When it comes to modern horror franchises, few get moviegoers more excited than A Quiet Place. Over the past decade, the two mainline films and the 2024 spinoff/prequel have left audiences in awe with frightening monsters, rich family dynamics, and some of the most unforgettable theatrical experiences in recent memory. Now, we’re going to go through it all again with A Quiet Place Part III.

If you want to learn all about what’s next for the Abbott family after the bone-chilling and heartpounding events of A Quiet Place Part II’s ending, who is involved this time around, and most importantly, when it’s coming out, stick around. I am about to break down everything we know about one of the most anticipated new horror movies on the horizon. Though I’m excited, let’s try to keep the noise down so we don’t get any of those “Death Angels” after us before the release date…

The Quiet Place Part III Release Date

So, when is A Quiet Place Part III’s release date? Well, Deadline announced in late 2025 that the third chapter in the ongoing Abbott family saga will open in theaters on July 30, 2027, after previously being scheduled to hit theaters three weeks earlier. Though I wish we would be picking up with the family at some point on the 2026 movie schedule, what’s another year after already waiting so long to have those lingering questions answered from the 2021 installment?

A Quiet Place Part III doesn’t share the date with any competition (not yet, anyway), but the summer 2027 blockbuster season is already shaping up to be one for the ages. With Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse, Shrek 5, Man of Tomorrow, and the Minecraft sequel coming out between June and July, there’s going to be a lot going on.

The Quiet Place Part III Cast

Since the franchise’s frightening debut back in 2018, A Quiet Place has introduced audiences to some of the most unforgettable characters in modern horror history with the Abbott Family. While we still don’t know if John Krasinski’s Lee Abbott will appear in any flashbacks like the intense A Quiet Place Part II opening chapter, the family members who survived the second film, along with Cillian Murphy’s character, will be returning.

The returning cast members aren’t alone, as Krasinski announced on his Instagram in March 2026 that Jack O’Connell, Jason Clarke, and Katy O’Brian, all of whom have horror experience, would be joining the cast. However, their identities have not yet been revealed at the time of this writing. I’m especially interested in O’Connell’s role, as I would love to see him branch out from his trend of playing menacing villains.

Here’s the full list of everyone announced so far:

• Emily Blunt as Evelyn Abbott
• Cillian Murphy as Emmett
• Millicent Simmonds as Regan Abbott
• Noah Jupe as Marcus Abbott
• Jack O’Connell
• Jason Clarke
• Katy O’Brian

John Krasinski Is Back As Writer And Director

Though it’s still not known if he’ll appear in the movie, John Krasinski is serving as both the writer and director once again to make A Quiet Place Part III. A fixture of the franchise since the very beginning (he co-wrote the screenplay with series creators Scott Beck and Bryan Woods as well as the Day One script with director Michael Sarnoski), the Office alum has been pushing the project from behind the scenes for a number of years now, with Emily Blunt telling Collider in May 2021 that her husband and co-star had a “whole arc of ideas that could work” for the planned trilogy.

Going by Krasinski’s Instagram post mentioned above in the cast section, it seems like he’s already finished penning the script. Now the waiting game begins for word on production (more on that later).

What Is A Quiet Place III About?

Everyone involved with A Quiet Place Part III has been tight-lipped about the movie’s plot (not just because the monsters have insane hearing), but many of us want to know what’s going to go down when we pick back up with the Abbott family next summer. While details are essentially nonexistent at this point, I would be shocked if the latest installment doesn’t make use of Regan Abbott’s discovery at the end of A Quiet Place Part II.

You may recall she learned she could transmit a high-frequency radio signal with her cochlear implant to incapacitate the monsters and give her enough time to kill them. The movie ends with the family broadcasting the signal to other survivors, giving humanity hope. It would be interesting to see how this plan is carried out and where the movie picks up. I guess we’ll have to wait until next July…

Is There Any News On A Quiet Place Part III’s Production?

As far as I know, nothing has been announced about when A Quiet Place Part III will enter production. That said, I wouldn’t be surprised if cameras are rolling at some point before the start of summer.

First, the script appears to be finished or at least enough for the screenplay to be given to the cast. Next, the film is set for release in July 2027, and there’s bound to be a fair amount of post-production work. Then, there’s John Krasinski’s upcoming action thriller, Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan: Ghost War, which is slated to hit theaters on May 20, 2026. I imagine he will have some press work to do in the lead-up to the film’s release, meaning it’ll probably be this summer.

How To Watch The Previous A Quiet Place Movies

At the time of this writing, it has been just short of eight years since A Quiet Place stormed into theaters and kicked off a massive horror franchise. That said, there’s a good chance that some out there haven’t revisited the 2018 instant classic since then. If you’re in that camp and want to go back and watch the full series, all three movies are streaming with a Paramount+ subscription.

• Stream A Quiet Place on Paramount+.
• Stream A Quiet Place Part II on Paramount+.
• Stream A Quiet Place: Day One on Paramount+.

Expect to hear a whole lot more about A Quiet Place Part III in the weeks and months to come.

Major spoilers for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man are ahead! Read with caution, and stream both the show and the movie with a Netflix subscription.

When Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man premiered on Netflix’s 2026 schedule, it marked the end of Tommy Shelby’s story. In a tragic, yet fulfilling way, we got to see the iconic gangster’s final stand, and I asked Cillian Murphy about watching his character’s last moments. In response, he told me what it felt like to see Tommy die “about 500 times.”

At the end of The Immortal Man, Tommy is fatally injured by Beckett (Tim Roth) and ultimately killed by his son Duke (Barry Keoghan) in an act of mercy. Then, the film ends with Tommy’s funeral as a carriage is burned with him in it. It’s heartbreaking and beautiful. However, when I asked the Oscar-winner what it was like for him to watch it, he told me why it actually wasn’t all that emotional for him:

I can totally see what he’s saying. While I’d think it’d be hard to watch a character you played for six seasons and a movie die, when you watch it enough times, the edge probably wears off. As the Oppenheimer actor said, since he’s a producer on the film, he was watching it in a “clinical” way and working to make it the best possible sequence (which paid off if you’ve seen The Immortal Man’s reviews). So, that means the emotion of it all came out of it for him personally.

However, he did note how aware he is of how gut-wrenching and emotional Tommy’s death is. Recalling how it felt to watch Barry Keoghan as Duke, as well as their other co-stars, act during that burial scene, Murphy told me:

The 28 Days Later star went on to say that the moment came together beautifully between what the actors were doing, the visuals surrounding them, and “that Lankum song.” “All the elements were there,” he told me. However, when he looks at it, it does not hit him in a super emotional way. As an actor and producer, he was simply viewing it from a “storytelling” perspective, as he explained:

I do know what he means. However, I can’t even begin to fathom what it’d feel like to watch a character I’d played for so long die on screen. But if I were a producer, had the bigger picture in mind and could remove myself a bit from the character, I think I’d be able to separate myself from the emotion of it all.

Now, with all that said, I’m happy watching this scene 500 times paid off. While we know a brand new sequel series is coming, The Immortal Man is a fantastic film that concluded Tommy’s story in a way that provided a lot of closure for this era of Peaky Blinders. So, no matter what emotions Cillian Murphy felt while watching it, I hope he’s proud of the story he’s told as this legendary character.

Major spoilers for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man are ahead! Read with caution, and stream both the original series and this movie with a Netflix subscription.

The premiere of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man on Netflix’s 2026 schedule marked the end of an era for Cillian Murphy’s iconic character, Tommy Shelby. After six seasons of fighting, his story came to a close at the hands of his son, Duke (Barry Keoghan), and Tim Roth’s villain Beckett. So, I asked Roth about filming this final moment, and he told me why it left him thinking, “People are gonna fucking hate me.”

At the end of The Immortal Man, Tommy Shelby dies. In a lot of ways, this frees him, as his son Duke delivers the final shot that ultimately kills him. However, it's Beckett who fires the shots that lead to this tragic fate. When I asked Roth about his thoughts regarding this moment in the new streaming movie, he said:

To be the guy who takes down Tommy Shelby will certainly lead to strong feelings from fans. Plus, the way it happens is quite visceral, as Beckett drives a car full-speed ahead at Tommy while shooting his gun. Ultimately, he does hit the former leader of the Peaky Blinders, but Murphy’s character gets the last shot, as he ultimately kills Beckett with a bullet to the head.

That’s what leads to Duke tackling Tommy out of the way. However, the damage is done, and Tommy asks his son to kill him, marking the end of his story.

Thinking about all this and the history and baggage that comes with Peaky Blinders, Roth was aware of the pressure surrounding this situation. To that point, he said:

I mean, to be the guy (partially) responsible for the death of Tommy Shelby would leave me feeling overwhelmed and maybe laughing too.

However, it’s also a great way for the character to go out. As I noted in my review of The Immortal Man, the closure this movie gives to Tommy’s story is fantastic. That’s specifically because its done in a way that highlights his relationship with his son and the legacy of the Peaky Blinders. That father-son relationship is also what Pulp Fiction actor found fascinating about all this, as he told me:

Throughout the project that was released on the 2026 movie schedule, Beckett uses Duke’s relationship with Tommy to his own advantage. He manipulates Duke’s estranged relationship with his dad, and that gets him what he wants (until it doesn’t). Overall, it’s a fascinating dynamic all around, and I totally agree with Roth, as he told me that he found all this “intriguing.”

Overall, I see why Beckett's shooting Tommy left Roth feeling like fans would hate him. I mean, he is the character who helped put an end to the immortal man. However, I also think this was a very poetic way for Tommy to go out.

As Roth’s character manipulated and used Duke, Tommy returned to Birmingham for one final battle. And I think it was all one epic way for this Peaky Blinder's story to conclude.

Major, major spoilers for Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man are ahead! Read with caution, and stream both this movie and the original series with a Netflix subscription.

The Peaky Blinders movie, The Immortal Man, serves as a tragic yet stunning end to the tale of Tommy Shelby. When I write the end, I mean it too. That’s because Cillian Murphy’s iconic character is not immortal, oh no, he’s very mortal, and he dies in the final scenes of the film. So, considering the death of the iconic gangster, I had to ask Peaky Blinders’ creator why now was the time for Tommy Shelby to die.

To recap, in the climactic final battle of The Immortal Man, which is a streaming movie that just premiered on Netflix’s 2026 schedule, Tommy takes out Tim Roth’s antagonist Beckett. However, Cillian Murphy’s character takes a few shots as well. Barry Keoghan’s Duke tries to save his dad, though, by tackling him out of the way of a car that was coming right at him. Despite the rescue attempt, Tommy cannot be saved, and in the end, he asks Duke to shoot him with the bullet that has his name etched on it. It’s a tragic moment, and it’s hard to see such a powerful character go down for good. However, as Tommy says, he’s now “free.”

So, why was now the right time to do this to the man who led the Peaky Blinders for so long? Well, I asked Steven Knight, who created the series and wrote the movie, that question, and he said:

While there is a Peaky Blinders sequel series on the way, I love how this project on the 2026 movie schedule serves as a profound conclusion for this generation of Shelbys. After six seasons of Tommy’s miraculous survival, struggle and immense loss, he finally dies, and it’s very full-circle considering the timing of it all.

Tommy is very traumatized from his experience during World War I, and that impacts him during the entire series. So, to place his conclusion during World War II and after most of his family dies, feels quite profound.

Along with that, to have Tommy’s death happen in the hands of his son after everything they’ve been through is very moving, as Knight explained:

As I noted in CinemaBlend’s review of The Immortal Man, Tommy and Duke’s relationship is at the heart of this movie, and it’s propelled forward by magnetic performances from Murphy and Keoghan. So, to have Tommy’s story end with his son is incredibly emotional, considering everything they’ve been through.

All around, this did feel like the time to set Tommy free, as he says in the movie’s final voice-over. He’d been to hell and back on Earth, and if he kept living, he wouldn’t have done so in a relaxed way. As Knight said, Tommy doesn’t retire. He had to go out with a bang.

Peaky Blinders has remained one of the best crime series you can find on Netflix, even years after the series ended in 2022 after six seasons, and now, Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby is back. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man hits the Netflix schedule on March 20, following a limited run in theaters, and critics are here to share their views on the feature-length continuation (and possible conclusion) to the crime drama.

The Peaky Blinders movie picks up a few years after the events of the series finale and finds Tommy living in solitude, haunted by grief. This is sure to change, thanks to the actions of his son, Duke (Barry Keoghan). In CinemaBlend’s review of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, Riley Utley says if this is, indeed, the last time we see the Peaky Blinders, this is a meaningful and well-earned farewell. She rates it 4.5 out of 5 stars, writing:

Shannon Connellan of Mashable says Barry Keoghan is the perfect counterpoint to Cillian Murphy’s Tommy, and the two bring the series to a close in an “explosive, moving, and reverent" manner that’s even more satisfying than the series finale. The critic says:

Lacy Baugher of RogerEbert gives the 2026 movie release 3 stars out of 4, saying that while some aspects of the movie are flawed, there’s something undeniably thrilling about seeing Tommy Shelby suit up again. Thirteen years after Cillian Murphy first embodied the character, he’s still finding new depth and emotional layers there. Baugher continues:

Dan Jolin of Empire rates it 3 out of 5 stars, saying The Immortal Man is Peaky Blinders as usual, which could be either a relief or disappointment to fans of the series. In Jolin’s words:

Matt Blake of Esquire agrees it feels more like an extended episode than a standalone feature, but Cillian Murphy accomplishes what he came to do — remind us why we loved Tommy Shelby in the first place and clear the decks for a new generation. Overall, however, Blake is left wanting, he says:

Despite some quibbles from the critics, the movie’s streaming premiere sees it garnering a Certified Fresh 91% on Rotten Tomatoes (89% audience score). So if you were a fan of one of the best shows to binge on Netflix, you’ll likely want to give Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man a watch with your Netflix subscription. It is available to stream now, as of March 20.

After six seasons, Peaky Blinders has returned in the form of The Immortal Man to give Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby one hell of a conclusion. As a fan of the original series, I was a bit apprehensive about it returning as a movie years after Tommy rode away on that white horse. However, writer Steven Knight, director Tom Harper and stars Murphy and Barry Keoghan give us a movie that serves as a methodical yet high-octane and worthy conclusion to this tale.

The story takes place in 1940. Tommy Shelby has exiled himself and is living like a recluse in his home. Meanwhile, his estranged son Duke (Barry Keoghan) has taken over the Peaky Blinders and is causing chaos in Birmingham. Then, in the midst of World War II, the former leader of the fierce gang is drawn back to his hometown.

So, as Tommy deals with his son, he’s also forced to reckon with the ghosts of his past. It’s all around a destructive yet beautiful tale about what could very well be Tommy Shelby’s final stand. And if it is indeed the last time we see the Peaky Blinders, it serves as a meaningful and well-earned farewell thanks to showstopping performances from Murphy and Keoghan that shine in this rich world that was developed on television.

Cillian Murphy and Barry Keoghan beautifully (and violently) juxtapose each other in the Peaky Blinders capstone.

For this chapter of Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy returns as an older version of his iconic lead, while Barry Keoghan joins the cast as Duke. Initially, I was concerned about the lack of original cast members in this film, but the sheer power of Murphy and Keoghan as a duo put that issue to bed very fast. These two have magnetic energy, they juxtapose one another brilliantly, and they play out this story of a father returning to see his kid in a very powerful way.

While Murphy brings the cool and scarily calm energy he maintained throughout the entire show, Keoghan bursts onto the screen like a firecracker. It works perfectly, too, because Duke is simultaneously Tommy’s son and his antithesis.

It’s those two notions that mix together brilliantly in this film. Throughout, Tommy and Duke face off, and it’s never quite clear where allegiances lie, especially when it comes to Keoghan’s character. Then, when the two finally meet, it’s in an explosive way that sets the tone for a rip-roaring and action-packed conclusion.

When I think about what makes Murphy a great actor, it's his stoic and methodical nature and ability to let his emotions out at just the right moment. Meanwhile, Keoghan’s unpredictability and passion radiate off a lot of his work. These guys bring both those energies to The Immortal Man, and the ways in which they clash and work together are what make it such a memorable movie.

The Immortal Man is a brilliant introduction to a new era, and a breathtaking conclusion to another.

By and large, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is a send-off. It’s a farewell to a generation of Shelbys, and it’s a beautiful one at that. Through moments of solitary introspection and forced, uncomfortable confrontation, Tommy has to reckon with his past and his loss in a visceral way. And in doing that, some semblance of closure is found.

Meanwhile, we’re also introduced to the new generation of Peaky Blinders. While Duke was in the show, Keoghan took over the part for the movie, and he fleshes him out fully. This man is haunted by his past and is trying to find his voice as the new leader of this infamous gang.

It’s a fresh take on the impact the Peaky Blinders have on Birmingham, and through the absolutely stellar action set pieces full of explosives and shootouts, we’re able to get a well-constructed full-circle ending with two key successes: it harkens back to Tommy’s days in World War I while also introducing to a new form of life and violence as his son steps into his power.

Overall, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is an intergenerational story that should thrill fans of the series. However, it also stands proudly on its own thanks to the new people involved, making for an epic conclusion that’s worthy of the beloved show that came before it.

When I think about Peaky Blinders, I think about their suits that are tailored to perfection, that iconic haircut, and the gang’s cutthroat mentality. These guys have an unmistakable signature style, and their saying “By order of the Peaky Blinders” has become part of it. So, with the Peaky Blinders movie, The Immortal Man, set to release on Netflix’s 2026 schedule soon, I had to ask the newest addition to the cast, Barry Keoghan, what it was like to suit up and say one of the series’ most iconic lines. His response surprised me, as he recalled why he felt he hadn’t earned it.

In The Immortal Man’s trailer, it’s revealed that Tommy’s “gypsy son,” Duke, is “running the Peaky Blinders.” Then, in a clip from the movie, which will be available with a Netflix subscription on March 20, we got to see Duke leading the gang on a job. Keoghan plays this character, and as you can see in the clip below, he was one of two men to say that iconic Peaky Blinders line. Take a look:

“By order of the Peaky Blinders” is a line that has permeated pop culture, and I’ve always wondered what it’s like to say it. It’s been said by Cillian Murphy and the other actors who have played members of this gang. So, I was curious what it was like for Keoghan to be the new actor in the cast and tasked with saying such a legendary line of dialogue. He said it was “mad,” explaining:

It’s interesting to hear Keoghan say that he “hadn’t earned” the line as Duke. I mean, based on where the series ends, it’s clear that Tommy’s son is not super connected to the Shelby family. However, a lot of time has passed between then and when the movie picks up, and in the clip, the line is said with a quiet power that is very on brand for Peaky Blinders. So, I was surprised to hear the actor say he felt like he hadn’t earned it as Duke.

However, I also love the 2023 Oscar nominee’s take on it. I’m so here for how he said the line to the guy who was questioning the gang’s authority. I also loved how Keoghan then threw the line back to his co-star, Jay Lycurgo, who repeated it. It added an emphasis to the moment that reaffirmed the hold the gang has on Birmingham.

Now, I’ll be curious to see how Duke and the Peaky Blinders operate in the film as a whole. I’m even more interested in the relationship between Duke and Tommy; honestly, I can’t wait to see the Saltburn star go toe-to-toe with the 2024 Oscar winner. We know that Cillian Murphy’s character is returning to Birmingham and his son is leading the gang there, which means we’ll get to watch the old leader of the Peaky Blinders interact with the new one.

So, yes, it makes sense that being the new cast member to say “By order of the Peaky Blinders” was a “mad” experience. Now, we’ll get to see if Duke can live up to it.

With that being said, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will premiere on the 2026 movie schedule on March 20 over on Netflix, which is also where you can stream the original series in full.

The horror genre has been experiencing a renaissance for years now, to the joy of fans like me. Some of the best horror movies returned with new sequels, including 28 Days Later. That horror franchise has released two movies in quick succession: 28 Years Later and its sequel The Bone Temple. The latter featured Cillian Murphy's return for the first time since the 2002 original, but is a threequel on its way? Here's what the actor himself has said recently.

