Cillian Murphy's 28 Years Later Return is Happening, Not a Drill

Following the success of 28 Years Later earlier this year, as well as the excitement building around 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple which hits cinemas in January, the Danny Boyle franchise continues to go from strength to strength.

It is hard to believe that it was 2002 that 28 Days Later was released, shining a light on the British zombie genre as well as now Academy Award-winning actor Cillian Murphy.

Since then, the franchise has welcomed two, soon to be three sequels, but it seems as though 28 Years Later is far from wrapping up anytime soon.

Not only that but with Murphy taking a back seat in the franchise since his stunning performance in 28 Days Later, now preferring to take on a producing role, a recent report reveals that he may be set to return.

After all, Murphy’s character Jim is alive and well by the end of 28 Days Later and so some would say that his story is unfinished.

This report comes courtesy of Variety, who reveals that Murphy is not only set to reprise his role as Jim in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple but Boyle also hopes that the Irish actor will return for a third 28 Years Later.

The Future Is Looking Bright For Fans

The Bone Temple, which is set to be directed by Nia DaCosta, continues on the story of 28 Years Later and just so happens to be one of 2025’s highest grossed horror films, opening to $30 million back in June so it is perhaps no surprise that further sequels are already in the works.

Sony Pictures

Set in a dystopian future where an infection has ravaged the UK, turning its population into zombie-like creatures, the films tend to follow groups of human survivors who battle with both the crazed inhabitants and each other.

With The Bone Temple set to hit cinemas on 16 January, early screenings have already started popping up around the country and early social media reactions have praised DaCosta’s direction as well as performances from Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell.

It remains to be seen when Boyle will return to his role as director with the 28 Years Later sequel but fingers crossed that Murphy will have a starring role for the first time since 2002.

Until then, it remains to be seen if 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple lives up to the previous instalments in the beloved franchise.