Cillian Murphy Returns in ’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’

Cillian Murphy Makes a Return to the 28 Years Later Franchise

Cillian Murphy has made a highly anticipated return to the 28 Years Later franchise with a cameo in The Bone Temple, which is now showing in cinemas from January 16. Directed by Nia DaCosta, the film continues the story where Danny Boyle’s original 28 Years Later left off. The sequel follows young Spike (Alfie Williams) as he joins a group of psychopathic Jimmys led by Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). While Murphy’s role in this installment is brief, it marks his first appearance in the franchise in 23 years.

Murphy originally portrayed Jim, a delivery man turned zombie-slayer, in Boyle’s 2003 film, which launched his career in Hollywood. His return in The Bone Temple sets the stage for the upcoming third installment, which will see Boyle returning to direct.

A Brief but Significant Appearance

For fans hoping to see Murphy reprise his iconic role, the wait is worth it—though not immediately. Murphy’s appearance comes late in the film, approximately 100 minutes into the runtime. DaCosta saves the best for last, featuring the Oppenheimer Oscar winner in the film’s final two scenes. Although Murphy’s voice appears in a pre-credits snippet, he remains unseen until the end.

After Spike and Ink (Erin Kellyman) crucify Jimmy, they flee the compound of Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) in search of a new home. A sudden cut leads them to a country cottage, which initially seems to be their refuge. However, upon entering, it becomes clear that the house belongs to Jim and his young daughter, whom he presumably shares with Selena.

Jim is in the middle of preparing lunch for his daughter and quizzing her on an upcoming homeschool test when they hear a commotion outside. Armed with firearms, which have long since been replaced by more primitive tools in this post-apocalyptic world, the pair ventures into the mountains just in time to witness Spike and Ink being chased by a group of infected.

“Are we going to help them?” Jim’s daughter asks.

“Of course we are,” he replies, as they descend down the mountain with their rifles cocked and the screen fades to black.

An Absent Character Leaves Room for Speculation

One notable absence in The Bone Temple is Selena, played by Naomie Harris. Her character does not appear in the film, and Harris has remained silent about a potential return to the franchise. Selena is not only unseen but also unmentioned, leaving her fate open to interpretation. Could she have died long ago, or is she simply out of the picture for now? Regardless, it is clear that she and Jim share a child, so her presence is likely to be explored in the next installment.

Murphy’s appearance in The Bone Temple is a significant step toward the third film, which will be directed by Boyle. Boyle was unable to direct this film because it was shot back-to-back with the first one. While details about the upcoming sequel remain scarce, screenwriter Alex Garland hinted that the third film will explore themes of redemption, in contrast to The Bone Temple, which delves into the nature of evil.

A release date for the third film has yet to be announced, but fans are eagerly awaiting its arrival. For now, the return of Cillian Murphy and the promise of a deeper exploration of the franchise’s universe have set the stage for what could be the most compelling chapter yet in the 28 Years Later saga.