Murphy was confirmed to appear in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple ahead of its release, and fans of the apocalyptic series were thrilled. His brief scene was thrilling, and moviegoers want him to step back into the spot light for the planned third movie. But is that title actually being produced? In a recent interview with The Times, the outlet claimed the third 28 Years movie was in it's "planning stages", and when the Oscar-winning actor was asked if the movie was still happening he said:

While this isn't any concrete information about when production might actually begin, it sounds like Murphy thinks he'll once again be reprising his role as Jim in a sequel to The Bone Temple. So perhaps the threequel is still happening, despite fan concerns that the studio is dropping the horror franchise. Fingers crossed that we hear more concrete news sooner rather than later.

The question about whether or not this planned threequel was actually going to be produced came after Nia DaCosta's 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple bombed at the box office. Despite how critics praised The Bone Temple (and how well the first movie did) it failed to make money. And as such, cinephiles are worried that we won't ever get to see Alex Garland's previously announced third title.

In the final moments of The Bone Temple, Cillian Murphy's Jim is seen in the cabin from the first movie, tutoring his teenage daughter Sam about history. They suddenly hear some noise coming from outside, and watch as Spike and Kellie are attempted to escape from a group of infected. They seemingly decide to step in an help, setting up a thrilling crossover for longtime fans of the 28 Days Later franchise.

Murphy finally playing Jim again was exciting, even if it was only a cameo. And if a third 28 Years Later movie doesn't actually end up being produced, it would be a huge bummer. After all those years of waiting for the Oppenheimer actor to finally pop back up in the apocalyptic series, hopefully the studio doesn't decide to drop the property.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is available to purchase or rent from home as part of the 2026 movie release list. Fingers crossed that a third movie is greenlit sooner rather than later.

“Don’t you sweat it, baby, it’s alright,” because Taylor Swift’s music video for “Opalite” is incredible, and it features a truly remarkable cast. However, while it may seem like the inclusion of Domhnall Gleeson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Greta Lee, Cillian Murphy, Graham Norton and Lewis Capaldi is very random, it’s actually really not. Now, Swifties are pointing out the exact moment they think the pop star came up with the idea to get all these folks in the video for her The Life of a Showgirl track.

Back in October, right when The Life of a Showgirl was released, Taylor Swift appeared on The Graham Norton Show to promote it. As this chat show goes, she was seated next to a wide-ranging group of talent that included Cillian Murphy, Greta Lee, Jodie Turner-Smith, Domhnall Gleeson and Lewis Capaldi. And during the interview, The Paper star made a comment about how he’d love to appear in one of the singer’s music videos.

Well, I guess you can say he manifested it, because it happened. It also seems like that mention is what sparked the idea for the “Opalite” video. Or at least that’s what fans think, as they’ve been posting things like:

Literally, it looks like a lightbulb went off in Taylor Swift’s head right after Gleeson said, “I’m hoping to get in a Taylor Swift music video.” And she kind of confirmed that, too. That’s because in the “Opalite” video, she included a clip of this happening and that “ah-ha” moment, take a look:

Then, in Swift’s Instagram post about the video, she wrote that the idea for this video “crash landed” into her “imagination” during the interview. Specifically referencing what Gleeson said on The Graham Norton Show, the singer wrote:

Sometimes, you can’t stop inspiration, and it’ll hit you at the wildest moments. However, in this case, I think the About Time star’s comments made the inspiration obvious. Now, we have this remarkable music video directed by Swift that’s hilarious and features a truly iconic cast.

So, to celebrate, fans are pointing out the exact moment they think the crash landing happened. I have to say, I agree with them, and I too am thinking things like:

Now, Taylor Swift is no stranger to a celebrity cameo in her music videos. Ethan Hawke and Josh Charles appeared in “Fortnight” for a fun Dead Poets Society moment, and Swift’s Eras Tour dancers, singers and band played big roles in “The Fate of Ophelia” video.

Truly, fans are obsessed with the celebs Swift chose for “Opalite,” because it really feels like we could see the idea forming in real time. As this fan pointed out:

The jaw drop really is amazing, and I’m so happy Swift fully committed to the idea. Fans are, too, and I’m loving their reactions. Here are a few more:

• Opalite mv is so cuteeee she had them ALL star in it 😭 -@lovetaydua
• PLEASE IT WAS EVERYONE ON THAT COUCH??? EVEN GRAHAM NORTON HIMSELF?????? #Opalite THAT’S SO CUTE. -@adorkablyswift
• Taylor after finishing her interview on the Graham Norton: YOU GET A CAMEO, AND YOU GET ONE, YOU ALL GET A CAMEO #opalite -@fvreverwinter

Well, I guess if there’s a lesson to be learned here, it’s that if you pitch a great idea to Taylor Swift, she might act on it.

Now, if you don’t mind me, I’ll be watching this video on repeat, searching for Easter eggs and saying thank you to Domhnall Gleeson for joking about being in one of Taylor Swift’s music videos.

Spoilers ahead for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

The horror genre continues to thrive, and some of the best horror movies got new sequels in recent years. Chief among them is 28 Days Later, which has gotten two new movies recently. First up was 28 Years Later, and then the upcoming horror movie The Bone Temple, which hits theaters this weekend. The latter was directed by the great Nia DaCosta, who spoke to CinemaBlend about finally bringing OG actor Cillian Murphy back to the property in the new installment. And there's one detail about his cameo that's totally blowing my mind.

Prior to its release, what we knew about 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple was pretty limited. But news of Cillian Murphy finally returning as Jim broke the internet, and longtime horror fans were curious how it would go down. In the end it was a brief cameo, and when interview DaCosta I had to ask about bringing that final sequence to life. She told me:

Same, though. 28 Days Later started it all, and Murphy's iconic performance was part of the reason why it was such a successful horror flick. Fans have waited over two decades to see him return to the series, and the ending of The Bone Temple set up him becoming a major player in the next installment. Hopefully we don't have to wait too long before seeing another 28 Years Later on the big screen.

Nia DaCosta was excited to deliver that long-awaited payoff, and usher Murphy back to the horror franchise. But there's one detail about his cameo in The Bone Temple that's particularly mind-blowing. As she explained:

I mean, how cool is that? Seeing Cillian Murphy back as Jim is one thing, but the fact that his cameo was shot in the very same location and house as the original movie's ending is absolutely wild. Talk about a full-circle moment.

CinemaBlend's Bone Temple review praised its horror and surprising comedic beats, as well as the performances given by Ralph Fiennes and Jack O'Connell. Murphy's cameo set up yet anther installment, and hopefully we get news about when the current trilogy will wrap up.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is in theaters now as part of the 2026 movie release list. When watching Cillian Murphy's cameo, pay attention to the house that he's seen it; it has history in the zombie franchise.

Rachel McAdams has landed a lot of iconic roles in her 20+ year career. From starring in some of the best romantic movies of all time like The Notebook and About Time to bringing the iconic Regina George to life in Mean Girls, she’s been an inspiration to moviegoers of all different kinds of genres. However, it’s been a while since we’ve seen her really take a gig in a bonafide thriller, but that’s going to change soon when Send Help hits the 2026 movie schedule.

A short while ago, we learned Rachel McAdams would be teaming up with Maze Runner star Dylan O’Brien for a new movie from the mind of Sam Raimi. The two are playing co-workers in the film, so the 13-year age gap isn’t particularly mismatched, and more importantly, it’s going to bring McAdams back into the fold in a thriller capacity after the two become stranded on a desert island.

We’ve already seen a trailer for Send Help, and it’s been beautiful to see her back in the genre.

You may remember, but back in 2005, McAdams starred opposite Cillian Murphy in Red Eye, a fun thriller directed by Wes Craven and featuring a plotline in which McAdams’ character single-handedly takes on a terrorist organization hellbent on taking down the U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security. The movie is a little kooky, but it’s grounded in the performances Murphy and McAdams brought to the table. (Even if Cillian Murphy disagrees.)

I remember when it came out, I thought at the time it would be the start of an action career for her. That wasn't the case.

Instead, she went on to become known for a slew of romantic films like Midnight in Paris, The Time Traveler’s Wife and The Vow. She did throw a little action in there as Irene Adler in the Sherlock films, but I’m happy to call that more action/adventure than “thriller.” Given the Raimi-ness of it all, this one also looks to have horror components, so there is likely some arguing we can do over genre; however, let’s just call this one a horror-thriller and call it a day.

Check out the trailer below for a better idea of what to expect.

Send Help officially hits theaters on January 26, and I hope like Red Eye it lives on for years in the fanbases memory. Just like last time, she should have a great sparring partner in Dylan O'Brien, and the deserted island setting seems promising to boot.

With a little luck, I hope Send Help expands the roles McAdams is given in the future, too. I look forward to her in more rom-coms, but let’s not forget this is also the woman who once stabbed Cillian Murphy in the neck with a ballpoint pen. Get it, girl.

SPOILER WARNING: The following article contains light spoilers for Tron: Ares. If you have not yet seen the film, proceed at your own risk!

Had Tron 3 been made just a couple years after the release of Tron: Legacy, it would probably be a very different movie. Instead of featuring an entirely new plot and cast of characters as Tron: Ares does, one imagines that it would have picked up where the previous sequel left off: with Garrett Hedlund's Sam Flynn taking control of ENCOM and the world in some way dealing with the existence of Olivia Wilde's Quorra: the first digitally-created person living in the real world.

The combination of Tron: Legacy's reception and time passing led the franchise to go in a different direction with its story instead, and in fairness to Tron: Ares, the new 2025 movie does make some efforts to bridge the gap. An early exposition-filled montage of news reports explains that Sam Flynn opted to leave his position at ENCOM, and a brief moment at the end of the film suggests that Quorra is out in the world somewhere in hiding. The blockbuster also brings us back to locations like Flynn's Arcade and the original grid, updating the audience on their status. There is, however, one particularly significant detail that is wholly ignored, and I'm not totally clear why it was skipped: what happened to Edward Dillinger Jr.?

For those who don't recall, the character was featured in the first act of Tron: Legacy, played by now-Oscar winner Cillian Murphy. The son of David Warner's Edward Dillinger from the original Tron, he is employed as the head of ENCOM's software design team, and while he doesn't end up having a significant role to play in the film's plot, it's a nice tie back to the 1982 feature that keeps the Dillinger name in play in the canon. Tron: Ares echoes that latter idea by having a member of that particular clan serve as the film's antagonist, namely Evan Peters' Julian Dillinger... but it also makes the very strange move of ignoring Edward Dillinger Jr.'s existence entirely.

Plenty is done with the Dillinger name in the film: Julian Dillinger is the son of Gillian Anderson's Elisabeth Dillinger, the daughter of Edward Dillinger, and Dillinger Systems is created as a rival company to ENCOM. But as the movie makes the effort to explain what's been going on with the tech dynasty, there isn't a single mention of Elisabeth's brother/Julian's uncle – and as a fan of the franchise, it's just weird.

I get that Cillian Murphy may have been unavailable and/or uninterested in reprising the role, but totally paving over the character's existence is a very strange move. He could have been dealt with in the same way as Sam and Quorra (mentioned but kept off to the side in the canon), or the production could have opted for the recasting route (while I certainly don't want to advocate taking jobs away from Gillian Anderson, it would have been very easy to have Julian be Ed Jr.'s son). Instead, the movie just chooses to forget that he was ever introduced... and the simple consequence of that choice is making fans like me scratch their heads wondering why that decision was made.

This isn't the only confounding choice that's made in Tron: Ares (for example, as I note in my CinemaBlend review of the film, in pales in comparison to casting Jared Leto to play one of the main leads), but it nonetheless stands out as one of the stranger calls.

Spoilers for Steve are ahead! Read with caution, and watch the movie with a Netflix subscription.

In Steve, which is Netflix’s latest 2025 release, Cillian Murphy plays the titular teacher who uses a recorder constantly to keep track of his thoughts and emotions. It’s an effective device, and it gives us a look into this character’s inner monologue. So, when I interviewed the actor who plays him, I asked why he thinks Steve uses his recorder so much, and I also specifically posed a question about the final words he says into it, which led to a pretty personal answer.

Throughout the film, which is a book-to-screen adaptation of Max Porter’s book Shy, we see Murphy’s Steve talk into his recorder often. He uses it to give updates to Shola, and he also uses it to talk out what’s been going on. It’s seemingly a way for him to process this incredibly difficult job he has. When I asked Murphy about it, he said that the device did those two things for him, explaining:

It really was a good instrument for the character, and the audience as well. To me, it helped us keep up with Steve’s inner monologue, as he literally vocalized his thoughts for himself. It also helped Murphy’s character organize his thoughts, speak to himself and process what happened.

After asking about the significance of the recorder, Murphy and I spoke about the final line he says into it, which is “It’s enough, isn’t it?” I found the line beautiful, especially after hearing Steve speak so highly of his students. I also found it deeply relatable.

It turns out, the actor did too, as he told me not necessarily how it applied to Steve, but how it applied to himself, personally. His explanation, ultimately, is very fitting to the film while also being very relatable, as he said:

That’s so sweet and personal, and it was lovely to hear Murphy think back on his days as a young actor. He told me how important kindness and gentleness are, and how that relates to the final words of the movie.

Also, before those final words in the 2025 movie schedule entry, Steve says that he wants his students and daughters to realize how much there is to life, that it’s more than just the hard stuff. He explains how much potential the unknown has, and his final words are “It’s enough, isn’t it?” So, to hear Murphy reflect on that line in relation to the start of his career was touching.

Now, if you’d like to go back and reflect on this final line, as well as the use of the recorder in Steve, you can stream Cillian Murphy’s great movie on Netflix.

Spoilers for Steve are ahead. You can stream the film with a Netflix subscription.

The latest movie to drop on Netflix’s 2025 schedule, Steve, is an intense, empathetic and raw look into the lives of teachers at a struggling school. Cillian Murphy plays the titular teacher, and he works alongside Tracey Ullman’s Amanda. Throughout the film, they both struggle with everything they’re facing, and it all comes to a head toward the end. That climactic scene is moving and necessary for Steve, and when I spoke to Cillian Murphy about it, he told me why Ullman's improvising during it gave him goosebumps.

This all came up because I asked the 2024 Oscar winner about working with Ullman, who is also a legend. I had read a quote from Elsbeth’s Carrie Preston about her guest-starring on the show, and she had described her as “magic.” So, I asked Murphy about a magic moment he had with the actress. In response, he brought up this key scene between Steve and Amanda, explaining:

I know I got goosebumps watching the scene. Throughout the entire film, bad things are happening to this school, and it’s specifically devastating when they find out it’s closing. Amanda and Steve confront that pain in this scene towards the end of the story, with Ullman’s character specifically telling Steve that all this is not his fault. She says:

During this scene, the camera stays primarily on Murphy as Ullman’s character passionately tells him he needs to confront all this. He can’t hold it back anymore. It’s a powerful scene that directly addresses one of the primary conflicts of the movie -- Steve's inner turmoil and blame -- and it stuck with me as I watched what happened to Steve in the film’s final moments.

According to the Peaky Blinders actor, while 95% of this movie was scripted, this scene was improvised, which, to me, speaks to Ullman’s talent. To that point, Murphy told me:

Goosebumps really is the best way to describe it. Throughout the film, we see the weight on Steve’s shoulders, and hearing Amanda tell him that this isn’t his fault is incredibly meaningful. He needed someone to tell him that, because she’s right, this isn’t all his fault. He’s simply stuck in a terrible situation, and they’re both working really hard to make it better.

It’s a remarkable example of the critical yet empathetic moments in this project on the 2025 movie schedule, and it’s a scene that highlights why Steve could be one of Ullman and Murphy’s best projects.

Now, to go back and see how this improvised and emotional moment fits into this film, you can stream Steve on Netflix.

The beloved and excellent crime drama Peaky Blinders isn’t done yet! That’s been the case for a while, seeing as a Peaky Blinders movie is well on its way to our screens. However, now we know the story will continue beyond that, too, as a sequel series that sounds like a great way to continue the story just got a two-season order.

With Cillian Murphy set to executive produce and Steven Knight, the show’s writer and creator, set to return, the Peaky Blinders sequel series will introduce us to a new generation of Shelbys, Variety reported, via two seasons of TV that are made up of six 60-minute episodes each.

This new show, which will get two seasons at Netflix and the BBC, will take place in 1953 Britain after the Birmingham blitz. According to the plot description, it will pick up after World War II as the city where the Peaky Blinders reside rebuilds. It sounds like this rise from the ashes will come with contention and violence, too, over the fight for power, as the description reads:

At the moment, the cast has not been announced, so we don’t know if this continuation of one of Cillian Murphy’s best projects will feature him as Tommy Shelby, and it’s unclear if other cast members will return. However, the Oppenheimer star will stay close to the project as an executive producer.

Personally, I love the idea of a totally new chapter for the Peaky Blinders. I want to see new faces take over the family business, and I think it’d be fascinating to watch them take the mantle from the family members we’ve been riding with for seasons.

Writer and creator Steven Knight’s thoughts on all this have me excited, too, as he said in a statement:

It sure sounds like it will be “a hell of a ride,” and I sincerely hope that we get to see a new cast of characters put on the iconic hats and long coats as they continue the Shelby legacy.

However, it’s also worth noting that Murphy returning on-screen isn’t impossible. Tommy Shelby was born in 1890, which would make him about 63 at the time of this sequel series. But we also don’t know what will go down in the Peaky Blinders movie, The Immortal Man, which should premiere sometime on the 2026 movie schedule. So, it’s possible that that could serve as a conclusion that springs us into this new era.

All this is to say, I’m thrilled that this great drama is continuing, and I think using a sequel series to do it is a fantastic way in. It will give us a fresh perspective and a new story, while still living in a world we know and love. So, make sure your Netflix subscription is ready, folks, because we haven’t seen the last of the Peaky Blinders.

Whoever puts on Voldemort’s robes for HBO’s Harry Potter series will have some big shoes to fill, and Cillian Murphy knows that. For a while now, the Oppenheimer star has been a top pick by fans for the legendary villain who was originated on screen by Ralph Fiennes. So, when asked about fans wanting this, Murphy politely said he didn’t know about it while also paying his respects to the man who played the dark lord first.

While the majority of the major Harry Potter roles have been cast and production on Season 1 – which will follow The Sorcerer’s Stone – has begun, we don’t know who will play Voldemort. We likely won’t for a while, too, considering he does not show up in his full form until Goblet of Fire. However, the speculation is running wild, with Cillian Murphy being named as a favorite by fans (and even Ralph Fiennes). So, Josh Horowitz asked him about whether there’s any merit to this speculation on the Happy Sad Confused podcast, the Oscar winner said:

So, it would seem that Cillian Murphy will not be playing Voldemort. And that’s kind of a bummer. As Fiennes said, the Peaky Blinders actor taking on the role of Harry Potter’s big bad is a “wonderful suggestion.”

Overall, it sounds like the Oppenheimer star hasn’t heard anything about potentially playing He Who Shall Not Be Named. It also seems like a part he’s not going to take on even if he is approached.

However, I do really appreciate how kindly he answered the question and the appreciation he showed for Ralph Fiennes. The Grand Budapest Hotel star’s portrayal of this brilliant villain is unforgettable, and Murphy is right, whoever takes on the part next will have big shoes to fill.

I also loved his response, because the Conclave actor recently dove into a franchise Murphy helped make famous. Earlier this year, the Harry Potter star was featured in the well-reviewed 28 Years Later, making this whole situation with the Wizarding World even better.

However, now I’m really starting to wonder who will follow Fiennes and play Voldemort in the Harry Potter series. So far, the series has been making fascinating casting choices that I can’t wait to see – I’m particularly excited for John Lithgow’s Dumbledore and Paapa Essiedu’s Snape. Therefore, I’m sure whoever they cast as the franchise’s primary antagonist will be fantastic. It just probably won’t be Cillian Murphy based on his comments.

That’s OK, though. We get to see him in plenty of other projects (his new movie, Steve, premieres on the 2025 Netflix schedule on October 3), and I’m certain that whoever they cast to play Voldemort in the new Harry Potter series will be a worthy successor to Ralph Fiennes.

One of the many reasons to be hyped about Christopher Nolan's adaption of Homer’s The Odyssey is its truly epic, star-studded cast. Matt Damon, Tom Holland, Robert Pattinson and Zendaya, are just a few of the big names in the mix. Not present within this project, though, is frequent Nolan collaborator Cillian Murphy, who last worked with the filmmaker on 2023's Oppenheimer. When the Irish actor was asked if he was developing any FOMO for not being in Nolan's latest flick, he had a funny answer that I just can't get out of my head.

Considering how often he's worked with the Dark Knight director, it may feel somewhat odd to some that Cillian Murphy isn't in the massive 2026 movie release. Given that the Oscar-winning actor will not be in The Odyssey, Variety asked him about it while he promoted his new film, Steve, at the Toronto International Film. Anyone who thinks Murphy is bummed not to be appearing in the mythology-based blockbuster should think again:

I'm just chuckling after hearing sentiments like those, but I also appreciate the A-lister's take. Since the Peaky Blinders actor has been in six Christopher Nolan movies so far, it sounds like Murphy is content to step aside for Nolan's next major flick and allow other talented stars to take the reins on this one.

After all, Murphy's work on Oppenheimer was apparently no picnic for him. Not only was their the research he had to do ahead of filming, but he also had to lose weight to match the physique of the late physicist. So, by taking a step back from a massive endeavor like The Odyssey, the Golden Globe winner could have some sweet time to recharge before taking on another epic film.

Just because Cillian Murphy won’t be starring in Nolan's fantasy flick it doesn’t mean he isn’t looking forward to the new movie. As someone who’s constantly worked with Nolan in the past, he’s already hyping up the British filmmaker's latest motion picture:

What we know about Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey is that Matt Damon will be leading in the role as Odysseus, who comes across a variety of characters while trying to find his way home after the Trojan War. Nolan will also continue step up his game from a technical standpoint, creating the first movie to be filmed entirely with IMAX cameras. It goes without saying that this is an ambitious piece of work but, if anyone can pull it off, it's Nolan.

While the film remains in post-production, I'm just reveling in Cillian Murphy's apparent invention of ROMO, which I’m adding to my vocab list. Also, if there's anyone eager to see Murphy in new projects, never fear. He'll star in the much-anticipated Peaky Blinders movie and the aforementioned 2025 Netflix release Steve. He'll also appear in 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple. So, given what's on Murphy's plate, it's easy to see why he's not sweating the fact that he isn't part of Nolan's latest flick.

The Odyssey rolls into theaters on July 17, 2026.

Since it was first announced back in 2023, the upcoming Harry Potter TV show has been one of the most anticipated series for wizards, witches, and muggles alike. This is especially true in recent weeks, as all those casting announcements, the various first-look images, and other details about the forthcoming book-to-screen adaptation that’ll one day be available for anyone with an HBO Max subscription.

Though Professor Dumbledore, Hagrid, and even “The Boy Who Lived” have all been revealed, there is still one major character from J.K. Rowling’s beloved series of fantasy novels that has not yet been announced: Lord Voldemort, a.k.a. “He Who Must Not Be Named.” The identity of the actor who’ll be the main antagonist from the books and Harry Potter film franchise remains one of the biggest mysteries surrounding the HBO series, but that hasn’t stopped fans from coming up with some wild ideas for the casting.

Here are a few of the names I’ve seen come up the most…

HBO Has Reportedly Cast 'He Who Must Not Be Named' But Won't Announce The Actor Before The Premiere

Before we get into all the actors fans want to see play Voldemort in the Harry Potter TV show, there’s something we should probably go over first. In July 2025, online fantasy blog Redanian Intelligence (via Comic Book Resource), in a post that's since been removed, claimed that HBO and Warner Bros. have reportedly already cast the lead villain for the upcoming series, but that the powers that be aren’t going to be revealing the actor’s name anytime soon. It sounds like they want to keep it a secret until the show premieres at some point in 2027 in order to prevent any early leaks from ruining the surprise.

This information is not confirmed, and should be taken with a grain of salt, as it could all be a big nothing-burger, both in terms of the role already being cast and HBO’s insistence on keeping it a secret. Regardless, it sounds like it will be a while before we learn who will be succeeding Ralph Fiennes by playing “He Who Must Not Be Named.”

With that out of the way…

Some Fans Think Cillian Murphy Should Play The Role

When it comes to who people on social media think would be a great choice to take over the role of Lord Voldemort, Cillian Murphy is one of the names that comes up the most. The Academy Award-winning actor, who has appeared in everything from the global phenomenon that was Oppenheimer to 28 Days Later (he’s also slated to return to the franchise soon), is no stranger when it comes to playing charismatic villains. Over the years, he’s brought to life those like Dr. Jonathan Crane, a.k.a. Scarecrow, in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, as well as Jackson Rippner in Wes Craven’s frighteningly intense Red Eye.

In a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, people were quick to respond that they would love to see Murphy play the evil wizard, with multiple commenters saying he’d be perfect for the role. They're not alone, as Ralph Fiennes himself explained on Watch What Happens Live in late 2024 that he “would be all in favor of Cillian” taking over the role.

Others Hope For Tom Hiddleston

Though Murphy is the actor who comes up the most whenever the question about Voldemort comes up on social media, he’s not alone. Another name that seems to come up a lot is Tom Hiddleston, who would honestly do a fantastic job of portraying him. Over on Reddit, someone even went as far as to create concept art showing the Loki actor portraying “He Who Must Not Be Named,” which is honestly quite terrifying.

There’s another Reddit post where some fans thought it would be cool to see Hiddleston take on the part, but they’re having a hard time imagining how it would look to see his face on the back of Professor Quirrell’s head in the season adapting Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. However, visual effects technology has vastly improved since the movie came out nearly 25 years ago.

Matt Smith Is Another Name People Keep Bringing Up

Similar to how there are James Bond betting odds when it comes to who’ll play 007 in the future, sites like Gambling.com have all kinds of odds for who’ll be taking on the role of Lord Voldemort. Just behind Murphy and Hiddleston is Matt Smith, who is no stranger to fantasy series or HBO productions, having appeared in House of the Dragon. In July 2025, the Doctor Who and The Crown actor had 5/2 odds, beating out the likes of Benedict Cumberbatch and fellow Time Lord, David Tennant.

While Smith’s look in HOTD makes the Daemon Targaryen actor look more like a better fit to play Lucius Malfoy, the infamous Death Eater is already being portrayed by Johnny Flynn of Emma. and The Outfit fame.

But One Of The Wildest Theories Is That Voldemort Will Be A Woman This Time

One of the wildest casting theories going around the internet is one that sees Voldemort being portrayed by a woman this time around. A user on X posted in July 2025 that they think the show’s producers have changed the gender of the evil wizard, which would certainly shake things up.

While that would make the show even more interesting, it doesn’t seem likely, as the series is being teased as a more faithful adaptation of the novels. Whether or not that means keeping genders the same this time around is anyone’s guess.

Regardless, The Harry Potter TV Show Casting Has Been Superb So Far, And There's Reason To Believe It'll Be The Same For Voldemort

Regardless of the Lord Voldemort casting, it sounds like the new Harry Potter TV series is going to be one of the biggest shows in recent history, and perhaps of all time. With an amazing cast of talented actors and newcomers alike, it’s hard to imagine the powers that be not going all out and doing something magical when it comes to the big bad of the series.

With a massive scale that’s reportedly comparable to Game of Thrones, a season per book for exploring the ins and outs of the beloved fantasy novels, and so much anticipation leading up to its release, it sounds like we’re in for one wild ride come 2027.

Expect to hear much more about the Harry Potter TV show, both in terms of all its casting decisions and ongoing production, in the weeks and months to come.

SPOILER WARNING: The following article gives away a few crucial details from Red Eye. So, if you have not yet seen the 2005 thriller, now streaming with a Netflix subscription, I recommend you make like Rachel McAdams’ Lisa and think very carefully about your next move.

I could not believe 20 years had passed since I last saw director Wes Craven’s Red Eye when I decided to give it a rewatch on Netflix. I was also happily surprised to find that the film, about a hotel manager coerced into helping achieve a political assassination by the menacing stranger seated next to her on a “red-eye flight,” holds up incredibly well, even if star Cillian Murphy disagrees.

Speaking of, the Irish Oscar winner is fantastic as the deceptively charming, frighteningly sinister terrorist Jackson Rippner, which is one reason why I still believe it is one of the best Cillian Murphy movies. However, I must admit that, for me, the character pales a bit in comparison to whom I believe are the more maddening villains of Red Eye, mainly for personal reasons. Allow me to explain…

The Taylors Made My Blood Boil

Before landing my dream job at CinemaBlend, I worked at a grocery store for the better part of a decade. During that time, I encountered my fair share of customers who had absolutely no patience for even the slightest inconvenience and could not even be satisfied by seeing the situation resolved, choosing to continue being unreasonably rude for the hell of it. So, you might be able to imagine how I reacted to the Taylors during my Red Eye rewatch.

Played by Robert Pine and Terry Press, Bob and Marianne Taylor bookend the film with scenes that demonstrate their staunch entitlement. First, they treat front desk employee Cynthia (Jayma Mays), who does everything in her power to help the couple find their missing reservation, like she shot them or something. At the end of the film (less than 90 minutes later), they have the audacity to complain about a spill of plaster in their room from the nearby assassination attempt instead of considering anybody else’s well-being amid such violence. On top of that, they still demand that Lisa fire Cynthia.

I am thankful to have never faced customers quite as bad as the Taylors during my grocery store tenure. However, because of my previous experiences, I found myself genuinely more infuriated by their behavior than much of the terrible acts we see Rippner commit.

I Believe The Taylors Are Two Of Red Eye's Most Important Characters

It might be easy to write off Bob and Marianne as the comic relief of Red Eye. However, I actually believe the couple hold a lot of water in the story in how they represent the transformative arc of its hero.

At the beginning of the film, when Cynthia consults Lisa about how to resolve the reservation mix-up, she recommends giving them two nights free in one of the nicest rooms at the hotel. However, in a satisfying final move at the end, she responds to the Taylors’ complaints by telling them to fill out a comment card that they can then shove up their asses.

Lisa even refers to herself as an indiscriminate, 24-7 people pleaser early on in the story when getting to know Rippner (before she gets to know the real Rippner, of course). However, after surviving a traumatic experience with a manipulative criminal, she seems to have reinvented herself into someone who chooses not to take crap from those who do not deserve her kindness, and her differing responses to the Taylors illustrate that evolution wonderfully.

I could understand if there are people who felt this thriller was a movie with misleading marketing and, I cannot deny it is certainly one of Wes Craven’s lighter efforts. However, with expert pacing, top-notch performances all around, and a strong character arc represented by two of the most insufferably impolite people I have ever seen in a film, I think it is absolutely worth your time to stream Red Eye on Netflix again, especially if it has been a while. Cillian Murphy might choose not to rewatch it, but that does not mean you can’t.

I’m still amazed that director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have reassembled to deliver a new tale of terror to the 2025 movie schedule in 28 Years Later. The occasion has left me also thinking about 28 Days Later a lot, a film that would eventually become known as Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy’s star-making performance.

But while the Oppenheimer lead has always been pitch perfect in the role of Jim, there’s a long existing list of names that have been rumored to be up for the part back in the day. And when I say names, I truly mean “names,” like Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling and frequent Boyle collaborator Ewan McGregor.

When the opportunity to watch the first 28 minutes of 28 Years Later was paired with an in-person interview with its intrepid director, I had to try and weed out fact from fiction, which saw all three names debunked in the process. However, that’s when Danny Boyle gave CinemaBlend two names I never expected to be in the mix:

So the trio of Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling and Ewan McGregor were never going to even make the list for 28 Days Later’s casting. With that being said, I’m very surprised that Tom Hardy and Orlando Bloom hadn’t been reported more often - especially at that point in their careers.

Although coincidentally enough, McGregor was in Black Hawk Down himself, as well as entrenched in the Star Wars prequel trilogy at the time. Likewise, by the time Danny Boyle’s film was making the rounds in its initial 2002 release in the UK, Hardy and Bloom were going head to head at the box office thanks to their respective roles in Star Trek: Nemesis and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

Honestly, either man would have been a distraction to the tense, harrowing journey 28 Days Later took, as audiences would know they’d survive the ride. The whole point of the third act is that by time Jim’s on his rampage through Major West’s estate, you’re supposed to wonder if he’s an Infected at that point.

While we now know that wasn’t the case, and with Cillian Murphy set to return for 28 Years Later’s sequel The Bone Temple, that point tends to get a bit lost. However, Danny Boyle’s perspective seemed to see him pick between two finalists, with the Christopher Nolan vet winning out in the end. At least, that’s what it sounded like when the 28 Years Later mastermind shared this with CinemaBlend:

The rest, as they say, is history. 2003’s US release lit a fuse that saw both Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris both launch into higher profile roles, and Danny Boyle and Alex Garland being heralded as the men who reanimated the zombie (and zombie-adjacent) subgenre.

Seeing as Stephen King bought out showings of 28 Days Later just so he could give them out to spread the word, that was clearly the right choice. And as Danny Boyle himself suggested, Orlando Bloom and Tom Hardy did “do alright” in the end. Let’s hope that 28 Years Later renews its franchise’s King Seal of Approval, when it opens in theaters on June 20th.

Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer was that rare movie that was both a box office hit and a serious award winner. It also had one of the most incredibly stacked casts in recent memory. Jack Quaid was but one member of the Oppenheimer cast, and even he was stunned by the actors involved as well as his accomplished director.

Quaid has a relatively small role in Oppenheimer as physicist Richard Feynman. His most notable scene in the film may be his character playing the bongos (something Feynman actually did) at a Los Alamos Christmas party. Quaid told Men’s Health that while he’s a “glorified extra” in the scene, it was still one of his favorite moments because of everything he got to witness. Quaid said…

Christopher Nolan movies are almost always stacked with amazing actors because they all want to work with the accomplished director. The Odyssey cast is already looking incredible. Having said that, the Oppenheimer cast was even more incredible than most considering the quite massive number of actors that were needed to play all the key roles. In this one scene, as Quaid notes, the number of amazing actors is just nuts.

It’s no surprise that Jack Quaid was a bit in awe of the cast that he was part of. Still, even in this simple scene, Jack Quaid still did enough to catch the eye of Christopher Nolan. Quaid said that the director specifically complimented him on his performance in the scene. Quaid continued…

Quaid may have felt like he was somebody on the outside looking in at all the other stars, but he has since become friends with some of them. Much of the Oppenheimer cast still talk via text in a group chat that’s being called the Oppenhomies.

Quaid's career has been going quite well since Oppenheimer. At this rate, it won't be long before somebody else is really happy to have shared a scene with him.

The continued uncertainty surrounding James Bond 26 leaves a lot to the imagination, especially when we don’t know who’s going to play the new 007. However, I’m not here to talk about that usual mill of speculation today, as I want to dig into something else that every good Bond movie needs: a villain. As you’d expect, there are a lot of betting odds covering this subject, and quite a few of the candidates involved remind me of a point I’ve made when it comes to something I really want to happen in Bond 26.

Bond 26’s Villain Odds Have A Lot Of Promising Choices

Online betting site BetOnline have quite a few fields one can monitor the odds on, which includes a roster of hopeful actors to play Commander Bond himself. Also, if anyone wants to check how our previously reported Bond Girl odds are faring, you’ll be surprised to see who is on the list, especially since supposed front runners Sydney Sweeney and Margaret Qualley are not.

Shifting to another big surprise, this is one of the first times I can think of where someone’s paid any attention to trying to cast Bond 26’s villain. As you’ll see listed below, a couple Bond veterans are in the mix, in addition to some dark horse candidates.

But the top three choices below are rather golden, if we’re sticking to the traditional mold. Feel free to read along and agree/disagree:

1. Cillian Murphy: +500 (16.67%)
2. Paul Giamatti: +600 (14.29%)
3. David Dastmalchian: +700 (12.5%)
4. Giancarlo Esposito / Helena Bonham Carter / Zendaya: +800 (11.11%)
5. Robert De Niro / Jack Black / Willem Defoe / Mads Mikkelsen / Kevin Bacon / Emma Stone / Hugh Jackman: +1200 (7.69%)
6. Samuel L Jackson / Gary Oldman/ Margot Robbie: +1400 (6.67%)
7. Christopher Walken / Hugh Grant / Denzel Washington / Keanu Reeves / Jared Leto / Jeremy Irons: +1600 (5.88%)
8. Sean Bean / Jennifer Lawrence / Scarlett Johansson / Emily Blunt / Chris Smalls: +2000 (4.76%)
9. Ralph Fiennes / John Malkovich / Tim Roth: +2500 (3.85%)
10. Tom Brady / Adam Sandler: +3300 (2.94%)

If Cillian Murphy, Paul Giamatti or David Dastmalchian were cast as the villain for the next James Bond movie, I’d be set to accept that, for sure. A trio of versatile actors we’ve seen do pretty much anything, those aren’t gambles at all. But if we’re going to kickstart 007 in the Amazon-MGM Studios era of creative control, it’s time to break out a move that evolves one of my favorite Bond villains of the past.

I Still Think Bond 26 Needs To Have A Female Villain

25 years after The World is Not Enough pulled the rug out from under us with Sophie Marceau’s Elektra King, I’m shocked we haven’t seen a full-on female Bond villain. While she definitely counts towards the history of female antagonists in the series, that reveal came after most of that entry in Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond era had led us to believe that Renard (Robert Carlyle) was the one running the show.

While I know that comments on James Bond’s “reinvention” came from former producer Barbara Broccoli, that remark applies even more going forward. Whomever gets the gig to make Bond 26 is clearly going to have feelings on this matter, but I honestly believe that we’re long overdue for a woman that can be 007’s ultimate challenge of duty.

And should any one from Amazon-MGM’s Bond team be reading, I’ve previously plead my case for why Lady Gaga should be a Bond villain. Although if we're going to work off of the list above, put me down for Team Emily Blunt. Should you disagree, there's no need to worry. We seem to have all the time in the world to discuss this, as Bond 26 is still pretty far off.

If I had the 2025 movie schedule posted on my refrigerator door, I’d probably have a nice red circle around 28 Years Later. The same would go for the second installment of this would-be trilogy, especially now that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has a release date set for January 2026. Put 'em next to each other, and it looks like a pair of Rage-infected eyes. Like I said, I'm really jazzed about Danny Boyle's return to this modern horror classic.

Such anticipation means I’m always on the lookout for new details or news dropping about the rest of the Alex Garland scripted-legacy-quels. However, I fear I may have stumbled upon some accidental spoilers, which could involve the arrival of one fan favorite just as two newbies are leaving.

Good News: Cillian Murphy’s 28 Years Later Entrance May Have Just Been Revealed

Performer Danny Stafford, who’s billed as “Dr. Kelson’s Double” on his Spotlight CV, seems to be finished with his role in Nia DaCosta’s middle chapter in 28 Years Later’s grand story. We know as much because he made a Facebook post commemorating that fact dating back to last September; complete with some cryptic art and what looks like a photo of himself on set.

In his goodbyes, Mr. Stafford shared warm thoughts about returning legacy cast-member Cillian Murphy, complete with an inside joke from the set. While we knew Murphy wasn’t on deck for 28 Years Later, there was still a question as to when he might be popping up in this trilogy. Now depending on how deep you are in the fan community, some have actually spotted alleged photos of the Oppenheimer star shooting his return as Jim on set in the wild.

So now with Danny Stafford’s reported corroboration, we’re closer to confirming that Cillian Murphy will be back in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Though for all we know, Nia DaCosta is just filming a potential ending tag that leads into a hypothetical larger role for Jim in the final chapter.

That’s where the good news ends though, as it’s time to break some bad news that seems to be hidden right in front of our faces.

