Fans of the original 2002 film 28 Days Later eagerly awaited news of its sequel, 28 Years Later, wondering if Cillian Murphy would reprise his role. Murphy, who rose from relative obscurity in the indie horror hit to an acclaimed actor starring in Oppenheimer and Peaky Blinders, marks a career-defining return with the latest installment, highlighting the significance of his character Jim in the ongoing story.
Unpacking the Release and Delayed Appearance of Cillian Murphy’s Character
When 28 Years Later was unveiled as part of a trilogy, initial promotional material caused confusion. Many viewers misinterpreted teaser clips as evidence that Murphy’s character was present from the start. However, director Danny Boyle, writer Alex Garland, and Murphy himself publicly clarified that Jim would not appear until the second film, putting fans’ speculations to rest.
With 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple now released, the spotlight has shifted to how Jim’s storyline integrates into the unfolding narrative of this sequel.
Examining Jim’s Role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Cillian Murphy’s Jim does make an appearance in The Bone Temple, though this is limited and delivered with a notable twist. The film primarily follows Spike, portrayed by Alfie Williams, who leaves his island sanctuary for the mainland and becomes entangled with the violent Cult of Jimmy. This cult is led by the ruthless Sir Jimmy Crystal, played by Jack O’Connell. Conflict intensifies when the cult clashes with Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes), a man devoted to memorializing the dead through a vast monument made of bones and skulls.
After a brutal showdown, only Spike and Kelly—known as Jimmy Ink and played by Erin Kellyman—survive. Kelly, a sharp and merciless cult member, sees through the cult leader’s lies. The final moments take an unexpected turn when the film shifts to a tranquil English countryside cottage, where an older Jim, played by Murphy, is shown teaching military history to a young biracial girl, presumably his daughter with Selena (Naomie Harris), his companion from the original film.
This quiet scene is soon disrupted as Jim and his daughter set up a sniper lookout upon hearing disturbance outside. They see Spike and Kelly running from a swarm of The Infected. The daughter inquires about intervening, and after hesitation, Jim decides to uphold his moral principles and agree to help.
Murphy’s Foreshadowing of a Larger Role in the Third Chapter
Addressing his brief screen time, Murphy revealed in an interview with The Observer that his cameo was intended to pave the way for a more prominent role in the trilogy’s finale. He emphasized the importance of audience support for the second film by stating,
“Everyone’s got to go and see the second one,”
Cillian Murphy, Actor, and expressed confidence in its quality:
“I’m sure they will – it’s really, really good.”
Following early December 2025 screenings and response, Sony officially greenlit the third installment with Murphy confirmed to star. Danny Boyle will return as director, and Alex Garland will continue his writing duties. Alfie Williams and Erin Kellyman will also reprise their roles, ensuring continuity.
The Bone Temple’s Impact on the Franchise’s Plot
Serving as an intense and pivotal second act, The Bone Temple deepens the series’ mythology. Spike’s entanglement with the Cult of Jimmy reveals layers of betrayal and survival, while Dr. Kelson’s breakthrough on curing the Rage Virus offers hope amid despair. Kelson’s experiments, blending opioids and antipsychotics, successfully restored consciousness and humanity to the infected alpha, Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry). Though Kelson dies before sharing his discovery widely, Samson roams as the living proof of a potential cure.
This development elevates Jim’s character beyond survivor status to possibly a key player in helping the UK recover from viral chaos, even if it means sacrificing himself in the process.
What Fans Can Expect Moving Forward with 28 Years Later
With 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple now available in theaters, anticipation is mounting for the final trilogy chapter. Jim’s inclusion, though brief in the second film, hints at profound consequences for the narrative’s resolution. The reveal of Jim’s daughter and the interplay between old and new survivors suggest the story will explore themes of legacy and redemption.
As the series intensifies, viewers can look forward to how Murphy’s character influences the fate of the infected world and unravels the solution to the Rage Virus crisis. The strong ensemble cast’s return promises a compelling continuation, while the cure’s existence raises urgent questions about survival and humanity in a devastated society.
