Cillian Murphy Teases Main Role In ’28 Years Later 3′ & Jokingly Has “Relief Of Missing Out” With Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

Oscar-winner Cillian Murphy is attending the Toronto International Film Festival as his latest movie, “Steve,” is premiering there, and he was asked by Variety in a panel discussion about his feelings on not appearing in Christopher Nolan‘s “The Odyssey,” and his reaction is sort of priceless and on-brand for the Irish actor, who prioritizes his free time.

“Is there a trailer? I have ROMO: ‘Relief of missing out,'” Murphy joked when asked by Variety about not appearing in the Greek myth epic. “No, I can’t wait to see it. If any director in the world could tackle ‘The Odyssey,’ it’s going to be Christopher Nolan. I am so excited to see it. He is one in a million. He’s been a huge part of my life as an actor. I can’t wait to see what he does with it.”

READ MORE: ’28 Years Later’: Danny Boyle Says Cillian Murphy Is “An Enormous Character In The Third Film,” But The Script Isn’t Written” Yet

Of course, Murphy has appeared in multiple Nolan movies, including “The Dark Knight” trilogy, “Dunkirk,” “Inception,” and “Oppenheimer,” leading to his Best Actor Oscar, but he is also cheekily leaning into his online persona of not really being thrilled about anything, so his take on not working on the project feels more unserious than usual as highlighted by his excitement to watch it. That said, we wouldn’t be terribly shocked if the two reunite on the next thing Nolan decides to make.

Murphy was also asked by The Observer about his reaction to the internet, thinking he was the emaciated zombie in the “28 Years Later” trailer after his son pointed it out to him.

“That’s great, people think I look like a zombie cadaver,” Murphy responded. “It’s very flattering.” Going on to confirm he has a minor part as Jim (the protagnist from the original “28 Days Later“) in Nia DaCosta‘s “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” before making a bigger return for “28 Years Later 3” (franchise creator/screenwriter Alex Garland said to be still in the writing process on that one as he focuses on casting/shooting “Elden Ring” for A24) as a main character.

“Everyone’s got to go and see the second one,” Murphy said of the second new Rage Virus installment while keeping mum about his previously shot “Peaky Blinders” movie.

“The Bone Temple” is officially set to be released by Sony Pictures on January 16, 2026, and Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” despite not featuring Murphy, is heading to theaters on July 17, 2026. The aforementioned “Steve,” starring Murphy in a lead role, arrives in select theaters September 19 before streaming on Netflix come October 3.