Cillian Murphy's Role in 28 Years Later and Its Sequels Revealed

Director Danny Boyle has clarified the status of Cillian Murphy's character Jim from the iconic zombie film 28 Days Later in its upcoming sequel 28 Years Later. Although Murphy will serve as an executive producer for the trilogy, he won't appear in the first film but is confirmed to be in the second installment titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, set for release on January 16, 2026. Boyle noted that the trilogy, which will feature interconnected stories, revolves around a 12-year-old boy named Spike, played by Alfie Williams. The filmmaking process is ambitious, with both sequels shot back-to-back to maintain continuity, and Murphy's potential involvement in the third film hinges on the success of the first. 28 Years Later will hit theaters on June 20, 2025.

No, Cillian Murphy will not return as Jim in the first film, but he will appear in the second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. His participation in the third film is likely contingent on the success of the first film.

The original film, 28 Days Later, released in 2002, redefined the zombie genre with its intense storytelling and innovative cinematography, featuring Murphy in a breakthrough role as Jim, a survivor awakening in a post-apocalyptic London. The film’s success has laid the groundwork for the subsequent exploration of its themes in this new trilogy, highlighting the challenges and evolution within a world ravaged by infection.