Cillian Murphy Set for Major Franchise Comebacks in 2025-2026

Irish Star’s Triumphant Return to Iconic Roles

Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy is experiencing a remarkable period in his career, with major announcements confirming his return to two beloved franchises that defined his trajectory as a leading actor. Following his Oscar-winning performance in Oppenheimer, Murphy is in talks to reprise his role as Jim from the original 28 Days Later in the upcoming third instalment of the 28 Years Later trilogy, whilst also returning as the legendary Tommy Shelby in the highly anticipated Peaky Blinders film.

28 Years Later: Completing the Trilogy

Sony Pictures has officially greenlit 28 Years Later III following the franchise’s strong performance, with the first film grossing $151.3 million at the box office. Screenwriter Alex Garland is writing the script for the film, whilst director Danny Boyle has previously stated his intention to helm the third instalment. The decision to proceed comes after positive fan reactions to early screenings of the trilogy’s second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which arrives in cinemas on 16 January 2026.

Murphy’s star has risen considerably since 28 Days Later and won an Oscar for 2023’s Oppenheimer, making his return to the franchise that launched his film career all the more significant for fans worldwide.

Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

In parallel, Murphy is confirmed to return as Birmingham’s most notorious gangster in Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. The film will be released in select theatres on 6 March 2026, and on Netflix on 20 March. Murphy returns to his starring role as Tommy Shelby, with Sophie Rundle reprising her role as Tommy’s sister Ada Thorne, and Stephen Graham and Ned Dennehy returning as Shelby family allies.

The cast also includes newcomers Rebecca Ferguson, Barry Keoghan, Tim Roth and Jay Lycurgo, promising fresh dynamics in the beloved crime drama universe.

What This Means for Fans

These announcements represent a significant moment for Murphy’s devoted fanbase. His willingness to revisit these career-defining roles demonstrates both loyalty to the projects that shaped his success and confidence in the creative teams behind them. With both franchises offering Murphy the opportunity to explore complex, morally ambiguous characters, audiences can expect powerful performances that build upon the actor’s considerable range and recent critical acclaim. The coming months will undoubtedly cement Murphy’s status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation.