News
Cillian Murphy Returns to ‘28 Years Later’ Franchise — But Not Quite How Fans Expected
<p data-start="88" data-end="455">The buzz around the next chapter of the ‘28 Days Later’ saga is heating up as the upcoming sequel, <em data-start="187" data-end="203">28 Years Later</em>, gears up for its June release. Fans have been on the edge of their seats, wondering if Cillian Murphy, the face of the original film, would step back into the spotlight. Now, the director has confirmed Murphy’s comeback — but with a surprising twist.</p>
<p data-start="457" data-end="861">Danny Boyle, the creative mind behind the franchise, recently chatted with IGN and dropped some intriguing hints. While Murphy will reprise his iconic role as Jim, it won’t be in <em data-start="636" data-end="652">28 Years Later</em> but rather in a third installment titled <em data-start="694" data-end="727">28 Years Later: The Bone Temple</em>. This new chapter is still awaiting the green light, making Murphy’s involvement a crucial piece in securing funding for the project.</p>
<p data-start="863" data-end="1195">Boyle’s cryptic comments have only added fuel to the fire. “All I can say is you have to wait for Cillian, but hopefully he will help us get the third film financed,” he said, teasing a “significant role” for Murphy. He even described the story as “clever” and “a very smart use of him,” hinting at something fans didn’t see coming.</p>
<p data-start="1197" data-end="1521">The return of Jim, the courier portrayed by Murphy in the original 2002 hit, is a welcome surprise. Interestingly, his character was missing from the sequel <em data-start="1354" data-end="1369">28 Days Later</em> follow-up, which hits theaters this month. That absence left many wondering if Murphy would ever come back — and now we have an answer, albeit delayed.</p>
<h2 data-start="1523" data-end="1599"><em data-start="1527" data-end="1543">28 Years Later</em> Arrives This June While <em data-start="1568" data-end="1585">The Bone Temple</em> Lurks in 2026</h2>
<p data-start="1601" data-end="1874">The franchise keeps fans waiting with two separate releases. First up, <em data-start="1672" data-end="1688">28 Years Later</em> is set to hit theaters on June 20, bringing fresh chaos and new characters to the viral apocalypse story. Though Murphy won’t star in this one, the legacy of the original remains alive.</p>
<p data-start="1876" data-end="2078">Looking ahead, <em data-start="1891" data-end="1924">28 Years Later: The Bone Temple</em> is scheduled for January 16, 2026. It’s here that Murphy is expected to make a strong comeback, adding layers to the story that fans have long hoped for.</p>
<p data-start="1876" data-end="2078"><a href="https://www.theibulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cillian-Murphy-28-Days-Later-movie-poster.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-57615" src="https://www.theibulletin.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Cillian-Murphy-28-Days-Later-movie-poster.jpg" alt="Cillian Murphy 28 Days Later movie poster" width="1182" height="826" /></a></p>
<ul data-start="2080" data-end="2195">
<li data-start="2080" data-end="2128">
<p data-start="2082" data-end="2128"><em data-start="2082" data-end="2098">28 Years Later</em> Release Date: June 20, 2025</p>
</li>
<li data-start="2129" data-end="2195">
<p data-start="2131" data-end="2195"><em data-start="2131" data-end="2164">28 Years Later: The Bone Temple</em> Release Date: January 16, 2026</p>
</li>
</ul>
<h2 data-start="2197" data-end="2242">What This Means for Fans of the Franchise</h2>
<p data-start="2244" data-end="2572">Murphy’s role as Jim has always been a cornerstone for the <em data-start="2303" data-end="2318">28 Days Later</em> universe. His return, though postponed, might just be the glue that ties the trilogy together. Boyle’s hints suggest the third film could be a turning point for the story, possibly exploring new themes or shifting the narrative in unexpected directions.</p>
<p data-start="2574" data-end="2778">It’s a bit like waiting for the final piece of a puzzle — frustrating, yet exciting. Murphy’s involvement not only promises continuity but also raises expectations for a smarter, more intricate storyline.</p>
<p data-start="2780" data-end="3007">Boyle’s comments also imply that the financing for the third film is closely linked to Murphy’s return. That puts a lot of pressure on the actor, but it also shows just how vital his character remains to the franchise’s future.</p>
<h3 data-start="3009" data-end="3049">The Mystery Behind <em data-start="3032" data-end="3049">The Bone Temple</em></h3>
<p data-start="3051" data-end="3351">Not much is known about <em data-start="3075" data-end="3108">28 Years Later: The Bone Temple</em> beyond the title and Murphy’s involvement. Boyle has kept the story details tightly under wraps, joking he’d be “killed” if he revealed too much. Still, calling the story “clever” sets high hopes for a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic saga.</p>
<p data-start="3353" data-end="3558">The title alone sparks curiosity. What is the Bone Temple? Is it a new location, a secretive group, or a symbol for something darker? Fans are already speculating wildly, which only adds to the excitement.</p>
<p data-start="3560" data-end="3672">This secrecy may be a smart move, building anticipation and keeping audiences guessing until the film’s release.</p>
<h2 data-start="3674" data-end="3719">What Happened to Jim in <em data-start="3702" data-end="3718">28 Years Later</em>?</h2>
<p data-start="3721" data-end="4034">Many fans noticed Jim’s absence in <em data-start="3756" data-end="3772">28 Years Later</em> and wondered if the character was done for good. His story arc from the original was wrapped up in a way that made a return seem tricky. Yet, Murphy’s confirmed comeback means the filmmakers have found a way to bring Jim back in a believable and meaningful way.</p>
<p data-start="4036" data-end="4222">Whether through flashbacks, new plot twists, or a time jump, Jim’s presence in <em data-start="4115" data-end="4132">The Bone Temple</em> suggests the story will connect more directly to the original than the recent sequel did.</p>
<p data-start="4224" data-end="4366">It’s like the franchise is coming full circle, which could be satisfying for longtime fans who have waited years for closure or a new chapter.</p>

Microsoft Rolls Out PowerShell Fix to Restore Critical ‘inetpub’ Folder After April 2025 Windows Updates
Dogecoin Price Tumbles Amid Elon Musk and Donald Trump Public Clash
Cillian Murphy Returns to ‘28 Years Later’ Franchise — But Not Quite How Fans Expected
Google’s “Gemini Kingfall” May Be Its Most Powerful AI Yet
Trade war anxieties and a fresh push for stablecoin regulation helped fuel the sell-off
SonicWall Urges Users to Patch Critical Vulnerabilities in SMA Appliances Amid Exploited Attacks
The Rise of Bitcoin-Only Companies: Is It Time to Invest?
Apple and LEGO Show How Focus Beats Diversification
Bond Market Flashpoint: Yields Soar, Confidence Shakes
Atari’s Rollercoaster: From Pong Glory to Desert Burial
-
News3 months agoTaiwanese Companies Targeted in Phishing Campaign Using Winos 4.0 Malware
-
News2 months agoJustin Baldoni Hits Back at Ryan Reynolds, Calling Him a “Co-Conspirator” in Blake Lively Legal Battle
-
News4 months agoApple Shuts Down ADP for UK iCloud Users Amid Government Backdoor Demands