Bad News: We May Now Know Two 28 Years Later Characters Who Don’t Make It Out Of The Bone Temple

Mr. Stafford’s thank yous to the cast of 28 Years Later are pretty extensive, especially when it comes to the venerable Ralph Fiennes. With Dr. Kelson becoming “a much bigger part” in The Bone Temple, we knew that Round 2 would be a big deal for this mysterious party.

With the role scaling up, Danny Stafford’s role as a double was probably a necessity for this potentially major 28 Franchise character. Which has me wondering, is his wrapping on 28 Years Later’s first sequel a sign that Dr. Kelson dies during this adventure?

That’s not the end of the potential losses however, as a pretty major cast member is missing from Stafford’s post. Call me crazy, but the absence of Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s name in this rundown of collaborators has me thinking that his character Jamie isn’t going to live to see the curtain drop on 28 Years Later.

I know that’s a lot to talk out, which is why I must remind you that this is all speculation from my Rage-addled brain. We might learn more soon enough though, as a recent update from the Film & Television Industry Alliance alleges that the third entry in this upcoming horror movie trilogy is looking to start shooting at the end of March. For now, 28 Years Later will start us down the path to dystopian England this summer starting June 20th.

The Academy Award for Best Actor has been handed out every year since 1929 — fun fact, it was awarded to German actor Emil Jannings for not one but two acclaimed roles, in The Last Command and The Way of All Flesh — and in the near-century since, it's been presented 97 times to 86 actors. But while taking home that coveted statuette is definitely a career highlight for any performer, the honor does add a little extra pressure on the actor's next project. Will it be as beloved and acclaimed as the role that won them the gold? Here are 32 films that Oscar-winning actors did after taking home the Academy Award, and how they were received.

Cillian Murphy

After the enormity of portraying famed physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's billion-dollar blockbuster Oppenheimer, and taking home the 2024 Oscar for Best Actor in the process, Cillian Murphy went small for his next film — literally. In the 2024 adaptation of Claire Keegan's Small Things Like These, Murphy returned to his native Ireland to play Bill, a quiet coal merchant and father of five internally struggling with the harsh realities of the infamous Magdalene Laundries. While Murphy didn't replicate the awards dominance of Oppenheimer with SMTLT, his internal and affecting performance was widely praised by critics.

Joaquin Phoenix

After four nominations throughout his decades-spanning career, Joaquin Phoenix finally took home that Best Actor statue in 2020 for his engrossing portrayal of the nihilistic clown Arthur Fleck in Todd Phillips' Joker. Following that iconic role, Phoenix next appeared in the 2021 Mike Mills dramedy C'mon C'mon, an improv-heavy performance that saw the actor play a middle-aged radio journalist tasked with babysitting his nephew (Woody Norman) while on the road for work. Phoenix was nominated for Outstanding Lead Performance at the Gotham Awards, and the film was chosen by the National Board of Review as one of the Top 10 Independent Films of the year.

Will Smith

Will Smith had quite an, um, eventful evening when he took home the Oscar for Best Actor in 2022 for King Richard after two prior nominations (Ali, The Pursuit of Happyness). Winning an Oscar means that a spotlight is already bright on an actor, but the added publicity from the ceremony means his post-slap comeback would be even more scrutinized than usual. His follow-up was 2022's Emancipation, in which he played a runaway slave in 1860s Louisiana. Though the drama received mixed reviews overall, Smith won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for his performance.

Anthony Hopkins

Though he's garnered six Oscar nominations across his illustrious acting career — with his most recent win being for 2021's The Father — Anthony Hopkins' first Academy Award was for that scene-stealing villain, psychiatrist turned serial killer Hannibal Lector in 1991's The Silence of the Lambs. Following up such an iconic performance is no small task and unfortunately, Hopkins' next film, 1992's Freejack opposite Emilio Estevez and Mick Jagger, was a sci-fi dud, bombing both with critics and audiences. During an appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman, Hopkins himself called the film "terrible."

Leonardo DiCaprio

Five-time nominee Leonardo DiCaprio had a bit of "always the bridesmaid" syndrome where the Academy Awards were concerned, until he finally took home the Best Actor Oscar for his emotionally raw and physically punishing performance in Alejandro G. Iñárritu's 2019 Western epic The Revenant. His next big-screen role was, graciously, a bit less cold and blustery, trading the frosty American Midwest for starry Los Angeles in Quentin Tarantino's Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. The latter received 10 Oscar nominations at the 92nd Academy Awards, including a nod for DiCaprio's individual work.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington had already taken home a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for playing a Civil War soldier in the 1989 war drama Glory, but he got his first big Best Actor win for portraying corrupt LAPD officer Alonzo Harris in the 2001 crime thriller Training Day. His next performance was another memorable Denzel role: as the title character in the 2002 Nick Cassavetes-directed drama John Q, which saw Washington play a desperate father who takes a hospital emergency room hostage in order for his son to receive a heart transplant. Alas, despite some praise for Denzel's performance, the film itself boasts only a 26% critics' rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Robert De Niro

Six years after taking home the Best Supporting Actor statue for The Godfather Part II, Robert De Niro got his Best Actor win for his iconic and intense work as boxing champion Jake LaMotta in Martin Scorsese's Raging Bull. A year later, De Niro put away the boxing gloves and picked up the Bible to play a Roman Catholic monsignor in 1981's True Confessions, opposite fellow The Godfather great Robert Duvall. Though reviews for the neo-noir were largely positive, the National Review's William F. Buckley, Jr. panned it: "Robert De Niro is badly miscast. He is never entirely convincing."

Matthew McConaughey

After acclaimed turns in 2011's Lincoln Lawyer and 2012's Magic Mike, the so-called "McConaissance" was officially solidified a year later with Matthew McConaughey's Oscar-winning portrayal of Ron Woodroof, a cowboy diagnosed with AIDS, in the biopic Dallas Buyers Club. Despite not having nearly as much screentime, the actor's next performance was just as memorable: a chest-thumping, meme-inducing extended cameo as Mark Hanna in Martin Scorsese's The Wolf of Wall Street.

Tom Hanks

Beyond being one of the most beloved actors of all time, Tom Hanks also holds a piece of cinema history: he's one of only two actors to win back-to-back Academy Awards for acting. Yes, that means after taking home the Best Actor Oscar for his heart-wrenching performance as HIV-positive lawyer Andrew Beckett in 1994's Philadelphia, Hanks struck Oscar gold yet again with his very next performance, as the titular lead of 1995's Forrest Gump.

Rami Malek

Rami Malek belted his way to an Oscar as legendary Queen frontman Freddie Mercury in the glossy 2019 biopic Bohemian Rhapsody. His first post-award performance also revolved around his voice — voice acting, that is, as Malek portrayed a mountain gorilla named Chee-Chee in the 2020 fantasy-adventure film Dolittle, with his future Oppenheimer co-star Robert Downey Jr. as the titular doc. The family-friendly flick received abysmal reviews from critics, with Courtney Howard of Variety writing: "What should have been an awe-filled adventure quickly curdles into an awful one, thanks to a pedestrian formula and the filmmakers' fixation on fart jokes."

Adrien Brody

In 2003, Adrien Brody made Oscar history when he won the Academy Award for Best Actor at age 29 for his portrayal of Władysław Szpilman in Roman Polanski's war drama The Pianist, becoming the youngest actor ever to win in that category. Later that year, he followed up his historic win with the musical crime comedy The Singing Detective, about a mystery writer (Robert Downey Jr.) who relives his detective stories through his imagination and hallucinations. The film scored a 39% "Rotten" rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Jamie Foxx

Jamie Foxx had one hell of a 2004, serving up not one but two award-worthy performances: He took home the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance as soul great Ray Charles in the 2004 biopic Ray and also received a Best Supporting Actor nod that same year for his work in the crime film Collateral. It would be near-impossible for any performer to hit that kind of stratospheric high again, especially with Foxx's follow-up Stealth — the 2005 military action flick co-starring Josh Lucas and Jessica Biel was dubbed a "stink-bomb" by Roger Ebert.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Acting legend Daniel Day-Lewis deservedly holds the record for the most Best Actor awards ever, with three wins out of six nominations, but his first was for playing Christy Brown, a writer-artist born with cerebral palsy, in the 1989 drama My Left Foot. And though he would later follow that iconic role up by playing famous figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Bill the Butcher, his immediate next performance was as an Irish-American dentist traveling around Argentina in the forgettable 1989 dramedy Eversmile, New Jersey.

Jack Nicholson

The first of three Academy Awards for the legendary movie star, Jack Nicholson's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest performance as Randle McMurphy nabbed him the Oscar in 1976. Later that year, he would star as cattle rustler Tom Logan opposite Marlon Brandon in the Arthur Penn-helmed Western The Missouri Breaks. Coming hot on the heels of not only his own Oscar win but also Brando's for The Godfather, the film was highly anticipated — however, it failed to live up to those expectations and became a notorious critical and commercial flop.

Marlon Brando

One of the most iconic cinema stars of all time, Marlon Brando was nominated for eight Oscars across his decades-spanning career. He won two, the first being for his electrifying role as prizefighter turned longshoreman Terry Malloy in the 1954 crime drama On the Waterfront, widely considered one of the greatest acting performances of all time. His next role as Napoleon Bonaparte in the historical romance Désirée didn't win him any awards, but Variety reportedly called his performance "a masterful exhibition of thesping" at the time.

Philip Seymour Hoffman

The late, great Philip Seymour Hoffman had already solidified himself as a vibrant and vital supporting actor with films like The Talented Mr. Ripley, Almost Famous, Magnolia and 25th Hour, but his Oscar-winning portrayal of author Truman Capote in 2005's Capote officially upped him to leading man status. He would receive another three Oscar nominations in the years to follow, but his very next role was more of a crowd-pleaser than an awards grab: as arms dealer Owen Davian in Mission: Impossible III.

Russell Crowe

Audiences and critics alike were very much entertained by Russell Crowe's performance as Maximus Decimus Meridius in the 2000 Rome-set epic Gladiator, which earned the New Zealand-born star the Best Actor Oscar at the 73rd Academy Awards. Crowe would go up for the same award only a year later, for his portrayal of American mathematician John Forbes Nash Jr. in the biographical drama A Beautiful Mind, but he lost to Training Day lead Denzel Washington.

Jean Dujardin

Jean Dujardin rose to international fame with his performance as George Valentin in the 2011 silent movie The Artist — his Oscar win was a historic one, as he was the first French performer to ever take home the Best Actor statue. Despite his newfound Hollywood status, however, the actor-comedian returned to his native France for his next film credit: The Players, a 2012 comedy anthology co-starring Gilles Lellouche, with each man also directing and writing a segment.

Nicolas Cage

Nicolas Cage's filmography is a wild ride, from critically acclaimed fare like Raising Arizona, Moonstruck and Adaptation to straight-to-video shlock. Thankfully, his 1995 drama Leaving Las Vegas falls into the former category, winning Cage the Best Actor Oscar for his role as alcoholic screenwriter Ben Sanderson. (Funnily enough, it's not one of Nic Cage's favorite Nic Cage movies.) His next movie was the 1996 action thriller The Rock, which also won Cage an award: the Best On-Screen Duo statue at the MTV Movie Awards alongside co-star Sean Connery.

Eddie Redmayne

British star Eddie Redmayne won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of famed theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking in the 2014 biographical drama The Theory of Everything. But that career high was immediately followed by a career-low: a Golden Raspberry Award — a parody award honoring cinematic failures — for Worst Supporting Actor for his work in the galactically goofy 2015 space opera Jupiter Ascending. Even he admitted his performance was bad!

Sidney Poitier

A movie icon through and through, Bahamian-American actor Sidney Poitier made history in 1964 as the first Black performer to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Lilies of the Field. A year later, he moved on from that seminal role with the 1965 Cold War thriller The Bedford Incident, as a civilian photojournalist aboard a U.S. Navy ship that gets into some messy business with a Soviet submarine. Though Bosley Crowther of The New York Times wrote that "the whole thing transcends plausibility," other critics clearly disagreed — the movie has an 86% Certified Fresh rating.

Sean Penn

After a trio of Best Actor nominations, Sean Penn's haunting performance as a grieving, vengeful father of a murdered Boston girl in the Clint Eastwood-directed neo-noir Mystic River finally got him the Academy Award in 2004. Later that year, Penn starred in yet another crime thriller, The Assassination of Richard Nixon, based on the story of the POTUS's would-be assassin Samuel Byck in the mid-1970s. The latter film didn't share the award-worthy gravitas of Mystic River, though, per Rotten Tomatoes, critical consensus said: "A fascinating true story and compelling Sean Penn performance are worthy compensations."

Roberto Benigni

Few Oscar wins were as memorable as Roberto Benigni's, what with presenter Sofia Loren's passionate declaration of "Roberto!" to Benigni's literal victory lap up to the stage. The Italian actor-director took the Best Actor trophy in 1998 for the Holocaust tragicomedy Life is Beautiful, making him the first honoree for a non-English language performance. A year later, he would appear in a very different movie: French-Italian-German comedy adventure flick Asterix and Obelix vs. Caesar opposite Gérard Depardieu and Christian Clavier, which was a box office success.

Al Pacino

One of the most influential actors in modern cinema, Al Pacino was nominated for eight Academy Awards — including for The Godfather films, Serpico and the crime drama classic Dog Day Afternoon — before finally taking home the Best Actor statue for playing Frank Slade in 1992's Scent of a Woman. That Oscar win gave viewers an extra critical eye on his next role, as Nuyorican criminal Carlito Brigante in the De Palma crime drama Carlito's Way, however, reviews were largely positive.

Ben Kingsley

It's a daunting thing playing any famous figure in movies based on true stories, especially when the subject is so famous, that they need only one name. Case in point: Gandhi, the 1982 bio epic about the Indian political and spiritual leader Mahatma Gandhi, directed by Richard Attenborough and performed by English actor Sir Ben Kingsley. Luckily for them, the film won Best Picture and Kingsley took home the Best Actor award. Though his next project, the 1983 film adaptation of Harold Pinter's play Betrayal, didn't get Oscar acclaim, it was well-received by critics.

Humphrey Bogart

It seems surprising that Humphrey Bogart didn't win the Oscar for a role as iconic as Rick Blaine in the 1942 classic Casablanca. No, it would actually be another eight years until ol' Bogie won Best Actor for The African Queen, starring as Canadian mechanic Charlie Allnut opposite Katharine Hepburn's Methodist missionary Rose Sayer. His post-Oscar follow-up was the 1952 noir Deadline – U.S.A.: Variety said "Bogart gives a convincing performance all the way" as a big-city newspaper editor who exposes a gangster's crimes.

Forest Whitaker

Forest Whitaker was ferocious and formidable as Ugandan dictator Idi Amin in the 2006 historical drama The Last King of Scotland, one of his best performances that got the performer a Best Actor Oscar in '07. Later that year, the actor appeared in the ensemble crime drama The Air I Breathe alongside Kevin Bacon, Julie Delpy and Brendan Fraser. Though reviews for the film were overwhelmingly negative, several singled out Whitaker's performance. Annabelle Robertson at Crosswalk wrote: "Whitaker, in particular, is extremely sympathetic in his role—a feat that is all the more outstanding after his turn as the evil dictator in The Last King of Scotland."

Dustin Hoffman

After three Best Actor nods, New Hollywood icon Dustin Hoffman received his first Academy Award for playing half of a couple going through a devastating divorce (alongside an equally great Meryl Streep) in Kramer vs. Kramer in 1980. His next movie role is just as much of a classic: as Michael Dorsey-slash-Dorothy Michaels in the beloved 1982 comedy Tootsie, which nabbed the star yet another Best Actor nomination.

Gary Oldman

Gary Oldman was nearly unrecognizable in his prosthetics-heavy performance as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the 2017 historical drama Darkest Hour. The Academy Awards honored the quintessential Oldman role with a Best Actor award, his second nomination after Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. His next role was just as transformative, if not nearly as acclaimed: Oldman voiced an artificial intelligence in the 2018 sci-fi thriller Tau, which holds a woeful critical rating of 27% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Laurence Olivier

One of the most celebrated Shakespearean actors in film history, cinema icon Laurence Olivier starred in and directed adaptations of three of the Bard's best-known words, Henry V (1944), Hamlet (1948) and Richard III (1955), and earned a Best Actor Oscar for playing the Prince of Denmark. After portraying one of the most famous characters of all time, Olivier switched it up by cameoing as a no-name policeman in the 1951 drama The Magic Box, a "distinguished" bit of stunt casting that The New York Times praised as a delightful "extravagance."

Casey Affleck

Casey Affleck's devastating performance as a father grieving the loss of his three children in Kenneth Lonergan's gut-wrenching Manchester by the Sea clearly broke the collective hearts of the Academy, which voted to give the Boston-bred performer the Best Actor award in 2017. That year, he would tackle another exploration of love and loss with the supernatural drama A Ghost Story, which was a hit with critics — Richard Brody of The New Yorker included the title on his list of the decade's best films.

Brendan Fraser

Brendan Fraser experienced quite the career comeback when he took the Best Actor Oscar for his acclaimed performance as a morbidly obese, housebound English teacher in the 2022 Darren Aronofsky-directed melodrama The Whale. He kept those high-profile projects going with his next film credit, as attorney W. S. Hamilton in Martin Scorsese's stunning American crime drama Killers of the Flower Moon, which was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

I’m not underselling things when I say that the 2025 movie schedule has my mind in its grasp. A lot of continuations of properties I love as a fan are happening throughout the landscape, one of which is undoubtedly 28 Years Later.

I’ve followed all of the recent updates like a hawk, and one recent piece of information has stood out to me as a bit of a problem. As if I wasn’t already asking how much 28 Weeks Later will be affected by Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland’s legacy-quel, some new plot details have come out that only have me asking more questions about the franchise canon.

What Danny Boyle Has Said About 28 Years Later’s Story

Legacy-quels can be quite fun when it comes to whether or not they take into account the story of the previous entry. So when I saw that Empire had some comments about where 28 Years Later’s story is going, I was intrigued. As far as Danny Boyle’s comments on how this new trilogy will treat the story that came before, here’s what he had to say:

That still sounds awesome, but it’s the further details the publication shared that gave me a slight pause. In addition to confirming that our new would-be protagonists are named Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Isla (Jodie Comer) and Spike (Alfie Williams), this family unit is apparently in a very different UK than one would have expected.

Not only is the whole country quarantined from the rest of the world, it appears that “the rest of the globe remains relatively unaffected” by the Rage Virus. Which leads to my first big 28 Franchise question, and perhaps the most glaring.

Is 28 Weeks Later About To Become Soft Canon?

Spoilers for those of you who haven’t seen 28 Weeks Later, but by the end of the 2007 sequel to 28 Days Later, the virus did indeed leave jolly old England. The final moment of director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo’s follow-up saw an Infected horde running through subway tunnels, and eventually in front of the Eiffel Tower, in a chilling finale.

But now, according to this 28 Years Later update, that may not be the case. Huge question #1 is, does this new twist mean that 28 Weeks Later is now considered a soft canon event? It doesn’t necessarily have to be that way, as there are plenty of circumstances that could have seen France contain and extinguish the Rage Virus within its borders.

As someone who was recently pleased with David Koepp’s Jurassic franchise story commandments, I’m hoping returning writer Alex Garland hasn’t ditched 28 Weeks Later totally - especially when the key to another 28 Years Later development would be better suited by keeping that story intact.

Could 28 Weeks Later’s Important Contribution To 28 Years Later’s Story Still Remain?

Throughout the language in the promotional campaign shared along with 28 Years Later’s trailer, one word, and its many forms, keeps popping up: mutation. That’s a huge uh-oh when trying to eradicate a virus, especially one as deadly as Rage. As we’ve seen in small glimpses throughout the first footage from this upcoming horror movie, there appears to be a new variant of the Rage Virus that may allow some Infected to become physically imposing.

Big question #2 arises out of this concern, as I wonder if 28 Weeks Later’s current state in the canon will allow its greatest gift to 28 Years Later to still exist. The Rage Virus could have very easily mutated after the events of Weeks, considering the big twist is that the gene for heterochromia somehow allows for a person to become an asymptomatic carrier.

