Danny Boyle Reveals Surprising Casting Choices for 28 Days Later

London, England — Director Danny Boyle recently discussed the casting process for the iconic film 28 Days Later, revealing some unexpected contenders for the role of Jim.

In a conversation with CinemaBlend, Boyle clarified that Hollywood A-listers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Ryan Gosling, and Ewan McGregor were never considered for the role. Instead, he mentioned two lesser-known actors from that era who were in the mix but often overlooked.

Boyle stated, “At that time, McGregor was involved in Black Hawk Down, and both Tom Hardy and Orlando Bloom were rising stars.” Interestingly, during the initial 2002 release of 28 Days Later in the UK, Bloom and Hardy competed against each other at the box office with their respective films, Star Trek: Nemesis and The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers.

The director emphasized that having well-known actors like Hardy or Bloom might have disrupted the film’s atmosphere. The suspense built around Jim’s character hinges on audience uncertainty about whether he would succumb to the infection or not.

Boyle’s insight reveals how the film’s casting choices significantly contributed to its narrative and emotional impact. Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris, who ultimately landed key roles, saw their careers skyrocket after the film’s release, transforming the zombie genre.

As anticipation builds for the sequel, 28 Years Later, set to hit theaters on June 20th, fans are eager to see if it can recapture the magic of its predecessor.