In a recent interview for the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Conversations program, acclaimed actor Cillian Murphy shared some intriguing insights about his breakthrough role in '28 Days Later' and his overall career in the entertainment industry. This nearly 90-minute conversation, recorded back in December, shed light on various aspects of Murphy's experiences on both stage and screen.
One particularly interesting revelation was Murphy's perspective on '28 Days Later,' the 2002 hit film that catapulted him into the spotlight. Surprisingly, Murphy admitted that he didn't initially view it as a zombie movie. Having not seen George A. Romero's iconic 'Night of the Living Dead' series at the time, he wasn't fully aware of the zombie genre. Instead, he saw the film as more of a reflection on the 'air rage' and societal breakdown happening during that period, particularly due to the SARS epidemic. Murphy's lack of exposure to the genre and the overall decline of zombie films before '28 Days Later' allowed him to approach the role with a fresh perspective.
Addressing the popularity of the film, Murphy commented, 'Before '28 Days Later,' there weren't that many zombie movies — it was kind of a dead genre.' His unintended pun drew laughter from the audience. He attributed the revival of the genre to director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, emphasizing their role in rejuvenating the zombie film trope.
Interestingly, during the conversation, Murphy discussed the film's connection to the current COVID-19 pandemic. He mentioned the plethora of memes related to '28 Days Later' that he received during the global health crisis. The actor believes that the film's enduring relevance and impact stem from its insightful writing, making it a timely and prescient cinematic experience.
Murphy also delved into his audition process for the film, sharing his admiration for Boyle's previous works, such as 'Shallow Grave' and 'Trainspotting.' He expressed his eagerness to land a role in '28 Days Later' and estimated undergoing six auditions before securing the part.
Another topic of discussion was Murphy's relationship with his fellow Irish actor, Brendan Gleeson, who played a pivotal role in his career. Their first collaboration was in a small Irish film called 'Sweety Barrett,' where Murphy poured Gleeson a pint of Guinness. He remembered being nervous and demonstrated trembling hands. However, his anxiety was quickly eased by Gleeson's kindness and willingness to engage with a young, aspiring actor. Murphy commended Gleeson for being one of his all-time heroes and described him as a legend in the industry.
The conversation also touched on the film's multiple ending options. Two versions were shot—one in which Murphy's character, Jim, survives, and another in which he dies. When asked about his preference, Murphy initially leaned towards the more nihilistic ending but acknowledged the decision to choose the version with a glimmer of hope. This led to speculation of a potential sequel, to which Murphy expressed his availability and excitement about the prospect.
Interestingly enough, the timing of this interview proved fortuitous. In January, it was announced that a sequel to '28 Days Later' had been greenlit, with both Boyle and Garland returning. Furthermore, Murphy will serve as an executive producer for the film. This development reinforces the impact and continued relevance of the original movie, solidifying its place in pop culture and potentially setting the stage for a new trilogy.
Throughout the wide-ranging conversation, Murphy touched on various other fascinating subjects. He discussed how he used to write hand-written letters to directors he admired, illustrating his passion and dedication for his craft. Additionally, he revealed that his exposure to American television shows like 'The A-Team' and 'MacGyver' helped him perfect his American accent, a skill that has served him well in his diverse roles.
Furthermore, Murphy shared how '28 Days Later' played a crucial role in his ongoing collaboration with director Christopher Nolan. After seeing Murphy's performance in the film, Nolan approached him, leading to their fruitful partnership on various projects.
In summary, the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Conversations program provided a platform for Cillian Murphy to delve into his remarkable career, with a focus on his breakout role in '28 Days Later.' His candid reflections shed light on the film's impact, its surprising departure from traditional zombie movie conventions, and the exciting potential for a sequel. It's evident that Murphy's talent, passion, and collaboration with esteemed directors have propelled him to the heights of his career and made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