The second wave outbreak from Weeks could still be the explanation for 28 Years Later’s fun new mutations. So even if we don’t find ourselves read into what may have happened with the survivors of this questionably canonical adventure, just knowing that it happened would be enough.

Can We Get An Official Ruling On Whether Selena’s 28 Days Later Sequel Comic Is Canon?

Speaking of survivors, it’s time to turn back the clock to a time when 28 Days Later had freshly wrapped, leaving the Manchester Three to be discovered by a pilot speaking Finnish. There is a huge gap between the 2002 franchise starter and the present day, which means we’re not totally sure what has happened to Hannah (Megan Burns), Selena (Naomie Harris) and Jim (Cillian Murphy).

At least, that statement would be true depending on the answer to the next canon question I’m asking: is Selena’s sequel story from Boom! Studios actually canon, or not? The short, short version of this fantastic story is that 28 Days Later saw our survivors go through hell after surviving threats from Infected and horny military types alike.

Selena kind of goes into hiding, but is lured back to the UK around the same time London is reopened in 28 Weeks Later. The ending is a somewhat happy one for Selena, as she flies off to the US just as hell is breaking loose on France. So I’m not sure how much my theory for 28 Years Later - The Bone Temple bringing Selena back into the fold would suffer. I mean, would you voluntarily return to a vicious hot zone if you didn’t have to?

How Will 28 Years Later Bring Jim Back?

The canonicity of 28 Weeks Later’s 2009 - 2011 comic sequel brings one more major question to the table, and also gives us a potential answer. You see, Cillian Murphy’s confirmed 28 Years Later return is the last major concern I’m wondering about, at least for the moment. I’m sure plenty of other fans are wondering the same thing, so let’s just get this final query out in the open: how the hell is Jim going to return in this ravaged UK?

If Boom! Studios’ 28 Days Later comic is canon, then our hero was supposed to be executed, thanks to his part in the death of Major Henry West (Christopher Eccleston). Even if that event is still held as canon, it wouldn’t be the first time the former bike courier escaped certain death. There’s a chance that Jim could have escaped the clutches of the UK’s military and gone to a secluded location in the countryside.

That’s certainly what looks to have happened, if the recent Reddit post claiming to have an on-set photo of Cillian Murphy filming his role for the 28 Years Later trilogy is accurate. Which, more than likely, could be a secret shooting day to include some sort of tag promising his return at the end of 2026’s The Bone Temple; seeing as Murphy will not be in 28 Years Later.

I won't be leaving this rabbit hole any time soon, so you can count on me to keep digging for answers, which may create more questions in the process. The bright side is 28 Years Later's first chapter is set to debut on June 20th, so I probably won't have to hunt for much longer. However, if you want to join me, you can always digitally rent 28 Days Later and 28 Years Later, and start to connect the strings along with me. Or you can have a productive, normal life.... it's your choice!

The hype surrounding 28 Days Later, and its upcoming legacy-quel, is a pretty powerful point of interest on the 2025 movie schedule. With what we know about 28 Years Later ties into Cillian Murphy’s debunked trailer appearance getting fans to talk about just how, or when, the iconic Jim will return, it’s been a pretty wild ride.

The buzz has gotten to the point where franchise producer Andrew Macdonald has clarified Murphy’s role in the first film. What makes it all funnier is that this reveal may have prompted by a funny anecdote director Danny Boyle shared about that popular first look.

Cillian Murphy’s 28 Years Later Role, According To Producer Andrew Macdonald

As a promotion for Empire Magazine’s March 2025 issue, 28 Years Later is the cover story that’s being used to draw readers into this potential treasure trove. Using the Oppenheimer star’s role in this first entry of a potential trilogy, Macdonald settled the issue with this very interesting update from the magazine set to hit stands next Thursday:

Well folks, there you have it: Cillian Murphy has officially been confirmed to not be in 28 Years Later. I kind of expected this sort of twist, as bringing back any of our legacy characters is something that has to be done carefully. At the same time, I’m kind of confused by Andrew Macdonald’s wording above, as it can be seen as kind of confusing in light of another recent announcement.

Not too long ago, Sony chairman Tom Rothman confirmed the return of Cillian Murphy’s Jim with a short and vague statement. Seeing as Rothman gave his 2024 update months after Murphy’s 28 Years Later EP gig was revealed, it feels like Andrew Macdonald’s piece of the puzzle is trying to downplay the rumors surrounding this first chapter. If only director Danny Boyle had listened to his girlfriend, this scenario might have been easier to handle from square one.

How Danny Boyle’s Girlfriend Spotted This 28 Weeks Later Dilemma Early On

The moment fans thought they’d spotted Cillian Murphy in the 28 Weeks Later trailer was one you could practically hear around the world. It didn’t take long for the press to put that theory to bed, as it was eventually shared that art dealer/model Angus Neill played the “Emaciated Infected” confused for the frequent Christopher Nolan collaborator.

Which leads us to this story involving the Slumdog Millionaire director and his partner’s feedback on this first footage:

So what can we take away from this fun flurry of fan confusion? Well, while 28 Years Later doesn’t have Cillian Murphy on deck, there’s still a chance that 2026’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple might. Although judging by Andrew Macdonald’s statement above, and the seemingly back-to-back nature that saw director Nia DaCosta shoot that middle entry, it could be a huge tease that’s built up for the untitled third film. Which means that my big theory on Jim’s post-28 Days Later life is still in play.

At the moment, you can prepare yourself for what humanity will become by revisiting Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 2002 horror classic, as it’s now available for digital rental or purchase. Meanwhile, 28 Years Later starts off this story on June 20th, with The Bone Temple picking things up on January 16, 2026.

As our eyes turn more intently towards the upcoming 2025 movies, the dream of the long awaited second sequel to 28 Days Later continues to come further into focus. The first trailer to director Danny Boyle’s latest apocalyptic nightmare was recently dropped, and it’s prompted many theories about Cillian Murphy’s 28 Years Later role.

Some even think they’ve spotted the Oppenheimer lead in the first footage, but that's not true. We now know this, as the actual party on display has stepped forward to debunk that claim.

The Identity Of 28 Years Later’s Infamous Infected Has Been Revealed

That’s totally fair, but I don’t think it debunks my theory of the return of Jim. As reported by The Guardian, the decaying party you saw bearing a resemblance to Mr. Murphy is actually art dealer Angus Neill. Admitting to his part in the latest entry of the 28 Franchise, Neill shared this story about being cast:

For the record, the report cited above has Neill credited as “Emaciated Infected,” which totally tracks with the figure in question shown briefly in the trailer. Don’t worry though, as what we know about 28 Years Later hasn’t changed the fact that Cillian Murphy is an executive producer on the three-quel, as well as confirmed to be reprising his role of Jim from 2003’s indie horror blockbuster.

It’s not like we won’t see the Christopher Nolan Repertory Company member in action. Again, we know Cillian Murphy will be in 28 Years Later. The real question at the moment is how the 2024 Oscar winner will be making his grand re-entrance into the hellscape of infected England. Which still leaves the door wide open for my 28 Years Later theory to come to fruition.

Why This 28 Years Later Character Doesn’t Debunk My Theory

In case you haven’t read the theory of Jim’s resurgence in full, the short short version is I think that Cillian Murphy’s character is hiding in plain sight. Furthermore, I think he’s this universe’s version of the boogeyman, in a sort of I Am Legend style twist. After two rounds of chaos with the Rage Virus, anyone could potentially snap - and I think Jim has.

I mean, who else would build a tower of skulls that seem destined to be featured in the Nia DaCosta-directed middle entry of the 28 Years Trilogy? You know, the one that's rumored to have the subtitle "The Bone Temple?" That is not a healthy mind, and we've already seen what it looks like when Jim goes into Beast Mode through 28 Days Later's ending.

With all of those cards on the table, Angus Neill’s “Emaciated Infected” does bear a strong resemblance to Cillian Murphy, especially in his post-coma state in 28 Days Later. You can see that in photos from modeling agency Ugly Models’ Instagram account, as they feature Neill’s unique look in several photographs. So the theory that this vaguely named character is a result of a fever dream that causes an Infected to look like Jim is still in play.

Then again, this could all just be a convenient coincidence. Perhaps Angus Neill’s casting is a result of Danny Boyle having a type when it comes to recruiting actors for his apocalyptic visions. Or maybe there’s something hiding behind this convenient story we don’t know yet?

It’s going to be fun to keep guessing where the truth lies, as the 28 Years Later trailer has given us quite a bit to dissect before its eventual release on June 20th, 2025. Which leads to the unfortunate news that you can’t currently stream 28 Days Later for research, and the physical disc has been long out of print.

However Fangoria has reported that the film will be available on Digital HD, for the first time in what feels like 28 years, at an unspecified point of 2025. So keep an eye for further developments on that front. And if you want to return to the world of the Rage Virus’ vicious hold on society, 28 Weeks Later will be available to stream through a Hulu subscription until December 31st.

The 2025 Movie schedule is shaping up to be a year of much anticipated three-quels, with 28 Years Later being one of the most hotly tipped titles. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s original film, and the franchise that followed, you have to admit it’s a pretty intriguing concept. However, if you are a big fan of 28 Days Later, then trying to puzzle out how the confirmed return of Cillian Murphy’s legacy 28 character will take place is probably intriguing. Well, I think I have a theory on what’s going on in terms of that very subject, and it’s a prospect that’s more complicated than I thought.

Before we jump into this discussion though, take a look at the 28 Years Later trailer:

And now, it’s time for days to turn to weeks, and weeks to years. Here’s what I think is going on with 28 Years Later and the return of Jim.

How Jim Could Be Returning For 28 Years Later

Taking the tagline of "time didn't heal anything" into account, I don’t think the years have been kind to our former bike messenger and his friends. From what we saw in the canonical 28 Days Later ending, Jim, Selena (Naomie Harris) and Hannah (Megan Burns) all survived in the countryside. And, just as predicted, the Rage Virus seemed to be starving itself out of existence.

Of course, that’s before 2007’s 28 Weeks Later threw another wrench into humanity’s existence. As you’ll see in the official synopsis for 28 Years Later, there’s a lot going on in this ravaged landscape:

Even with the theory of Jodie Comer’s potential 28 Years role still firmly on the table, I’m willing to think that Cillian Murphy’s Jim has “mutated” into a feral warlord. The peace of surviving with Hannah and Selena didn’t last long, especially if the Boom Comics miniseries depicting the journey of Naomie Harris’ character are canon.

Throw in the second, more severe outbreak in 28 Weeks Later, and you’ve got a version of Jim that’s fed up with people and ready to reshape the world. Believe it or not, we’ve already seen some clues to suggest this hypothesis scattered through this new teaser trailer.

The 28 Years Later Trailer Has Some Intriguing Teases Hidden In Plain Sight

What we know about 28 Years Later has just gotten a pretty huge update, thanks to showing us our first look at a struggling pocket of humanity hunkered down on a remote island. Seeing peeks at graffiti and branded Infected that carry the name “Jimmy,” I think this is the new moniker that 28 Days Later’s survivor is now in what could be called his boogeyman era.

As for that Infected corpse that looks like Cillian Murphy, I think there’s a perfectly good explanation for that: it’s a scarecrow-style diversion. The Infected do not move that slow when active, and they usually can’t move when they get to that level of decay; as we saw at the end of 28 Days Later. So either this is a fever dream that’s inspired by the memory of Jim, or this is a bespoke icon that invokes his visage in the name of fear.

There's a lot more we could talk out about this theory, and that's one of the few upsides to the fact that we have to wait for 28 Years Later to hit our screens. Danny Boyle & Alex Garland's big cinematic reunion will be heading to theaters on June 20, 2025; just a week shy of the original movie’s 22nd anniversary in the U.S.

Another plus side to this prolonged anticipation is that you can still prepare by watching 28 Weeks Later with a Hulu subscription. Those days are numbered though, as that sequel will leave that streaming platform by the end of the month; joining its out of print predecessor in limbo.

When it comes to casting the new Harry Potter series HBO is making, every role comes with a heavy weight, because the characters and actors who played them in the original films are beloved. However, recently, Voldemort actor Ralph Fiennes was asked who should play The Dark Lord in the new adaptation of J.K. Rowling’s book series, and he was “all in favor of” one stellar Oscar-winning actor.

Since the announcement of the show, there’s been a bunch of chatter about who will be cast as the legendary Harry Potter characters. Plus, there has been tons of fan casting – for example, many would love to see Andrew Garfield play Lupin. Then, recently, news broke that Mark Rylance was a frontrunner for Dumbledore, marking the first major moment in this casting journey. Now, the original Voldemort, Ralph Fiennes, has voiced his support for Cillian Murphy taking over the role of the story’s big bad, saying the following on Watch What Happens Live:

This answer was in response to fans asking the Conclave star who he’d like to see play He Who Shall Not Be Named. They had thrown the Oppenheimer actor’s name in the ring, and in response, Fiennes enthusiastically supported the pitch for his 28 Years Later co-star.

Honestly, I get why he did too.

In the Harry Potter movies, The Menu performer plays Voldemort in a very quiet, subdued and collected way. That adds an ominous and genuinely creepy energy to the character as he slithers around the Wizarding World regaining his strength and working to defeat Harry Potter. Knowing Murphy’s work from Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer, he 100% has the energy needed to pull off this complex and truly evil role.

Plus, it’d be fun to see this actor take on such an iconic part.

Considering The Grand Budapest Hotel performer was part of the Harry Potter cast from Voldemort’s rise in Goblet of Fire through his demise in Deathly Hallows and said movies are some of the 2000's best, it’s hard to imagine anyone else playing the Dark Lord. Plus, we know it will take a powerful actor to pull off this iconic role.

I think Cillian Murphy has what it takes, though.

However, Ralph Fiennes's stamp of approval is nowhere near an official announcement, and odds are we’ll have to wait a very long time before we find out who is playing Voldemort. This is because the character is not in his full form until the fourth book/movie. Therefore, it wouldn’t make much sense to cast him at the start (unless they want to use that actor’s voice or likeness in Sorcerer’s Stone when Voldemort's revealed to be on the back of Professor Quirrell’s head).

So, while we wait for official casting news and updates about this upcoming Harry Potter series, let’s keep our fingers crossed that they’ll make great choices like the one the original Voldemort actor supported. Meanwhile, if you’d like to go back and watch Ralph Fiennes as the legendary villain, you can stream the Harry Potter movies with a Peacock subscription or Max subscription.

There’s nothing like those lifelong friends and family who have seen you through everything. Everyone has at least one or two, including Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy. The ever-busy A-lister had surprise visitors show up on award day that kept him grounded in ways that only the dearest can. The ‘love’ continued after winning the Oscar (and the Golden Globe, the BAFTA and the Screen Actors Guild Award, among others) for his performance in Oppenheimer.

Murphy chatted with The Telegraph about his now-showing movie, and one of the newest releases on our 2024 movie schedule, Small Things Like These. Along with the new release, based on the Caroline Keegan book, the 48-year-old discussed his success playing the father of the atomic bomb role, his experiences brushing arm-to-arm with cinema royalty and, most importantly, how two of his oldest confidants showed up on the day of the Academy Awards. He shared that they kept him supportingly in check:

I don’t think there’s been a more relatable story to come out of any awards show, ever. It’s no surprise that Murphy and company are the ones who know how to keep things fun and real amid international campaigns and one of the biggest recent blockbusters, with Oppenheimer netting nearly $1 billion globally.

Oppenheimer's stellar cast and crew completely delivered, including the Inception alum. He was so enthusiastic about all things related to Christopher Nolan’s epic he dropped a different kind of bomb praising the director. After Murphy’s win, he jumped right back into work, which he admitted wasn’t sure was the best thing. He hadn’t processed the award, but knew the Peaky Blinders movie was just around the corner.

The highly-anticipated Peaky Blinders movie doesn’t have a set date, but it is in production, and it's possible it may end up on the 2025 movie schedule. 28 Years Later, which has a cult following, is slated for a 2025 release and does have Murphy return once again.

All in all, the Dunkirk alum is lucky to have some reliable and good-hearted people to lean on while navigating his career. It's also good to know that those same people are adding a lovingly healthy dose of reality in any moment they share with Cillian Murphy. It makes him all the more real and lovable.

If you’d like to watch Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, you can with a Prime subscription.

Whether it's in biopics or in other historical movies, playing an important person often leads to some of the most amazing performances put on film. There are far too many to count, much less list here, but we do think you'll agree that this list of 32 actors playing famous people rank among the best. 

Ben Kingsley - Gandhi

The 1982 epic Gandhi starring Ben Kingsley as the revered leader of India and icon to peaceful protestors all over the world is an amazing movie. At the heart is Kingsley's amazing, transformative performance. He looks and sounds just like Gandhi, it's almost uncanny. 

Margot Robbie - Tonya Harding

When the news first broke that Australian Margot Robbie was cast to play controversial US Olympic figure skater Tonya Harding in I, Tonya, it's safe to say that many were skeptical. It took the actor all of about 30 seconds of screen time in the movie to prove those skeptics very wrong. Robbie is fantastic as the troubled skater with a family life that you wouldn't wish on anyone. 

Paul Dano - Brian Wilson

The Brian Wilson biopic Love & Mercy seems to have been overlooked by many, but if you're a fan of The Beach Boys, you need to see it. John Cusack plays the older Wilson in the 1980s and it is fantastic. Paul Dano, who plays the Pet Sounds-era Wilson, is simply amazing. He completely disappears into the role. 

Reese Witherspoon - June Carter Cash

Reese Witherspoon and Joaquin Phoenix are both amazing in Walk the Line as June and Johnny Cash. Really both deserve to be on this list, but we've the honor to Witherspoon if only because she won Best Actress at the Oscars in 2006. 

Robert Downey, Jr - Charlie Chaplin

It took a long time for Robert Downey to win an Oscar, which he finally did for Oppenheimer. More than 30 years before that win, he earned his first nomination for 1992's Chaplin for playing the legendary actor and Hollywood trailblazer. It's a movie that doesn't get talked about much these days, but it's still great. Especially Downey's performance. 

Natalie Portman - Jackie Kennedy

Jackie Kennedy has to be a tricky person to play. She is so iconic and so well known to so many people that the scrutiny would be stressful. Luckily for all of us, Natalie Portman hit it out of the park when she played the former First Lady in Jackie. 

Meryl Streep - Margaret Thatcher

It's hardly surprising to see Meryl Streep's name on any list of great performances. She has been arguably the best actor in Hollywood for 50 years. One of her finest performances came in 2011's The Iron Lady where she played the first female prime minister of the United Kingdom, Margaret Thatcher. 

Rami Malek - Freddy Mercury

You knew we couldn't have this list without including Rami Malek's incredible performance as Freddie Mercury in the biopic about the late Queen singer, Bohemian Rhapsody. It's not all about the prosthetic teeth, as Malek nailed so many nuances and mannerisms of the icon rock star. Just as in real life, the performance at Live Aid at the end of the movie brings down the house. 

Val Kilmer - Jim Morrison

If you grew up in the '90s, The Doors was probably a seminal film for you. Val Kilmer blew audiences away as the late Jim Morrison. It was so good you'd swear you were watching the real Morrison as he rose to fame and then burned out quickly before tragically becoming a member of the "27 Club" in 1971.

Denzel Washington - Malcolm X

A powerful personality takes an actor with equal strength to pull off and in Malcolm X, Denzel Washington is more than up for the task. Playing the combative, controversial civil rights leader could not have been easy, yet Washington brings him back to life in every way. It's the reason everyone should see this biopic. 

Faye Dunaway - Joan Crawford

Faye Dunaway gives the performance of a lifetime in Mommie Dearest. It's scary and mesmerizing. Joan Crawford was one of the most beloved actors in Hollywood in the Golden Age in Hollywood, but this movie changed the public's opinion of her forever - and not for the better. 

Jennifer Lopez - Selena

Before played the murdered superstar Selena in the movie of the same name, Jennifer Lopez had had a few roles in movies, but after Selena, she was the legend we all know today. It's a groundbreaking performance. 

David Oyelowo - Dr, Martin Luther King, Jr.

