28 Years Later director Danny Boyle addresses the fates of Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris’ original survivors. Directed by Boyle, 28 Days Later was released in 2002, starring Cillian Murphy as a bicycle courier named Jim who awakens from a coma to find London ravaged by the Rage virus and eventually stumbles upon a group of survivors that includes Selena (Naomie Harris). Boyle has returned as director of the upcoming 28 Years Later, which introduces an all-new group of survivors played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and others.

ScreenRant partnered with Sony Pictures and Regal to host a 28 Years Later Fan Event in New York City, and during a special screening of the first 28 minutes, hosted by Liam Crowley, director Danny Boyle addressed the fates of Cillian Murphy and Naomie Harris’ original survivors from the first film. The director says, “We don’t know what’s happened to them. I’m not allowed to tell you,” before going on to affirm that the new leads are strong replacements. Read his full comments below:

So, it’s independent from the first film, but it’s still the same apocalypse 28 years later as it was for Cillian Murphy in the first film and Naomie Harris. But this is 28 years later, and we don’t know what’s happened to them [Jim and Selena]. I’m not allowed to tell you, but these two are more than worthy stand-ins.

What This Means For Jim & Selena’s Fates In 28 Years Later

Their Fates Are Unknown

Danny Boyle addressing the fates of the original survivors is particularly interesting considering Cillian Murphy’s Jim was initially reported to be returning in 28 Years Later. There was even speculation that a zombie version of him appeared in the 28 Years Later trailer, though that was later debunked by actor Angus Neill, who actually played the infected person. Later, producer Andrew Macdonald confirmed that Cillian Murphy doesn’t actually appear in 28 Years Later at all, though he is involved as an executive producer.

However, none of this rules out the fact that Cillian Murphy’s Jim may still return for future sequels, including 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, which was sH๏τ back-to-back and is set for release in January 2026. Instead, as Boyle mentions, 28 Years Later introduces new lead characters in Jamie (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), Isla (Jodie Comer), and their 12-year-old son Spike (Alfie Williams), who must leave the safety of their small island on a mission to the mainland.

Our Take On Jim’s Fate In 28 Years Later

Is Danny Boyle Keeping His Return A Secret?

Since it was widely reported that Cillian Murphy’s Jim was returning in 28 Years Later, it’s possible that director Danny Boyle and others are attempting to keep it a secret. In September 2024, Murphy was seemingly spotted on set shooting in Ennerdale, Cumbria, possibly for 28 Years Later or The Bone Temple, suggesting that Boyle and others may simply be trying to keep his return a secret. Since Boyle isn’t allowed to talk about it, it seems possible that Cillian Murphy’s Jim could show up in either movie.