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The emaciated infected figure in 28 Years Later was played by Angus Neill, not Cillian Murphy. The first trailer prompted viewers to mistake the gaunt figure for Murphy, who starred in 28 Days Later. Murphy later joked about the resemblance, but his comment was a reaction to the rumor—not confirmation that he appeared in the film.
Who played the emaciated infected character?
Angus Neill played the character identified as “Emaciated Infected” in 28 Years Later. The Guardian named Neill in its report on the casting, published on 11 December 2024 and updated on 20 June 2025. Neill is an art dealer specializing in old masters who also works as a model. According to the Guardian, director Danny Boyle noticed Neill’s distinctive appearance.
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28 Years Later - Blu-ray + Digital | $18.89 | Buy on Amazon |
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28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - Blu-ray + Digital | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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28 Years Later - 4K + Blu-ray + Digital | $22.00 | Buy on Amazon |
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28 Years Later - 4K + Blu-ray + Digital | $38.49 | Buy on Amazon |
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![28 Weeks Later [Blu-Ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ph8zkJRmL._SL160_.jpg)
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Neill said Boyle had considered him for the role from the outset: “Danny told me he’d always had me in mind for the role.” He recalled that they met, got along, and he agreed to take part. Neill also described the shoot as intense, saying Boyle had “an extraordinary ability to hypnotise you.” The Guardian’s report on Angus Neill and the role attributes those comments to him.
Why did viewers think it was Cillian Murphy?
The speculation started after the first trailer showed the strikingly thin infected character behind Jodie Comer. Because Murphy starred in the original 28 Days Later, some viewers connected the unfamiliar figure to him. The resemblance fueled the guess, but the character’s reported performer was Neill. The Guardian identifies the figure as “Emaciated Infected” and names Neill; the trailer-based speculation is also described in The Independent’s coverage of the trailer reaction.
#1 Best Overall
- Decades after the rage virus outbreak, survivors live in isolation. When one leaves his ruthlessly quarantined island sanctuary, he uncovers haunting secrets and mutations in both the infected and the remaining humans. From director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland comes a bold return to the world of 28 Days Later.
What did Cillian Murphy say about the rumor?
Murphy addressed the resemblance later, in an Observer interview published on 6 September 2025. He said his son had shown him the character people thought looked like him. Murphy’s response was: “That’s great people think I look like a zombie cadaver. It’s very flattering.” The joke acknowledged the comparison; it did not mean Murphy played the infected character or confirm an appearance in 28 Years Later. Read the Observer interview with Murphy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Where does 28 Years Later fit in the series?
28 Years Later is a 2025 horror film set in the world of 28 Days Later. Danny Boyle directed it, with Alex Garland credited on the film. Sony lists Blu-ray and digital editions on its official film page. Check the retailer and edition details for current availability.
Quick Recap
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- Blu-Ray
Rank #4
- Decades after the rage virus outbreak, survivors live in isolation. When one leaves his ruthlessly quarantined island sanctuary, he uncovers haunting secrets and mutations in both the infected and the remaining humans. From director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland comes a bold return to the world of 28 Days Later.
Rank #3
- Decades after the rage virus outbreak, survivors live in isolation. When one leaves his ruthlessly quarantined island sanctuary, he uncovers haunting secrets and mutations in both the infected and the remaining humans. From director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland comes a bold return to the world of 28 Days Later.
Rank #2
- Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship - with consequences that could change the world as they know it - and Spike's encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can't escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival - the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.
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