The internet went wild for Cillian Murphy as a zombie, but it seems people have bitten off more than they can chew.
When the 28 Years Later trailer dropped on Tuesday, a glimpse of a lookalike zombie sparked fevered speculation that the film would feature an undead Murphy.
Deadline was among those who speculated that Murphy could be set to reprise his 28 Days Later role of Jim, with the character having succumbed to the “Rage Virus.”
Sony Pictures Entertainment did little to quell the internet rumors, which included celebrity culture accounts joking about his look.
Now British art dealer Angus Neill has shuffled forward to claim that he is the undead character in Danny Boyle‘s long-gestating sequel.
Neill told The Guardian newspaper that he was talent spotted by Boyle and features in 28 Years Later as “Emaciated Infected.”
“Danny told me he’d always had me in mind for the role,” Neill said. “So we met up, hit it off, and I agreed to take part. On set he has an extraordinary ability to hypnotise you, and working with him on the film was a very, very intense experience.”
Deadline has contacted Sony Pictures Entertainment for comment.
Murphy’s name is not included on the 28 Years Later promotional posters, though he does serve as an executive producer. Murphy did not feature in the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later.
“Time didn’t heal anything,” is the tagline for the Sony Pictures movie, which premieres on June 20 and serves as the first part of a 28 Years Later trilogy. Franchise newcomers include Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Erin Kellyman, and Jack O’Connell.
Andrew MacDonald and Peter Rice serve as producers alongside Garland and Boyle. 28 Years Later is produced by Columbia Pictures in association with BFI, DNA Films, and Decibel Films.