Cillian Murphy’s 28 Years Later Return Risks Major Disappointment

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28 Years Later is fast approaching, and I must admit, one of the original cast members won’t be reprising their role. The groundbreaking film that sparked it all, 28 Days Later, had the talented Cillian Murphy in a pivotal role as Jim. Despite making it through the initial movie’s ordeal, Jim chose not to return for the 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later. Initially, some fans speculated that Murphy might be rejoining the franchise as a zombie, but this conjecture was eventually proven false.

28 Years Later shifts its narrative spotlight towards a band of island-bound survivors, whose tranquility is shattered upon the return of one member from the mainland, revealing startling truths. Unlike its predecessors, 28 Years Later introduces a fresh cast comprising Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Ralph Fiennes, Jodie Comer, Emma Laird, and Erin Kellyman. Remarkably, not one but two sequels are anticipated to follow this film, and they’ve recently received news that is both exhilarating and daring.

Cillian Murphy Will Get A Bigger Role In 28 Years Later 3 After The Bone Temple

Danny Boyle Recently Confirmed This Detail In An Interview

In a recent interview, Director Danny Boyle has announced that actor Cillian Murphy will reprise his role in the upcoming movie titled “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple“. When asked about Nia DaCosta’s film, Boyle hinted that she would have some screen time with Murphy at the end. However, he further suggested that it is actually the third installment of the series, not the one directed by DaCosta, which will provide a more significant role for Murphy. If this movie comes to fruition, it offers an intriguing opportunity for the franchise to delve deeper into Jim’s history and reveal his whereabouts since his last appearance over 28 years ago.

In my humble opinion, there’s a tantalizing hint of Cillian Murphy’s performance towards the climax. Patience, dear audience, for it’s his presence that could potentially secure the funding for the much-anticipated third installment.

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t wait to see Danny Boyle’s latest work, 28 Days Later: The Bone Temple. While he hasn’t given us the full scoop on Cillian Murphy’s involvement, it seems his part might be more of a nod to Jim than a major role. This could mean a brief, memorable appearance that acknowledges him, rather than having him star in significant scenes. The movie might also leave us with a tantalizing ending or even a post-credits scene that offers a glimpse into Jim’s storyline and stirs anticipation for his more prominent part in the third installment.

There’s A Potentially Major Problem With 28 Years Later’s Cillian Murphy Return Plan

The Third Film Is Not Confirmed

The anticipation surrounding Murphy’s comeback to the zombie series is undeniably high, but there’s a significant hurdle: A third installment of “28 Years Later” has not been officially confirmed. Boyle remains hopeful that Murphy might aid in securing funding for the film, as he mentioned in his statement, “hopefully [Murphy] will help [them] get the third film financed.” From a less optimistic perspective, this implies that financing for “28 Years Later 3” has not been secured yet. Although Boyle is confirmed to return as director for “28 Years Later 3,” production won’t begin until after they complete their next project.

The outcome of “28 Years Later” and its sequel, “The Bone Temple,” is crucial for Murphy’s complete return plan to materialize. The success of these two films at the box office must be substantial enough to secure funding and production timeline for the third film. Unfortunately, “28 Weeks Later” ($65 million worldwide) has earned less than its predecessor, “28 Days Later” ($85 million worldwide), despite a larger budget. To avoid repeating this trend, “28 Years Later” needs to perform well at the box office.

Cillian Murphy’s Return Will Be Frustrating If Sony Doesn’t Finish The 28 Years Later Trilogy

It Might Not Come Through On The Tease

The prospect of uncertainty regarding “28 Years Later 3” significantly threatens the Murphy return plans. While a glimpse of the character in “The Bone Temple” could generate excitement and provide additional answers in the subsequent film, it would be deeply disappointing if the series merely hints at a substantial role for the character that ultimately doesn’t materialize. Even if “The Bone Temple” were to wrap up the other characters’ stories effectively, fans eagerly anticipating Jim’s return may feel let down if his comeback isn’t satisfactorily addressed.

28 Years Later will be available starting June 20, and the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, has been set for release on January 16, 2026.

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2025-06-07 16:07