy’s involvement as an executive producer adds to the anticipation surrounding the project.

In addition to discussing his film career, Cillian Murphy touched on various topics, including his admiration for directors and his journey into perfecting accents. He highlighted how “28 Days Later” played a pivotal role in his collaboration with acclaimed director Christopher Nolan.

Overall, Murphy’s revelations offer fans a fresh perspective on a beloved film and fuel excitement for its upcoming sequel.

This article provides a glimpse into Cillian Murphy’s surprising revelations about “28 Days Later” and his readiness for a sequel, shedding light on the actor’s perspective and the film’s enduring legacy.