Danny Boyle backs Jack O’Connell for James Bond, confirms Cillian Murphy’s return in '28 Years Later Part 3'
Filmmaker Danny Boyle confirms Cillian Murphy's return in the 28 Years Later franchise and backs Jack O'Connell for the next James Bond.
Filmmaker Danny Boyle has sent waves of excitement through the film community by confirming that the post-apocalyptic saga will continue. Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival, the director revealed that a third installment in the 28 Years Later franchise is officially in development, and more importantly, Oscar winner Cillian Murphy is set to play a major role.
Cillian Murphy to Return in 28 Years Later Part 3
While a specific release timeline has not yet been locked in, Boyle confirmed that the project is moving forward thanks to a high-quality script penned by Alex Garland. The director teased that the upcoming film will feature a significant presence of Cillian Murphy, the actor who rose to fame in the original 2002 hit 28 Days Later.
Reflecting on Murphy's journey since the original film, Boyle shared fond memories of the actor's striking physique during their earlier collaboration. "He’s gorgeous," Boyle remarked, noting how Murphy's natural appearance surprised him during filming years ago. He added that while Murphy is now an Academy Award winner, his unique presence remains unmatched.
Jack O'Connell for James Bond?
In a surprising turn of conversation, Boyle also weighed in on the eternal debate regarding who should inhabit the legendary role of 007. Having previously walked away from the James Bond franchise due to creative differences during the development of No Time to Die, Boyle expressed regret over the lost opportunity but offered a strong recommendation for the future.
The director threw his full support behind Jack O'Connell, the star of his latest film Ink, for the iconic role. "They should cast Jack O'Connell as Bond," Boyle stated, citing the actor's immense talent and range.
Boyle's praise for O'Connell wasn't limited to Bond. He lauded the actor's performance in Ink—a biographical drama about the launch of The Sun newspaper—and his work in Back to Black, describing his ability to play complex, even "monstrous" characters, as truly incredible.
Reflections on Truth and Media in 'Ink'
Beyond casting news, Boyle used the festival to discuss the thematic depth of his new film, Ink. The movie explores the evolution of media and the shifting relationship between society and the truth. Boyle expressed concern over how modern discourse has moved away from dependable facts toward "brazen assertions and loud stories."
Through the portrayal of historical figures like Rupert Murdoch, Boyle aims to move beyond caricatures to show the more nuanced, human beginnings of powerful media moguls. Despite his critiques of the current information landscape, the filmmaker maintained a sense of optimism, urging audiences to "look for those sprouts of hope" amidst social and political shifts.