In the original 28 Days Later, Cillian Murphy’s character Jim awoke from a coma to find Britain devastated by the Rage virus, a manmade plague transmitted via chimpanzees. The film concluded with Jim, along with Selena (Naomie Harris) and Hannah (Megan Burns), seeking refuge in a countryside cottage after escaping the violent forces led by Major Henry West (Christopher Eccleston). Their fate was left uncertain as they appeared to signal an RAF jet searching for survivors. The new sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, brings Murphy back into the narrative, though how Jim reenters the story remains a mystery. Questions linger whether Jim reunited with Selena and Hannah or chose to live in isolation, eventually crossing paths with a young islander named Spike.
The Latest Installment and Its New Characters
Directed by Nia DaCosta, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple shifts focus onto Spike, played by Alfie Williams, who has lived his whole life on the secluded and carefully guarded island of Lindisfarne. His world changes dramatically when he encounters the charismatic and dangerous cult leader Sir Jimmy Crystal, portrayed by Jack O’Connell. The film brings fresh tension and introduces a new perspective on the Rage virus’s impact while setting the stage for Jim’s surprising reappearance at the conclusion of the story.
Filmmakers Reflect on Cillian Murphy’s Return
Producer and original trilogy director Danny Boyle expressed excitement about Murphy’s involvement in this latest sequel. Speaking with Deadline, Boyle urged viewers to stay through the film’s conclusion to witness Jim’s moment on screen, teasing that it is “a really special moment.” He noted the unusual tone for a horror movie, as the ending contains an unexpectedly “delightful” scene rather than a horrific one, designed to build anticipation for future installments.
“If you turn up for the movie, don’t leave before the end! [laughs]. It’s a really special moment actually, and I won’t say why because… but you should certainly see it. It’s well worth seeing for that alone, really. When you see the end of the second film, and if you like this work, you’ll kind of get a glimpse [to] think, ‘Ohhh I see where this is gonna go…’ and that’s a pleasure, really, in a way. It’s weird because a horror movie should usually end with something horrific and it ends with something delightful. It makes you want to see the next film, hopefully.”
Similarly, director Nia DaCosta described her experience working with Murphy as surreal, reflecting on her admiration for his original performance in 28 Days Later and her excitement to have him on set.
“So. F******. Surreal. I used to watch this man in a movie that was so important to me. And now he’s here in front of me, and I’m directing him. And he’s asking me what I thought of a take. And he just won an Oscar? What the hell’s going on?”
“I just thought [28 Days Later] was the best thing I’d ever seen. I watched it over and over again. I was so obsessed with being in that world, with those characters — having a big old crush on Cillian Murphy, wanting to be Naomie Harris.”
Future of the 28 Years Later Series
With positive early reactions to The Bone Temple, Sony Pictures Entertainment has already approved a follow-up to continue the saga. Writer Alex Garland returns to pen this next chapter, promising a dramatic conclusion to the trilogy. Filming is expected to commence later this year, bringing greater clarity on Jim’s journey and the evolving world after the devastating Rage virus outbreak.
Producer Danny Boyle discusses Cillian Murphy’s return to the ‘28 Days Later’ franchise and teases how #28YearsLater: The Bone Temple sets up the next movie: “If you turn up for the movie [Bone Temple], don’t leave before the end. It’s a really special moment” pic.twitter.com/JGxmwTOs3h
— Deadline (@DEADLINE) January 13, 2026
