At a recent fan event in New York City, director Danny Boyle confirmed that Cillian Murphy‘s character Jim, a central figure in the original “28 Days Later,” has an unknown fate in the upcoming sequel “28 Years Later.” This revelation highlights ongoing curiosity about Cillian Murphy’s character Jim fate in 28 Years Later, as the story introduces new leads and sets the stage for further exploration of the franchise’s universe.
Jim and Selena’s Whereabouts Remain a Mystery in the New Film
Cillian Murphy first portrayed Jim in the acclaimed 2002 post-apocalyptic thriller “28 Days Later,” where his character survived together with Selena, played by Naomie Harris. Two decades after the film‘s release, fans are still left to wonder what became of these survivors. Danny Boyle, now 68, clarified during the event that by the time “28 Years Later” unfolds, the destinies of both Jim and Selena are uncertain and not addressed in the narrative’s present timeline.
“So, it’s independent from the first film, but it’s still the same apocalypse 28 years later as it was for Cillian Murphy in the first film and Naomie Harris.”
—Danny Boyle, Director
Though Jim and Selena’s fate is deliberately left ambiguous, Boyle affirmed that the sequel’s two main protagonists, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson (as Jamie) and Jodie Comer (as Isla), are designed to be compelling successors. Boyle described them as well-suited to take on the story’s legacy, providing continuity while introducing fresh perspectives.
“But this is 28 years later, and we don’t know what’s happened to them [Jim and Selena]. I’m not allowed to tell you, but these two are more than worthy stand-ins.”
—Danny Boyle, Director
Transition from Previous Films and Introduction of New Storyline
The original film’s story continued with the 2007 sequel “28 Weeks Later,” directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, but this installment did not include Cillian Murphy’s Jim or direct storyline links to Selena. Instead, new survivors and challenges were introduced, moving the franchise in a slightly different direction.
“28 Years Later” shifts focus once again, this time to Jamie and Isla’s family. Their peaceful life within a close-knit island community is disrupted when their young son Spike, portrayed by Alfie Williams, embarks on a dangerous journey beyond the island’s safer limits. Facing the persistent threat of the Rage Virus, the family’s survival is put to the test, continuing the saga’s tradition of high stakes.
Cillian Murphy’s Role Behind the Scenes and Hopes for the Trilogy
Although Cillian Murphy will not reprise his role as Jim in “28 Years Later,” he remains attached to the project as an executive producer. Producer Andrew Macdonald acknowledged Murphy’s continued involvement with the film and the possibility of his character resurfacing in the wider trilogy.
“He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.”
—Andrew Macdonald, Producer
Macdonald previously shared that while there would be no on-screen return for Jim in the first installment, both parties are open to future possibilities as the trilogy unfolds.
A Planned Trilogy and New Direction for the Series
Following the release of “28 Years Later” on 20 June 2025, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland are scheduled to proceed with additional entries, including
“28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple,”
expected in January 2026, and a concluding third film.
Garland emphasized that the expanding scope of the story makes a trilogy the most suitable narrative framework for the series.
“This is very narratively ambitious. Danny and I understood that. We tried to condense it, but its natural form felt like a trilogy.”
—Alex Garland, Writer
Boyle noted that the new films would take the franchise in an innovative direction, distinct from both “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later.”
“It was about what that 28 years gives you.”
—Danny Boyle, Director
Future of the Franchise Tied to Upcoming Film’s Success
With the trilogy’s fate dependent on box office performance, Boyle appealed directly to audiences in Las Vegas ahead of the “28 Years Later” premiere. Securing funding for the trilogy’s conclusion hinges on strong support for the initial films‘ theatrical runs, underscoring the importance of fan enthusiasm and cinema attendance.
“So please, do us proud in your cinemas on June the 20th and support the continuing apocalypse.”
—Danny Boyle, Director
While Cillian Murphy’s character Jim fate in 28 Years Later remains unresolved, anticipation is building around the film’s new protagonists, forthcoming sequels, and the franchise’s continued evolution in both narrative and development. Fans of the series will have to await potential answers—and possibly Murphy’s return—in subsequent installments.
