Cillian Murphy’s long-speculated return to the 28 Days Later universe has finally been addressed. Director Danny Boyle has now explained what his character will be doing in the movie.
Set to release on June 20, 2025, 28 Years Later marks the first installment of a new trilogy continuing the lethal virus storyline that began with 2002’s 28 Days Later. However, Murphy, who portrayed the Jim in the original film will not appear in 28 Years Later, contrary to trailer based speculation.
Speaking to IGN, director Danny Boyle confirmed Murphy’s return to the franchise, but not in the upcoming film. Instead, Murphy will make his on screen comeback in the trilogy’s second film, currently titled The Bone Temple which is scheduled for release in 2026. “He is in the second one” Boyle revealed, “I shouldn’t give away too much. I’ll get killed.”
According to Boyle, the filmmakers decided to work on 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple side by side so the story stayed consistent. Nevertheless, the final movie in the trilogy is without studio financing right now. He shared, “Although each story completes itself, there’s a handover section to the next film as well. So it’s very ambitious. We haven’t got the money for the third one yet.”
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Danny Boyle said that whether the third film gets made will depend on how well the first one does, “”It will depend how the first one does, I guess. But hopefully if we do OK, they’ll give us the go-ahead for the money and for the third one.” He further stated, “Everybody’s standing by for that, really. Including Cillian.”
Boyle is counting on Cillian’s role in the second film to boost interest and help secure funding for the final part of the trilogy. Talking to Business Insider, he said, “All I can say is you have to wait for Cillian, but hopefully he will help us get the third film financed.”
Despite not acting in 28 Years Later, Murphy is still involved as an executive producer. Producer Andrew Macdonald, speaking to Empire, also emphasized the collaborative bond, ” On this, we wanted him to be involved and he wanted to be involved. He is not in the first film, but I’m hoping there will be some Jim somewhere along the line.” He further added, “He’s involved at the moment as an executive producer, and I would hope we can work with him in some way in the future in the trilogy.”
