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Cillian Murphy is set to return to the ‘28 Days Later’ franchise, but fans will need some patience before seeing him again. Director Danny Boyle confirmed that Cillian Murphy, 49, who starred in the original 2002 film, will appear in the 2026 sequel ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’. This film, directed by Nia DaCosta, follows this summer’s highly anticipated ‘28 Years Later’, which is scheduled for release on 20th June, 2025.
Boyle shared in interviews with IGN and IndieWire that Murphy’s character Jim will make a significant appearance in the second instalment. While he kept details under wraps to avoid spoilers, Boyle emphasised that Cillian Murphy's role is cleverly integrated into the storyline crafted alongside writer Alex Garland, who co-created the franchise’s original post-apocalyptic world.
This confirmation puts to rest long-standing fan speculation about whether Jim would return to confront the ongoing chaos caused by the Rage Virus. Early trailers for ‘28 Years Later’ hint at an infected character resembling Cillian Murphy, fueling excitement among fans eager to see the actor reprise his iconic role.
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Image Courtesy: Rolling Stone
Boyle also revealed that Cillian Murphy will have a major part in a planned third film in the movie franchise, though it has not yet been officially greenlit. A strong box office showing for ‘28 Years Later’ and Murphy’s involvement as an executive producer could help secure the future instalment. Boyle applauded filmmaker DaCosta's vision and creative usage of Murphy's character, describing his debut in the second movie as "very smart" and "very satisfying."
More About '28 Days Later'
Alongside Cillian Murphy’s return, the '28 Days Later' franchise introduces fresh faces to its evolving storyline, including Spike, a 12-year-old portrayed by Alfie Williams. Spike is set to become a central figure throughout the new trilogy, appearing consistently across all upcoming films. Other newcomers include Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, contributing to a fresh yet connected narrative.
Boyle explained that the first two films were shot back-to-back due to logistics and storytelling continuity, ensuring a seamless flow between the entries. ‘28 Years Later’ is set to premiere in theatres on 20th June, 2025, with its sequel, 'The Bone Temple’, scheduled for release on 16th January, 2026. These upcoming films are poised to deepen the intense and thrilling narrative of survival within a post-apocalyptic world