Everyone in America has heard the powerful voice of Martin Luther King, Jr. hundreds of times. His speeches are part of everyone's education. That makes David Oyelowo's turn as the civil rights leader that much harder - and that much more impressive. It's just fantastic. 

Cate Blanchett - Bob Dylan

Okay, we admit, technically Cate Blanchett is playing a character named "Jude Quinn" in I'm Not There, but c'mon, let's be real, she's playing Bob Dylan. It's an uncanny performance as well. There is actual footage of Dylan from that time in his career in the excellent D.A. Pennebaker-directed Dont Look Back. Compare that to Blanchett and you'll realize just how great she was. 

Daniel Day-Lewis - Abraham Lincoln

Of all the amazing performances on this list, Daniel Day-Lewis as Abraham Lincoln in Lincoln just may be the best. It frankly could be the greatest acting performance of all time. There's an argument for it, at least. He's simply incredible and brings the tragic president to life like no one else has before or since, and likely never will. 

Cillian Murphy - J. Robert Oppenheimer

Cillian Murphy won a well-deserved Best Actor Award for playing J. Robert Oppenheimer in Oppenheimer. It's a subtle, smoldering performance, just like the personality of the real Oppenheimer. Playing the scientist in his greatest moments in life and his lowest, it's a fantastic showing by the Irish actor. 

Cynthia Erivo - Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman is one of the most important people in US history, but one that hasn't been explored on film nearly as much as you might expect. Luckily, when someone did decide to finally tell her full story on the big screen in 2019's Harriet, they had the good sense to cast Cynthia Erivo as the former slave-turned-freedom fighter. She's amazing. 

Forest Whitaker - Idi Amin

Forest Whitaker is pretty great in everything he's in. He cranks his talent up to another level in The Last King Of Scotland as the brutal dictator of Uganda, Idi Amin. He's so good there are even moments where viewers might feel compassion for the man, despite his worst tendencies as the leader of the country. 

Jessica Chastain - Tammy Faye Bakker

If you were around in the 1980s, you remember all the insanity around Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. Jim Bakker crying on TV with Tammy Faye right next to him is something no one will forget. Jessica Chastain's turn as the evangelical preacher's wife is just as memorable. 

Philip Seymour Hoffman - Truman Capote

it's hard to imagine anyone will ever play Truman Capote as well as the late Philip Seymour Hoffman in Capote. The role completely takes control of the actor in the best way. It might as well been the writer himself. You completely forget there is even an actor behind the role. 

Daniel Kaluuya - Fred Hampton

Fred Hampton was a controversial and complicated leader in the Black Panther Party in the 1960s. Casting a Brit like Daniel Kaluuya in the role was a daring choice by the filmmakers of Judas and the Black Messiah, but it paid off brilliantly as Kaluuya nails the role. 

Gary Oldman - Winston Churchill

Winston Churchill has been played on the big and small screen by plenty of great actors. John Lithgow (The Crown), Brendan Gleeson (Into the Storm), and Albert Finney (The Gathering Storm) have all garnered praise for playing the legendary prime minister. Gary Oldman, who won an Oscar for playing Churchill in 2017's The Darkest Hour may just be the best. His reading of those famous speeches is just mesmerizing. 

Angela Bassett - Tina Tuner

Tina Turner was a fierce woman, who deserved a fierce performance and she got one with Angela Bassett in What's Love Got To Do With It. Bassett's performance is transcendent and certainly deserved the Oscar nomination she received. She should've won it! 

Austin Butler - Elvis Presley

Austin Butler got so caught up in his performance as Elvis Presley in Elvis that critics of the actor complained that even months later he was still talking like the King of Rock and Roll. he wasn't, but that does say something about how good he was in the Baz Luhrmann-directed bio flick. 

Jesse Eisenberg - Mark Zuckerberg

When The Social Network was first announced, many were confused as to how someone could make an interesting movie about the founding of Facebook. It turns out, that if you get a great writer like Aaron Sorkin, a great director like David Fincher, and someone like Jesse Eisenberg to play the Mark Zuckerberg, you can make it look easy. The movie is great, and Eisenberg's performance is pitch-perfect. 

Leonardo DiCaprio - Howard Hughes

Howard Hughes is one of the most mercurial and odd celebrities in US history. In The Aviator, Leonardo DiCaprio fully embodies everything about the director and businessman. He takes on his greatest triumphs and sinks to the depths of Hughes' despair in the lowest points of his mental illness with the same gusto. 

Charlize Theron - Aileen Wuornos

Serial killer Aileen Wuornos was a terrifying person. A true monster, as the name of the movie about her is called. That's not to say a viewer can't have some sympathy for the circumstances that brought her to the point of murder, but you can't excuse her. Charlize Theron does an incredible job bringing all of that to the role in Monster. 

Sean Penn - Harvey Milk

Milk is one of the great political movies of the last few decades and the biggest reason why, besides the inspiring story, is Sean Penn's performance as Harvey Milk. Like Penn has done so often in his career, he completely disappears into the character. It is Harvey Milk.  

George C. Scott - George Patton

George S. Patton was a great, and complicated leader in World War II. He was responsible for some of the greatest military gains in the war, and he couldn't keep himself out of trouble with his controversy. George C. Scott's portrayal of the general in Patton is amazing. Even though the opening scene of him making a speech in front of the flag is fictional, it sets the tone perfectly and the movie never lets up. 

Cate Blanchett - Katharine Hepburn

Leonardo DiCaprio is fantastic in The Aviator as Howard Hughes, but he's not the only great performance in the movie. Cate Blanchett as the iconic Katharine Hepburn is, well, iconic. There's just no better word for either. It's not only a spot-on impression, the portrayal nails everything that was great about Hepburn. 

Robert De Niro - Jake LaMotta

Jake LaMotta was one of the toughest prizefighters of all time. His incredible story and Robert De Niro's performance are the two things that make Raging Bull legendary. Scorsese's direction is pretty great too. 

Helen Mirren - Queen Elizabeth II

it's really hard to play a person who has been on television screens all over the world for decades. Helen Mirren takes on that difficult task in Queen Elizabeth II. The late Queen was an icon in every sense of the word and playing her could not have been easy, yet, when you have the talent of Helen Mirren, it looks easy. It surely wasn't. 

As we’re all anxious to hear the latest about the upcoming horror movie 28 Years Later, the plans for a trilogy of legacy-quels to Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 28 Days Later remain a mystery. However, there have been bits of information here and there to update what we know about 28 Years Later.

Which leads to what’s probably the biggest announcement thus far, as Cillian Murphy’s acting return to the franchise that put him on Hollywood’s map has been confirmed. And with that information, as well as some other choice tidbits revealed by Sony chairman Tom Rothman, I think I know how and why we might see Jim return.

Cillian Murphy’s Confirmed For 28 Years Later

As Deadline caught up with Rothman during an event celebrating Columbia Pictures’ 100th anniversary, past and future were firmly in frame. With that event taking place as part of the Cannes Film Festival, Tom Rothman was, of course, asked for an update on Cillian Murphy’s involvement, which was previously limited to a producer for 28 Years Later.

But as you’ll read below, Tom has potentially changed the game with this cryptic answer to whether Jim is back:

Ok, Mr. Rothman. Curiosity and attention are firmly focused on you, good sir. And it’s not just this statement that has me picturing the future of the 28 Franchise, but some further choice remarks that the Sony mogul shared later on in this conversation. If you'll indulge me, it's time to step into the black cab of speculation, as we begin to guess what Cillian Murphy's return might mean for 28 Years Later.

How I Think 28 Years Later’s Story Is Going To Play Out

Previously, when news broke that seemingly announced Jodie Comer’s presumed 28 Years Later casting, a theory started to form amongst myself and my colleagues. That potential story beat was that Ms. Comer would be playing a grown-up version of Hannah, the young girl played by Megan Burns in 28 Days Later. Seeing as Burns is seemingly retired from acting at this point, Comer's casting alongside Aaron Taylor-Johnson seemed to suggest that this was the way forward with this particular story. 

Which leads to Tom Rothman’s equally vague remarks about the movie’s potential plot. Seeming to confirm both Comer and Taylor-Johnson’s casting, Mr. Rothman said the following: 

Let’s start with parsing out those exact words above: “not in any way a literal sequel.” There’s room for debate on what counts in that specific descriptor; however I have my own interpretation on what that means. I think what Tom Rothman has said above is that this isn’t a 2018 Halloween-style enterprise that skips over 28 Weeks Later, thus de-canonizing it. 

In other words, this is more of a legacy-quel that keeps the events of Weeks in play, while not following any of its surviving characters; kind of like how Tron: Ares looks like it’s going to keep the franchise at large going, but doesn’t sound like it’s a direct continuation of Tron: Legacy. So the events of 28 Weeks Later might still have happened, and 28 Years Later follows up with the trio who eventually became known as “The Manchester Three.” 

With that in mind, and recalling Rothman’s “surprising way” comments, I don’t think that 28 Years Later is going to feature Cillian Murphy’s Jim all that much. What I do think is that Jodie Comer’s Hannah is going to be searching for her fellow survivors from 2002 as a means of achieving some sort of goal throughout the rest of the 28 Years Later trilogy. 

Hannah will probably find Jim at the end of 28 Years Later, with Naomie Harris’ Selena joining up in Chapter Two, leaving the final entry to see the trio back together for good. After all, according to returning writer Alex Garland, "time" is the theme of the new 28 Trilogy. 

At least, that’s the impression i get from Tom Rothman and this very familiar euphemism for a character that’ll become “important to the Trilogy.” Matt Smith’s casting in Terminator: Genisys is a perfect example of what I’m talking about, and hopefully 28 Years Later doesn’t falter in its first chapter, leaving those subsequent stories to wither away.

If that's true, it doesn't dull the hype for this movie in my eyes. If anything, it just makes me want to see the whole vision through all three movies. There's a lot of potential excitement, and we might find even more answers in the near future. 

Since 28 Years Later is currently looking at a June 20th, 2025 release date, production on the back-to-back efforts to land the first two films is probably getting underway soon. So keep your eyes and ears open, as everything we've discussed could all change in a heartbeat.

The way things are going lately, we won’t be seeing an Irish goodbye in Hollywood. In recent years in particular, more actors from Ireland have become big stars. From Barry Keoghan’s rise to fame with movies like Saltburn, Eternals and The Banshees of Inisherin, to Paul Mescal leading the next Gladiator movie after coming up with Normal People and Aftersun, to Cillian Murphy’s recently being among 2024 Oscar winners for Oppenheimer, there’s a lot of love for Irish actors as of late. Colin Farrell has just weighed in on the recent trend. 

Colin Farrell has been working in Hollywood since the early 2000s after growing up in a suburb in Dublin, Ireland and attending the city’s Gaiety School of Acting before dropping out and starting to rack up acting credits. Here’s what Farrell said about the recent rise in Irish actors: 

While speaking to Entertainment Tonight, Farrell pointed out how amazing it is that the Irish are seemingly taking over Hollywood right now given the country’s size and population. The actor shared a deep pride for the success that has come out of some of the country’s citizens, attributing it to the culture’s love for telling stories. He then spoke specifically about Barry Keoghan, whom he co-starred with not only in the Oscar-nominated 2022 film The Banshees of Inisherin, but also in 2017’s The Killing Of A Sacred Deer: 

The 31-year-old actor also hails from Dublin, Ireland, where he frequented school plays before going to the local Dublin drama school Bow Street Academy. Keoghan’s acting career got an upgrade in 2017 when he starred in both Yorgos Lanthimos’ The Killing of a Sacred Deer and Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk, and his career has only skyrocketed from there, including with his 2023 Oscar nomination for Banshees, his viral role in Saltburn and becoming one of the Eras Tour boyfriends. 

Now we haven’t mentioned some other big Irish names that help underline Farrell’s first point: Liam Neeson, Saorise Ronan, Michael Fassbender, Kenneth Branagh, Domhnall Gleeson, Jamie Dornan and Jessie Buckley all hail from Ireland! 

Colin Farrell’s latest project is a TV show called Sugar, where the actor looks like a noir Bruce Wayne as he plays a private investigator that takes a case after the disappearance of the granddaughter of a Hollywood producer. Farrell will also star once again as Penguin in The Batman spinoff series named after the character, coming to Max sometime this year. But first, check out Farrell in Sugar, premiering for those with an Apple TV+ subscription on April 5. 

The Oppenheimer cast is a notoriously chummy group, even affectionately referring to themselves as "Oppenhomies," and a recent good-natured jibe at the expense of leading man Cillian Murphy from one of his famous co-stars looks to be more of the same. 

During a recent interview with 60 Minutes host Scott Pelley, Murphy — who has since taken home the Oscar statuette for Best Actor for his tremendous performance as the eponymous physicist — discussed what it was like working with such A-list talent as Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr. and Florence Pugh. However, it was Damon's cheeky critique of Murphy, which Pelley shared with the star, that had the Irishman cracking up mid-interview. 

Murphy, who undertook a strict diet to mimic the physicality of the famously frail scientist, couldn't partake in the margaritas and tacos that his "Oppen-homies" have gone on record saying they enjoyed while filming in the New Mexican desert. 

Plus, the sheer scale and scope of the work required of him in the biopic meant that any downtime was limited and was more often than not devoted to sleep (when he wasn't being attacked by a pillow gifted by Emily Blunt, that is). Cillian Murphy told Pelley: 

The 47-year-old actor was quick to add that in the months since Oppenheimer production ended, he and his castmates have shared "lots of lovely dinners" together:

It's not the first time that Murphy's co-stars have publicly poked fun at him — both Matt Damon and his real-life neighbor Emily Blunt previously touted how hard it is to act opposite Cillian's famously blue "ocean eyes." And they don't just single out him: Blunt also gifted Oppenheimer director and noted Uggs hater Christopher Nolan a pair of the fur-lined boots as a wrap gift on the award-winning film.

Given that Christopher Nolan has a habit of working with the same actors over and over again, this might not be the only time we see the likes of Cillian Murphy, Matt Damon and Emily Blunt come together onscreen. If they do, we know we'll have a funny and friendly promo tour to go along with it. In the meantime, you can catch the three actors and the rest of the Oppenhomies in Oppenheimer, now available to stream with a Peacock subscription.

As any actor who’s played the face of the James Bond movies will tell you, the cinematic legacy of Ian Fleming’s literary creation will follow you everywhere you let it. Pierce Brosnan knows that fact, with his previous remarks on 007’s future seemed to indicate he wasn’t exactly concerned with the matter. 

Now he’s walked back those comments in a pretty big way and thrown his support behind an Oppenheimer star to play the seventh Commander Bond. The Thomas Crown Affair actor spoke to the BBC during this year’s Oscar Wilde Awards in Los Angeles, and when asked about who he’d want to see as the next James Bond, 2024 Oscar nominee Cillian Murphy’s name came up. Giving his fellow countryman a ringing endorsement, Pierce Brosnan offered this comment when asked: 

Murphy’s past James Bond odds have seen the actor in hot competition with other frequent 00-favorites like Henry Cavill, Idris Elba and Regé-Jean Page. That’s even despite the fact that recent James Bond rumors have specified that the next Bond is more than likely going to be someone in their mid-30s. 

As the franchise has already secured Warner Bros. as a future international distribution partner, that sort of move seems like good business sense. That being said, you can bet that Pierce Brosnan's support will give Cillian Murphy’s odds some sort of bump. This is, after all, one of those franchises where a fan's feelings towards who plays the lead can run quite hot. 

The fans could also set the tone for Bond 26 in terms of how serious or campy this next era happens to be. After a super serious and serialized run of adventures made up Daniel Craig’s 007 run, and with an irregular interval of time in-between entries, there are two things James Bond fans seem to want present in the franchise. Not only do they want a more regular release schedule for James Bond movies, but some are also hoping that lighter, Roger Moore-style shenanigans might be in the offing.

It's still unclear whether that will be the direction of the 007 future, but no matter where things go, Cillian Murphy's name will definitely keep making the rounds when trying to decide which direction to go. Or, much like in Pierce Brosnan’s James Bond movies, Mr. Murphy's hypothetical adventures could walk the line between both of those tones without getting shaken or stirred.

Of course, if Oscars night is particularly kind to Cillian, that could affect his odds as well. We'll just have to wait and see what happens at the 96th Academy Awards, which will air this Sunday at 7 PM ET on ABC. Also, those who want to celebrate Mr. Brosnan’s time in the tuxedo can do so through streaming, thanks to The World is Not Enough and Die Another Day still being available to Max subscription holders.

We don’t know when the name of a new James Bond actor will be announced, but we know that day is coming. Several different names have been suggested in the months since Daniel Craig walked away. One that is achieving front-runner status currently is 2024 Oscar nominee Cillian Murphy and one of his Oppenheimer co-stars thinks he’d be perfect in the role.

Clay Bunker appeared in Oppenheimer and having both met Cillain Murphy in person and seen him on screen thinks the actor is uniquely suited to play James Bond. While he says Murphy is an incredibly nice guy, he has the ability to play much darker characters, and Ian Fleming’s Bond has some darkness in him. Bunker told The Sun…

It's true that Fleming’s original Bond isn’t exactly the nicest guy. While the early film portrayal of Bond by Sean Connery is much lighter in tone, we would see elements of the more serious Bond in the performances of Geroge Lazenby, Timothy Dalton, and Daniel Craig.

Murphy could certainly follow in those footsteps, but part of the question we don’t yet have an answer to is what sort of Bond are they looking for. We could see another serious James Bond, following Craig’s success in the role, but we could just as easily see a decision toward a different sort of take. And so perhaps a funnier Bond could be in order. 

Several names have been mentioned as potential new James Bond actors. Henry Cavill, who nearly got the role before losing it to Craig last time around, is still open to playing it now. Jamie Dornan has been mentioned as a possible Bond. At one point it was claimed Aaron Taylor-Johnson already had the job, as he's a popular choice online. Sam Heughan has been actively campaigning to play Bond when others are trying to downplay the possibility, seemingly afraid that talking about it reduces the chances of it happening.

Numerous major names have been suggested, and that leaves out all the possible future Bonds that we don’t know because they are currently unknown actors. While casting an unknown Bond, seems like a bit of a long shot, it hasn't been discounted as a possibility.

Cillian Murphy wouldn’t be a bad choice, though many of the names that have been suggested are capable of being great in the role. One imagines nobody wants to wait too long to make another James Bond movie, so we certainly could get an official casting reveal sometime this year. While we're waiting maybe sit and watch all the James Bond movies in order.

From that open-ended finish in The Dark Knight Rises to the dreamy conclusion of Inception, Christopher Nolan is known for the thought-provoking finales he tacks onto his powerhouse films. And the director's latest cinematic epic, Oppenheimer, is no exception, as star Cillian Murphy recently noted in a dual interview for Deadline.

Murphy is a veteran of the Nolan Cinematic Universe. Outside of the legendary Michael Caine (who, yes, was curiously absent from that star-studded Oppenheimer cast), he's the actor who has appeared in the most Christopher Nolan movies. He's very well-versed in a Nolan script, including those signature, mind-bending finales. But Cillian singled out the final sequence of the director's J. Robert Oppenheimer biopic, calling the film's chilling close "extraordinary" and "genius": 

Spoiler alert for anyone who hasn't yet seen Oppenheimer—which, given the fact that the biographical drama made nearly a billion dollars at the box office, seems like only a few of you—the final scene of the film sees the audience finally getting to hear exactly what Murphy's Oppenheimer says to Einstein (played by Tom Conti). 

Throughout the entire movie, petty bureaucrat Lewis Strauss (Robert Downey Jr., on track to snag the 2024 Oscar for Supporting Actor for his work here) believes that the encounter between Oppenheimer and Einstein is a slight against him, an insecurity that rages on until Strauss works to revoke Oppenheimer's security clearance and render him a pariah in the science community. 

However, the real topic of their conversation was far less personal and far more hauntingly philosophical, about the life-changing ramifications caused by the scientists' decision to detonate the atomic bomb and potentially destroy the entire world. 

