The zombie genre is coming back in a big way this year with the release of 28 Years Later, which is the third film in the franchise that Danny Boyle began in 2002. The horror film, written by Alex Garland, followed the story of the survivors of an incurable and fast-spreading virus that circulated throughout the United Kingdom, causing people to become infected. This movie was then followed up in 2007 with 28 Weeks Later. After nearly two decades, audiences will see another installment with the release of 28 Years Later.

This return to the franchise is already extremely exciting. The 28 Years Later trailers, replete with the soundscape of a poem being read while their zombie horror plays out, show incredible artistry and a commitment to expanding this world after so many years. This film will follow a new group of survivors and be set on an isolated island, whose sancтιтy is rattled after one person leaves and discovers new secrets. After this film, there is already another movie planned, and a new reveal just made me even more excited about it.

Cillian Murphy Is Officially Returning As Jim In 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple

But His Role Might Be Small

A new report revealed that Cillian Murphy will be returning as Jim in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. This movie will be directed by Candyman helmer Nia DaCosta and is set for release in January 2026. It will follow the story of a person who is awakened from a coma only to discover that the world has been invaded by zombies. It is written by the franchise’s original screenwriter, Alex Garland, who also penned this year’s 28 Years Later. Its existing cast includes Emma Laird, Ralph Fiennes, and Alfie Williams.

Now, Boyle confirms that Murphy’s Jim is also going to be featured in The Bone Temple alongside Fiennes, Williams, and Laird. He noted that DaCosta “gets a bit of Cillian at the end.” His part in the 2026 zombie film is expected to be fairly small, making audiences wait for the third 28 Years Later movie to see more of him. Boyle noted that he hopes Murphy’s role in the second film will help the team finance the third movie after The Bone Temple.

Why Cillian Murphy’s Return In 28 Years Later’s Sequel Is So Exciting

He Has Not Been In The Franchise In Years

Even before 28 Years Later had any images or trailers released, the discourse was already circling over whether Murphy would reprise his role of Jim. After all, Jim survived the events of 28 Days Later but did not appear in the sequel film, 28 Weeks Later. When the 28 Years Later trailer was released, there was some speculation that Murphy may be making a return in zombie form, as one of the infected beings had a sharp cheekbone structure that mirrored that of the Oppenheimer actor. This theory was later debunked, and he will not be in this next film.

It has been mentioned in a comic series that Jim is in France, but there has been no real solution about his whereabouts. After all, decades have pᴀssed both in and outside the 28 Later universe. As such, Jim’s return to the franchise is especially exciting as it will provide a whole new story to explore. It also allows making these zombie movies a more cohesive series, rather than the anthology approach set in the same zombie-infected universe. All of this makes Murphy’s return to Jim anticipated.

28 Years Later’s Final Trilogy Movie Will Be The Movie I’ve Really Been Waiting For

Murphy Is A Great Actor, And Jim Is A Fascinating Character

Murphy is likely to be in The Bone Temple for a short time, so perhaps he might only appear in the ending as a tease for the next film. However, once Jim is back, the third 28 Years Later movie can really shine. Murphy is much more of an established star now than he was in 2002, but even then he was one of the standout elements of the film. As an older version of Jim, he could deliver a powerful performance that will really add weight to this more Jim-focused third 28 Years Later movie.