“28 Years On: The Bone Temple” – What Brings Cillian Murphy Back as Jim?

Run like a gentle breeze to your nearest theater, as Cillian Murphy lovingly reprises his role from *28 Days Later* in Nia DaCosta’s *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*. This new chapter in the franchise brings a wave of excitement as we anticipate the continuation of this intriguing story.

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Murphy, who once portrayed survivor Jim in Danny Boyle’s original *28 Days Later*, didn’t appear in the 2025 film *28 Years Later*, also directed by Boyle. However, he was an executive producer, and Boyle has confirmed that Murphy returns as Jim in The Bone Temple. Now, we have the chance to explore what Jim has experienced in the 28 years since the Rage Virus swept through Great Britain. Though he makes his appearance towards the end of *The Bone Temple*, it offers a glimpse of what we can expect from the next chapter in the *28 Years Later* trilogy.

What unfolds at the conclusion of *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*? By the film’s end, both Dr. Ian Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) and Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) meet their fates in a dramatic confrontation at Kelson’s tribute to the lost. Finally liberated from Jimmy, Alfie (Spike Williams) escapes with Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman), who reveals her true name as Kelly.

From there, *The Bone Temple* transitions to a quaint cottage—reminiscent of the sanctuary where Jim, Selena (Naomie Harris), and Hannah (Megan Burns) sought refuge at the end of *28 Days Later*. This home in Cumbria has transformed into a cozy haven, filled with books, food, and all the comforts of a life lived well over decades.

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In the final scenes, Jim is seen gently quizzing his daughter about a history test he plans to assign. Selena, presumably the girl’s mother, and Hannah are absent—leading us to wonder about their fate. Are they safe, or simply away at the moment? As these thoughts swirl, two newcomers approach the cottage: Spike and Kelly, who are fleeing from a horde of Infected. Jim’s daughter questions whether they should offer assistance, to which he warmly responds, “Of course.” Cue the credits—an ending that fills us with eager anticipation for the third installment of *28 Years Later*.

What lies ahead in the third *28 Years Later* film? We can expect Jim to take on a more significant role in this next chapter, as Boyle has confirmed his directorship. Perhaps he will welcome Spike and Kelly into his home. From the brief interactions we share with Jim and his daughter, their life seems a comforting oasis compared to the turmoil faced by Sir Jimmy.

There are still threads of intrigue that writer Alex Garland might weave into the narrative of the third installment. Spike’s father, Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), could be on a quest to find his son. Additionally, Cathy (Mirren Mack), the pregnant woman who escaped from Jimmy, may reappear, continuing the trilogy’s ongoing exploration of themes surrounding family and resilience in the wake of the Outbreak.

Whatever the future holds, following *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*, I am settled in and ready for the journey that Boyle and Garland will share with us.