Those larger philosophical questions about the Manhattan Project and the Trinity Test were paramount to Nolan, who meticulously placed "key shifts" throughout the script, culminating in that horrific climax between Oppenheimer and Einstein. The director told Deadline:

Christopher Nolan's script was clearly successful in creating those tonal shifts and absolutely nailing the ending—Oppenheimer is up for Best Adapted Screenplay at this year's Academy Awards (the film is based on the book American Prometheus: The Triumph and Tragedy of J. Robert Oppenheimer by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin), along with nods for Nolan's direction and for Cillian Murphy's performance.

You can revisit Nolan's "genius" finale to Oppenheimer by streaming the biopic with a Peacock subscription.

For roughly 20 years, Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy have been working together. From 2005’s Batman Begins to Oppenheimer, the king of the 2024 Oscar Nominees, actor and director have made quite a run of films that spans genres and performances. This year’s Best Picture-competing heavyweight was a singular challenge for both Nolan and Murphy, and in seeing how hard the Peaky Blinders actor was working, co-star Robert Downey Jr. was inspired to advocate on his behalf. 

In an extensive profile interview conducted by Deadline, the story of how Christopher Nolan first discovered his future collaborator revealed a promo photo from 28 Days Later to be the lure. The rest was history, as Cillian Murphy’s desire to be a “leading man” turned into the tremendous success that is his performance in Oppenheimer. This, in turn, let to Nolan’s admission of how their running relationship led to those concerns voiced by Robert Downey Jr.: 

It certainly sounds like Oppenheimer was the sort of challenge that both men needed, and at the right points in their careers. As Robert Pattinson’s Tenet wrap gift pushed Christopher Nolan ahead with making his astonishing biopic, Cillian Murphy was coming close to the end of his run on the hit TV series Peaky Blinders. As shown above, an ambitious project and a trusting partnership can lead to some long days. 

But as Nolan continued to explain the situation, he also admitted that Robert Downey Jr.’s concerns weren’t invalid. Rather, it was a proverbial fog of war, or rather moviemaking, that was clouding him from seeing this intense work as just that. Oppenheimer’s post-production phase was the enlightenment for Christopher Nolan, as he explained thusly: 

It won’t be long now before we see if the work of Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan, and the rest of Oppenheimer’s cast and crew will be considered a golden success. And yet, in its own way, that doesn’t matter, as Robert Downey Jr.’s empathy is just as telling as any accolades the movie might receive. 

Though you can judge for yourself how awe inspiring the work itself happens to be, as Oppenheimer is currently streaming with access to a Peacock subscription, so you can check it out at your leisure. Meanwhile, the 96th Academy Awards will air live on ABC starting at 7 PM ET on Sunday, March 10th. 

With awards season winding down these next few weeks, we only have a few more opportunities to see our so-called "Oppenhomies"—i.e. Oppenheimer cast members Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt, Robert Downer Jr. and the like—laughing it up together on red carpets and talk shows. So we're savoring every last promo appearance, including Blunt's recent, hilarious reveal about how a well-intentioned present she gifted Murphy resulted in the leading man having his head glued shut while filming Christopher Nolan's billion-dollar biopic. 

During a February 22 appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, that aforementioned trio spent most of the time ribbing each other with good-natured gibes. (Ex: Blunt joking that her notably sore throat was from yelling at RDJ to take a Z pack for his chlamydia. Homies, indeed.) The British actress kept the funny flowing—echoing a rule that the Oppenheimer crew had on set—and told Kimmel and Co. about how she gifted Murphy a "very beautiful pillow" to help him decompress after tough days of filming.

Oscar-bound Cillian Murphy confirmed the story and added that the film’s makeup designer, Luisa Abel, had to step in and treat his head wound early the next morning. He added: 

Blunt is having a rough go of it when it comes to presents for her Oppenheimer buddies. She previously made headlines for giving director Christopher Nolan a pair of Ugg boots as a cheeky wrap gift after he previously shamed her for sporting the fur-lined footwear on set of the period piece. 

And speaking of gifts, Kimmel asked both Murphy and Downey if they had their own presents planned for Blunt, who celebrates her birthday today, February 23. RDJ was seemingly sincere in telling Emily that he picked out something special from the year of her birth and that it would be "the best birthday present you ever fucking received." Murphy, however, had a more comical reply:

Consider it payback, Em! See if you can spot Cillian Murphy real-life head injury by catching him, Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr. and the rest of the Oppenhomies in Oppenheimer, now available to stream with a Peacock subscription. 

Cillian Murphy might not be a big fan of Red Eye, his 2005 airplane-set thriller with Rachel McAdams—which we totally love, BTW—but there is one movie in his decades-spanning filmography that he is more than happy to rewatch. 

While promoting his follow-up to Oppenheimer, the Netflix drama Small Things Like These, the Irish actor sat down with Variety, where he discussed the upcoming new entry to the 28 Days Later franchise. Director Danny Boyle, screenwriter Alex Garland and star Murphy will reunite for 28 Years Later, though the latter has so far only signed on as a producer on the long-awaited horror sequel, leaving fans wondering if he will reprise his role as Jim in the movie. Now Murphy has divulged that although, like most actors, he never rewatches the movies he stars in, he makes an exception for 28 Days Later. He told the outlet:  

When it hit theaters in 2002, 28 Days Later not only revitalized, but also revolutionized the zombie genre, standing out from the undead pack thanks to its depiction of the infected as freakishly fast and strong. Along with Cillian playing bike messenger Jim—who wakes up from a coma to discover a dangerous virus has ravaged the world—the horror film also starred Naomie Harris, Megan Burns, Brendan Gleeson and Christopher Eccleston. 

Boyle released a sequel, 28 Weeks Later, in 2007, set after the events of the first film, but Murphy didn't take part in that movie. As for whether Jim the courier will be back onscreen in 28 Years Later, the actor told Variety: 

Though the Oscar nominee recently admitted to GQ that he used to avoid watching his films if he'd heard they weren't good, his more recent work as a producer has helped him view his own performances "in a very objective, clinical way." Per Variety, he said the following of rewatching his breakout performance in 28 Days Later: 

Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for all of the latest updates about 28 Years Later, including whether Cillian Murphy will return as Jim and whether the actor will be watching the horror sequel when it comes out. 

It looks like Cillian Murphy's busy year isn't slowing down anytime soon. Along with leading the star-studded Oppenheimer ensemble to numerous awards podiums the past few months—he already snagged the Golden Globe this January for his haunting performance as “father of the atomic bomb" J. Robert Oppenheimer—and fending off questions about whether he'll be returning for that recently-greenlit 28 Days Later sequel, the Irish actor has officially announced what's next for him following the blockbuster biopic.

As reported by Deadline, the 2024 Oscar nominee will next star in and, notably, produce the upcoming feature film Steve for Netflix. An adaptation of Max Porter’s 2023 novel Shy, the drama will follow Murphy's eponymous headteacher over the course of 24 hours as he struggles to deal with both his young students and his own mental health. A release date hasn't been announced just yet on the 2024 movie schedule, but production on Steve will reportedly begin this spring. 

The film, which reunites Murphy with his Peaky Blinders director Tim Mielants, marks the official launch of Big Things Films, the independent production company started by Murphy and his longtime collaborator Alan Moloney. 

And it's not the only title that Murphy's company has scooped up recently. Big Things Films is also behind the upcoming historical drama film Small Things like These, in which Murphy will also star as Bill Furlong, a devoted father in 1980s Ireland grappling with the chilling secrets of his small town and the Catholic Church. 

The indie drama will also be directed by Mielants, with a script adapted by Murphy's frequent stage collaborator, playwright Enda Walsh, off the 2021 novel of the same name by Claire Keegan. Joining Cillian in the cast are fellow Irish performers Ciaran Hinds and Michelle Fairley, as well as English actress Emily Watson.

Small Things like These will have its world premiere at the 74th Berlin International Film Festival on February 15, marking the first time an Irish film has ever opened the world-famous fest.

Before the recent feature films, Murphy built up his producer muscles as an executive producer on three seasons of the fan-favorite gangster series,Peaky Blinders, which aired on the BBC from 2013 to 2022 and is available to stream with a Netflix subscription. It's unclear whether he will return to play Brummie gang leader Tommy Shelby in the upcoming Peaky movie spinoff, or at the very least produce behind-the-scenes, but it has been announced that he's set to return to one of his other best-known projects as a producer.

Having famously played Jim in Danny Boyle's modern zombie classic 28 Days Later, Murphy has signed on to executive produce the sequel, titled 28 Years Later. Whether he will reprise the role of Jim in the long-awaited horror sequel remains to be seen, but the actor has recently confirmed that he is "available" to get back into the fast-zombie fold. 

While you wait for Steve, Small Things Like These and all of Murphy's other future projects to hit theaters, you can revisit his critically-acclaimed turn in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer, which will be available to stream with a Peacock subscription beginning on Friday, February 16. 

28 Days Later is generally regarded as one of the better movies of the zombie genre, and it certainly helped revive the concept on the big screen when it was released in 2002. The movie’s success spawned a sequel a few years later. Since most successful franchises spawn trilogies, fans have wanted to see a third movie for nearly two decades. Now that 28 Years Later is happening, Cillian Murphy, the star of the first film, is ready to return. In fact, he was ready before the movie was ever confirmed.

Murphy spoke back in December at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Conversations series (via Variety) where he talked about 28 Days Later, including the fact that he wasn’t particularly well-versed in the zombie movie genre when he made the film and didn’t see it as a zombie movie anyway. When asked about the then-often-asked-for a third film and if he’d be interested in being in it, Murphy said simply…

Murphy said he was available for the sequel without any information (that we know of) that the new movie was happening, so he may have just been excited about the idea of the movie. Since this interview, of course, we’ve learned that 28 Years Later with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland is happening, and that Cillian Murphy is on board as a producer. At this point, what we know about 28 Years Later is minimal, so it hasn’t been confirmed if he’ll also be in front of the camera, but that’s certainly on the table.

The two previous films in the franchise featured entirely different casts and were simply set at different points in the timeline. The third film will, as the title suggests, be set nearly three decades after the first movie, showing us how the world has evolved and, one hopes, recovered from the outbreak. No cast for the new film has been revealed, so it could also feature entirely new characters.

Of course, in the initial announcement, it was confirmed that Boyle and Garland have a trilogy of sequels they’re looking to make. If that happens, we could certainly see Cillian Murphy, as well as others from the previous films, appear in some of the movies, but not others. It’s unclear if the prospective trilogy is a single story or simply three movies set in the same universe. 

Clearly Cillian Murphy is “available,” and since he’s a producer, the writer and director will know where to find him. It seems all but certain that unless there’s a specific reason that the story being told shouldn’t include Murphy's character, he’ll likely appear. But until we know for sure, this will remain one of many questions we have about 28 Years Later.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been around for more than a decade-and-a-half, and after 30-plus movies, TV shows, and specials, we’ve seen a ton of great actors play fan-favorite comic book heroes and villains. There are even actors who have played more than one character in the expansive franchise. But at the same time, there’s an even larger group of talented big-screen stars who haven’t donned a cape, mask, or spandex in the best Marvel movies. Here are 32 actors we still want to see in the MCU…

Ryan Gosling

For one reason or another, Ryan Gosling has yet to play a character in the MCU. One of the most talented and beloved actors of his time, the Barbie star would be perfect to play several characters ranging from Nova to Mr. Fantastic to even Earth-616’s Norman Osbourne if they wanted to have a younger actor take on the role of the famous Spider-Man villain. 

John David Washington

John David Washington has previously said he’d be open for an MCU role, and it’s probably going to happen sooner or later, considering the son of Oscar winner Denzel Washington is an incredibly talented and versatile actor. The Tenet and The Creator star has the range to handle just about everything thrown his way, be it as a villain or the next great Marvel hero.

Margot Robbie

It wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Margot Robbie join the list of actors to appear in the MCU at some point down the line, it’s just a matter of finding the right character for the beloved actress to play. There have been rumors about a Sue Storm role over the years, but Robbie would also be great playing villains like Lady Deathstrike.

Dev Patel

Dev Patel has established himself as one of the most interesting actors in Hollywood thanks to outstanding performances in movies like The Green Knight, Slumdog Millionaire, and his 2023 work with Wes Anderson. Watching the Lion star take on someone like Reed Richards or even Doctor Doom would be awesome, and he could honestly handle both.

Keanu Reeves

Throughout his career, Keanu Reeves has played iconic action characters like Johnny Utah, Neo, and John Wick. How cool would it be to see the eternally young actor join the MCU as someone like Dracula, Ghost Rider, or even Silver Surfer? We would even settle for a small voice role as a random one-off character.

Cillian Murphy

Cillian Murphy showing up in the MCU would be a massive get for the cinematic universe as it works towards the two upcoming Avengers projects, especially if he were to play Doctor Doom. While other actors would probably be better suited for the physicality of the iconic Marvel villain, Murphy would be perfect for the psychological aspects of the character. Add in his experience from playing Scarecrow in the Dark Knight trilogy and you have a perfect fit.

Vanessa Kirby

Vanessa Kirby has said in the past that it would be an honor to play Sue Storm, but the Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning actress could also handle a more sinister role if given the chance. Just imagine Kirby playing someone like Lady Death or even Black Cat if we get another Spider-Man movie.

Cynthia Erivo

How Cynthia Erivo hasn’t landed a role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is somewhere between a travesty and a mystery, because the multi-talented actor has everything you want in an actress to play your next comic book star. Just imagine the Harriet and Bad Times at the El Royale actress showing up as Storm whenever the X-Men are eventually introduced to the franchise. That would be electric to say the very least.

Antonio Banderas

Though Ant-tonio Banderas, Scott Lang’s ant in Ant-Man and the Wasp is already a thing in the MCU, the actor on which the flying arthropods was based has not had a chance to appear just yet. This needs to change and we need to see Antonio Banderas show up at some point down the road. He’s got the skills and intangibles to pull off someone as big as Galactus, a character comic book fans have been dying to see for years now.

LaKeith Stanfield

LaKeith Stanfield has been one of the more interesting actors of the past decade thanks to unforgettable roles in movies like Get Out, Judas and the Black Messiah, and The Book of Clarence, and the MCU would be better off if he joined the fray. There was talk in early 2024 of Stanfield replacing Jonathan Majors as Kang the Conqueror, which could work, but he could also bring to life X-Men staples like Cyclopes or even Gambit.

Tom Cruise

Tom Cruise flirted with the idea of playing Tony Stark way before Robert Downey Jr. rejuvenated his career in the MCU-launching Iron Man, but we never got to see the Top Gun: Maverick star play the iconic billionaire playboy philanthropist. Though it never came to fruition, we’d still love to see the Hollywood legend show up in the MCU, even if he only briefly played an alternate version of Iron Man.

Christoph Waltz

Christoph Waltz has played great villains in everything from the James Bond movies to Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds, but he’s never played a big bad in the MCU. That should change, sooner rather than later, and he could be a great fit for someone like Norman Osborn or Doc Ock if we get more Spidey movies. He has the charisma, skill, and look for either of those roles.

Jessica Chastain

Jessica Chastain showed up in X-Men: Dark Phoenix, but since that’s outside of the MCU (for now, anyway), she’s fair game. There’s been the Sue Storm talk over the years, but the Interstellar star could also take on someone like Jean Grey and try her luck with the Dark Phoenix character.

Alan Ritchson

Okay, imagine Alan Ritchson in the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Doctor Doom. In addition to having a ridiculous physique, the Jack Reacher star can also be cerebral and mysterious, kind of like his character from Fast X. He would be a formidable foe, that’s for sure. And if not, we’d love to see Ritchson take on someone like Rhino or Juggernaut and breathe new life into those characters.

Pedro Pascal

There’s been a lot of talk about Pedro Pascal being the frontrunner for Reed Richards in the Fantastic Four’s eventual MCU debut, and that would be awesome. The star of The Mandalorian and The Last of Us has shown over the years that he has what it takes to lead a successful franchise, and he has enough talent and charisma to pay one of Marvel’s most iconic heroes.

Amber Midthunder

Amber Midthunder became a star-in-the-making after the 2022 release of Prey, and the star of the Predator spinoff prequel could very well make an impact in the MCU if given the opportunity. Lady Hellbender, Lyja, and Silver Fox are just three of the Marvel characters she would be well-suited to play.

Denzel Washington

Denzel Washington has long stayed out of the superhero realm, though he has made a career out of playing characters who are pretty much comic book characters. That being said, we’d love to see the two-time Oscar winner take on a role like Magento or Bahsenga, the warrior shaman who was the first to adopt the Black Panther mantel.

Emily Blunt

Her husband, John Krasinksi, has already appeared in the MCU, albeit briefly, as Reed Richards in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, so it wouldn’t be crazy to see Emily Blunt show up at some point, either for a similar-sized role or in a larger capacity. According to Deadline, the Oppenheimer star turned down a chance to play Black Widow in Iron Man 2 and was reportedly approached to play other famous characters in the years following. 

Gary Oldman

We’ve seen Gary Oldman play Jim Gordon masterfully in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy, but the Academy Award-winning actor has yet to show up in the MCU. It would be so cool to see the legendary actor enter the fold as Dr. Xavier in the eventual X-Men movie, and it would be just as awesome to see him play a more villainous role like Mephisto or even Dracula, with the latter being a throwback to his turn in Bram Stoker’s Dracula.

Jesse Plemons

Jesse Plemons has been everywhere for the past few years. Well, everywhere besides the MCU. The Breaking Bad and Killers of the Flower Moon star has shared the screen with Marvel actors like Elizabeth Olsen, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Christian Bale over the years, and it’s only a matter of time before he follows suit and shows up as a comic book character. This guy has Sabretooth written all over him…

Paul Giamatti

Paul Giamatti has already been in Sony’s Marvel movies thanks to his portrayal of Rhino in The Amazing Spider-Man 2, but we’d love to see more of the beloved actor. It doesn’t have to be anything over-the-top like a mech suit, but instead something like a government official who tries to get in the Avengers’ way or is tempted by a big bad.

Glen Powell

Glen Powell has "superhero" written all over him. The Physique, the charm, the million-dollar smile, he has it all. It’s only a matter of time before someone swoops him up and makes him the next great comic book hero, and that someone could be Marvel. Nova, Cyclops, or even a young Magneto would be great fits for the Anyone But You star.

Tati Gabrielle

Since making her acting debut a decade ago, Tati Gabrielle has given commanding performances on shows like You, Kaleidoscope, and Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, to name a few. The actress, who also has experience in video game adaptations like Uncharted and the upcoming Mortal Kombat 2, would be perfect for the MCU in the coming years, especially if she could land a role like Storm, Black Cat, or other fan-favorite characters.

Javier Bardem

Javier Bardem is an actor with an incredible skillset and the ability to play both nuanced and over-the-top characters, which would make him perfect for something in the MCU. The No Country For Old Men star would be a great fit for the iconic Galactus whenever the villain is introduced in the future.

Rosamund Pike

Rosamund Pike has played all manner of characters over the years, and that makes her a perfect fit for the MCU moving forward. Her dynamic range and ability to play both good and evil roles masterfully would be perfect for comic book staples like Emma Frost and Liandra Nermani, both of whom are tied to the X-Men franchise.

Lily Gladstone

Lily Gladstone became an overnight sensation upon the release of Killers of the Flower Moon, and rightfully so. We’re not saying it’s going to happen, but the Golden Globe-winning actress would be perfect in the MCU. Imagine Gladstone playing Indigenous characters like Silver Fox or Kushala.  

Iwan Rheon

Iwan Rheon technically appeared on Inhumans back in 2017, but this doesn’t mean we don’t want to see him show up in an MCU movie at some point in the future. The Game of Thrones actor, who didn’t appear in as many episodes as you’d think, played Maximus on the short-lived ABC series, so he could reprise his role or he could take on something new. However, it wouldn’t be nearly as intense as Ramsay Bolton.

Viola Davis

Viola Davis has already made her mark in the comic book world with her portrayal of Amanda Waller over in the DCEU, but this doesn’t mean she can’t jump over to the MCU and play an equally menacing character. The Oscar winner has already led a blockbuster with The Woman King, so she is more than capable of doing the same in a Marvel movie.

Naomie Harris

Naomie Harris has already shown up in Sony’s Spider-Man Universe with her portrayal of Shriek in Venom: Let There Be Carnage where she was crushed by a falling cathedral, but there’s no reason she couldn’t just play another version of the character in the MCU or take on a completely different role entirely.

Brendan Gleeson

Brendan Gleeson is appearing in Joker 2, and it would be really cool if the legendary actor also landed a role in the MCU somewhere down the road. The Harry Potter and The Banshees of Inisherin star would be perfect for a role if the Thor franchise is to continue, even if it meant voicing someone like Beta Ray Bill. 

Iko Uwais

Iko Uwais, star of the phenomenal Raid movies, has the acting ability and fighting skills to be a big hit in the MCU if given the chance. In the event this does happen, we’d hate for Uwais’ talents to be wasted like they were with his extremely small role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Daniel Day-Lewis

Three-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis retired after 2017’s Phantom Thread, but we’d love to see him step in front of the camera again in an MCU movie. The There Will Be Blood and Gangs of New York star would be a killer option for a character like Galactus and drink up all the planets like a big milkshake.

Who knows if we’ll see any of these actors show up in any of the upcoming Marvel movies, but with the way the MCU has shown us over the years, don’t count anyone out.

Robert Downey Jr. left an indelible mark on the superhero genre through his scene-stealing role as Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man. Interestingly, though it would seem that a few years before he helped kickstart the Marvel Cinematic Universe in 2008, he was circling another comic book movie. Downey apparently met with Christopher Nolan to discuss a role in Batman Begins, and it was definitely an important part. However, it just wasn’t meant to be for him to work with Nolan – that is until years later when they teamed up for the critically acclaimed Oppenheimer. With that, the witty actor shared some details on his chat with Nolan, which sounds somewhat awkward.

Before he played one of Earth’s Mightiest Heroes on the big screen, the beloved actor was surprisingly in talks to play one of Gotham City’s most notorious criminals. Robert Downey Jr. told an excited crowd during a panel for American Cinematheque that he was once circling the role of Jonathan Crane/Scarecrow. It sounds like the celebrated actor was very  interested in playing the part of the former Arkham Asylum psychiatrist, though his meeting with the director could’ve gone a bit better. Check out the video clip from the event, which was shared by @griffschiller on X: 

So it would appear that the filmmaker was “polite” but didn’t seem to gel with the actor at the time. As the Tropic Thunder alum mentioned during the chat, the Inception helmer didn’t seem like he was “leaning in on this interview.” He also said that “you can tell when someone is not” feeling your energy. I don’t know just how cringey the conversation may or may not have been, but the bashful look that appeared on the actor’s face while telling the story could indicate that it was a little embarrassing. Despite the seemingly awkward nature of the discussion, it’s cool that the star did get to meet with the director about the role, and it’s fascinating to consider who he would’ve approached the fan-favorite character.

The role of Dr. Crane would ultimately go to Cillian Murphy, who’s appeared in many Christopher Nolan films and also auditioned for the role of Batman. Murphy’s performance was well received, and he reprised the role in the two sequels - The Dark Knight (one of the best movies of the 2000s) as well as The Dark Knight Rises. It’s honestly hard to imagine anyone else playing the doctor-turned-supervillain. Yet, interestingly enough, there was another notable name that was reportedly considered for the gig. 

Christopher Nolan apparently thought of Gary Oldman for the character as well. However, as Oldman himself explained, he wanted to step away from villainous roles at the time in his career. So his manager apparently suggested that he’d fit the mold of Jim Gordon, for which he was cast and received praise.

As for Robert Downey Jr., it may have been for the best that he didn’t end up getting hired. If he had, there’s a chance that he may not have been tapped to play Tony Stark years later. The thought of him holding down both roles isn’t too wild but, given the notoriety the Scarecrow role could’ve brought him, Marvel Studios may not have been so keen to hire a major name from another big superhero franchise. 

I’d say that it all worked out in the end, especially since RDJ did eventually get to work with Christopher Nolan and Cillian Murphy as a member of the Oppenheimer cast. Robert Downey Jr. has been lauded for his role as Rear Admiral Lewis Strauss, who ironically serves as an antagonist to Murphy’s titular physicist. Throughout this awards season, Downey has won a Golden Globe, Critics’ Choice Award and other honors and, at present, he’s a 2024 Oscar nominee for Best Supporting Actor. So, with all of that in mind, I don’t think the A-lister is too bummed about having that awkward Batman-related conversation with Christopher Nolan and not landing Scarecrow.

You can see the leading man’s work as Tony Stark by streaming the Marvel movies in order using a Disney+ subscription. And, starting on February 16, Peacock subscribers can stream Oppenheimer and witness his stunning work.

That recent 28 Days Later good news which revealed that not only were Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reteaming to make 28 Years Later but that the horror sequel officially found a studio home and roped in original lead Cillian Murphy to produce and potentially star should please all zombie-movie fans. However, there's one famous fan who is likely extra excited: Stephen King.

Yes, the iconic horror author behind classic scary titles like Carrie, Cujo, The Shining and Salem's Lot — all of which were turned into film adaptations, with the latter upcoming movie set to star Lewis Pullman, Makenzie Leigh and Alfre Woodard — is reportedly a big fan of the Danny Boyle-directed flick. So much so, in fact, that the writer allegedly bought out 800 movie tickets when the post-apocalyptic film hit theaters in November 2002. 

But exactly why did the author do that? Here's the full story behind Stephen King buying all those 28 Days Later tickets.

Why Stephen King Bought Hundreds Of 28 Days Later Tickets

According to a recent Inverse oral history on the "genre-redefining" zombie flick —which stars Murphy as a bile courier who awakens from a coma to discover that a highly contagious "rage virus" has been accidentally unleashed on society, turning everyday Brits into freakishly fast and strong zombies — Stephen King was an early supporter of the movie, despite initially middling reviews from critics. Film producer Andrew Macdonald told the outlet: 

Of course, King is one of the world's foremost horror fans, so it's not a shock that he would champion a freaky film like 28 Days Later. And he's a noted zombie fan, as evidenced by his 2006 novel Cell, which featured a mysterious cell network signal that turned average citizens into vicious, zombie-like creatures. 

However, the author may also have been drawn to Boyle's film for its character-driven drama, which set it apart from other jump-scare-loaded genre titles. As King proclaimed during the 2011 TCM special, A Night at the Movies: The Horrors of Stephen King:

Clearly, he loves a high-stakes story. Along with Cillian Murphy, Naomie Harris, Christopher Eccleston, Megan Burns and Brendan Gleeson brought exactly that. 

How Did 28 Days Later Change The Zombie Movie Genre?

Grossing more than $82.7 million worldwide on a budget of just $8 million, 28 Days Later would clearly bounce back from those initial poor reviews to become one of the standout horror titles of the past two decades. It would spawn a 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later, starring Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Jeremy Renner and Idris Elba, and, as mentioned, that upcoming 28 Years Later follow-up.

The film series' brand of fast-moving zombies mixed with gritty realism and character-driven storytelling revitalized the zombie apocalypse subgenre. It also reinvented it, ushering in an undead renaissance with movies like the Dawn of the Dead remake, its spoof Shaun of the Dead, Zombieland, World War Z and more. 

If you don't want to pull a Stephen King and buy out an entire movie theater to watch Boyle's original zombie flick, you can stream 28 Days Later with a Sling TV plan. 

Earlier this month, horror fans were delivered some incredible news. After years of waiting, it was officially announced not only that Danny Boyle and Alex Garland were reteaming to make 28 Years Later – a new sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later – but that the project would potentially set up even more new movies. Hearing all of that was exciting enough, but now things have actually gotten even better. In addition to the project finding a home at a major studio, it has been revealed that Cillian Murphy has come aboard as an executive producer, and there's a chance he will reprise his breakout role as Jim.

The latest update about 28 Years Later comes from The Hollywood Reporter. While there were many studios bidding to partner with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland on the project, Sony has won out and is now set up to make the film. The trade report says that Garland is going to be writing both 28 Years Later and a "Part 2," and Boyle is presently attached to direct the former but not the latter.

For those who don't recall, the original 28 Days Later is set in London less than a month after the outbreak of a deadly contagion called the Rage Virus. Much like zombies, those who become infected lose their ability to rationally think and get the instinct to attack those who are not infected (infecting them in the process), but the big difference is that they are not undead and basically always move at a full sprint. Cillian Murphy's Jim is introduced as a bicycle courier who wakes up from a coma to find that the city he lives in has been decimated. He ends up finding other survivors – for better and for ill – and while multiple endings were shot for the movie, the version that went to theaters saw Jim surviving along with his friends Selena (Naomie Harris) and Hannah (Megan Burns).

If Murphy does end up reprising his role in 28 Years Later, one has to wonder if Harris and Burns will come back as well.

Made with an $8 million budget (per Box Office Mojo), 28 Days Later was a massive hit that earned $84.6 million during its theatrical run, and the sequel 28 Weeks Later was released five years later without Danny Boyle, Alex Garland or Cillian Murphy in their original roles (Boyle and Garland are credited only as executive producers). Sporting a stellar cast including Imogen Poots, Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, Idris Elba, Jeremy Renner and Harold Perrineau, the follow-up film is arguably underrated, but compared to its predecessor, it underperformed at the box office. There was chatter about another installment for years – with discussion about 28 Months Later as the angle – but only now is the project becoming a reality as 28 Years Later and the untitled 28 Years Later: Part 2.

The timetable for the exciting feature is unknown, but the latest report about the movies says that a theatrical release was a priority for Danny Boyle and Alex Garland during negotiations. It's also said that the two movies will have respective budgets "in the $60 million range," which means that they will be substantially bigger than the previous two franchise entries (28 Weeks Later was made for $15 million, according to The Numbers). Stay tuned here on CinemaBlend for all of the latest updates about 28 Years Later and its immediate follow-up, and you can get a preview of all the scary films on the horizon with our Upcoming Horror Movies guide.

Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer has been a topic of considerable interest throughout the past year. This film made headlines with its momentous Barbenheimer weekend and stood out due to Christopher Nolan's star-studded cast. It has become a strong competitor throughout this awards season, securing 13 nominations at the 96th Academy Awards. However, one of the more unexpected elements that sparked debate and criticism revolves around the intimate scenes between Cillian Murphy and Florence Pugh. Now, Pugh has revealed that a camera malfunctioned amidst one of her nude scenes, leading to less-than-ideal circumstances on set.

At a Universal press event for Nolan’s latest historical epic, the actress partook in a conversation with Cillian Murphy and Emily Blunt, which was moderated by Jamie Dornan. It was during this discussion that recalled the intriguing behind-the-scenes story. She recounted that not only did a camera break while filming a sex scene with Cillian Murphy but that there was also no immediate replacement available, the crew had to pause and wait for the camera to be repaired. Her account of the situation sounds both fascinating and very inconvenient:

The film was entirely shot using a combination of IMAX 65 mm and 65 mm large-format film stocks. (Notably, the movie also featured some scenes that were captured using pioneering IMAX black-and-white film photography.) So getting a replacement camera was nearly impossible, and repairs were necessary. During the same interview, Florence Pugh shared that although it wasn't the ideal time, it was an excellent opportunity for her to familiarize herself with the process that Christopher Nolan was implementing and learn a thing or two about the cameras. The Marvel alumnus continued:

Hey, when an opportunity presents itself–in your birthday suit or not–you gotta take it. The fact that major camera setbacks couldn't stop Christopher Nolan and his cast from pushing through the work is also impressive. 

Oppenheimer made its theatrical debut in the United States on July 21 and was released by Universal Pictures. It had an excellent theatrical run, earning an impressive $955 million worldwide. Christopher Nolan himself even opened up about the "crazy thing" regarding the success. This remarkable performance made it the third highest-grossing film of 2023. Additionally, it set records as the most profitable World War II-themed movie and the top-grossing biographical film. In my opinion, it's easily one of the 25 best movies of 2023. Here's hoping it takes home some gold when the 96th Oscars ceremony airs on ABC on March 10, 2024.

Among the nominees is Cillian Murphy, who is up for Best Actor, and folks are surely going to remember his and Florence Pugh's performances for some time. You really can't help but appreciate that the actors managed to keep their composure throughout the camera ordeal. I also love the fact that Pugh can even see some humor in the not-so-ideal moment now.

If you haven't watched the film yet and want to see the fantastic chemistry between the two actors, then you're in luck. The movie is Oppenheimer is finally headed to streaming just in time for awards season. Starting February 16, anyone with a Peacock subscription can watch it.

The Oppenhomies (AKA the cast of Oppenheimer) are such a fun bunch, and I adore it when they’re all together. Lately, we’ve been getting a lot of Cillian Murphy, Emily Blunt and Robert Downey Jr. in the same room as the award season kicks into high gear, and I can't get enough of it. However, when Murphy and Blunt reunited at a BAFTA’s event, I was far too distracted by the actress’s really cool cage dress to be thinking about Christopher Nolan’s epic historical biopic. 

At the BAFTA Tea Party, Emily Blunt showed up wearing a seriously stunning sage green gown that was structured and almost cage-like. The green pieces of fabric were woven together like a nest, and the piece features wonderful matching green flowers throughout, take a look:

The gown is from Oscar de la Renta’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection, per Harper’s Bazaar, and it’s made of “laser-cut illustrative lines that were intricately woven together to form a fitted bodice,” the magazine explained. Ultimately, these lines create a gorgeous structured A-line silhouette, and honestly, a dress like this should be on display in a museum. 

Keeping the rest of her look fairly simple and letting the dress be the focal point, the Devil Wears Prada star complimented it with a simple nude slip dress, nude heels from Manolo Blahnik and Tiffany & Co. earrings. 

Once I fell out of the trance of looking at this dress, I also noticed the sweet Oppenhomie reunion that took place, because Cillian Murphy was there too. The incredibly-well reviewed Oppenheimer recently earned 13 BAFTA nominations  – including one for Murphy and one for Blunt – following it dominating the list of 2024 Golden Globe winners. So, these two had tons of reasons to celebrate at this tea party that they both showed up for in posh looks. 

The Oscar nominations are right around the corner too, and there’s a lot of speculation that Cillian Murphy, Christopher Nolan and Robert Downey Jr. are frontrunners for the Academy Awards. So, you better believe we’re going to get more Oppenhomie reunions as well as fierce looks from the cast, specifically Emily Blunt, in the coming months.

This cast really does have a lot to celebrate, and they do it in fashion. Not only did Oppenheimer dominate at the box office and become a cultural phenomenon with Barbenheimer, it’s also killing it this award season on all fronts. First of all, the cast is always showing up dressed to impress. Secondly, they’ve already won so many awards (they took home five Golden Globes). And to top it all off, it seems like this ensemble genuinely loves spending time with one another, which likely makes this prestigious and fashionable, yet exhausting, season even better. 

Oppenheimer is one of the biggest box office hits of 2023, and it's also one of the darkest. The Christopher Nolan-directed epic centers around J. Robert Oppenheimer's efforts to build the atomic bomb during World War II, and faces the consequences. The film deals with intense themes like unchecked bureaucracy, morality in the face of war and power structures that lead to destruction. Given that a lot is needed to be able to fully capture the complexities of the protagonist and intricacies of the plot, a lot was expected of Cillian Murphy, who plays the eponymous character. According to the Peaky Blinders star, one "rule" had to be instituted on set for him to go to the dark places necessary for the character and, thankfully, co-star Emily Blunt was able to help make it happen.

Amid awards season, Cillian Murphy was profiled by the L.A. Times, and he opened up about what went into his Oscar-worthy performance in Oppenheimer. Additionally, he spoke about how his co-stars created levity on set, which allowed him to relax. While some actors like a somber environment to get into the mind of their character, Murphy said that he relies on a high-spirited energy to fully be able to explore his role. He explained how Emily Blunt helped with this, saying:

The two stars have worked together before. Previously, the two of them co-starred n A Quiet Place Part II, and this prior relationship likely allowed for them to feel even more comfortable working together this time around. The Jungle Cruise alum plays Oppenheimer’s wife, Kitty, in the film, so she naturally has many scenes with the Dunkirk actor. They go to many dark places together and explore elements like grief and addiction as a couple. Their performances are so emotional that it’s almost hard to believe that they were cracking jokes behind the scenes. 

The clash between the heavy subject matter and behind-the-scenes levity couldn’t have been an easy balance to create, and this is a true testament to Christopher Nolan's skills as a director. Nolan is a famously focused filmmaker and balancing a supersized cast, large-scale cinematic moments, and heavy subject matter couldn’t have been easy. Knowing that there was room for a relaxed and supportive environment shows not only his love for the project but also the Interstellar director’s strength as a leader.

However, with a cast like Oppenheimer's, it must’ve been easy to keep a breezy vibe on set, even while telling such a tragic story. Charismatic personalities like Matt Damon, Florence Pugh and Robert Downey Jr. probably helped keep up the energy, contributing to the positive on-set environment. Based on the press tour pictures, the entire cast seemed to get along swimmingly. Photos of the cast enjoying pizza with John Krasinski come to mind, and they all can’t seem to keep a straight face when they're all together. That's the kind f camaraderie between cast members that some dream of, and it's great that Cillian Murphy's desire was satisfied by his A+ co-star.

You can see him, Emily Blunt and the rest of the all-star cast in Oppenheimer, which is currently available to rent on Amazon. You can also see Blunt and Cillian Murphy’s previous collaboration in A Quiet Place Part II, which can be streamed now with a Paramount+ subscription. 

Cillian Murphy has had a busy year, what with starring in the biggest biopic of all time as J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer. But is that much-rumored Peaky Blinders movie in the actor's near future? Well, a recent update from Peaky Blinders creator Steve Knight will get fans' hopes up. 

Murphy, of course, portrayed Birmingham gangster leader Tommy Shelby in the British crime drama for six seasons on the BBC. (U.S. fans can check it out with a Netflix subscription.) The series ended in 2022 with—spoiler alert!—Tommy Shelby realizing that he was, in fact, not dying of a brain tumor and making a new start for himself by burning all of his possessions and riding off on a white stallion. It was a finale that seemingly left the door open for a potential Peaky follow-up film. 

What Steve Knight has to say about that Peaky Blinders movie

In a December 2023 interview with RadioTimes, Knight not only spoke to the outlet about the new stage adaptation, Peaky Blinders: Rambert’s The Redemption Of Thomas Shelby—here's how you can watch it online—but also gave an update on the progress of the long-teased movie spinoff. 

The creator-screenwriter, who penned all 36 episodes of the period drama and reportedly based elements of the series on family members who were part of local Birmingham gangs, revealed that he was "working on the final bits" of the script for Peaky film: 

As for when production on the movie could materialize, Knight said that fans could expect filming to begin as soon as this summer:

Someone needs to check in with Cillian Murphy about the news! Though the actor-producer previously told RadioTimes that he's open to reprising his role as Tommy Shelby "if there’s more story to tell," his most recent comments on the upcoming film don't sound so sure. 

While attending the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival on Thursday, January 4 where he was being honored with the Desert Palm Achievement Award for his staggering work in Oppenheimer, the Irishman was asked about Peaky movie updates. However, as he told Extra’s Megan Ryte on the red carpet: 

Do we think Murphy is just playing coy or does he really not know?

Should Peaky Blinders fans even want a movie spinoff?

The prospect of a Peaky movie sequel is a complicated one. Though Peaky Blinders fans like myself (and Margot Robbie) can't help but want to see Tommy, Arthur, Ada, Lizzie, and the rest of the gun-toting Shelby crew back on screen together, there are others who prefer to stick with the series' ending. Murphy said as much during his Variety Actors on Actors sit-down with Robbie, during which the Barbie lead fangirled over the actor's iconic Brummie character and basically begged him to star in the spinoff movie. In reply, Cillian said: 

But who are we kidding? If Tommy Shelby is back on any screen, we'll be watching! In the meantime, keep your eyes peeled to the 2024 movie schedule in case that Peaky movie does end up happening.