Get ready for a jaw-dropping revelation: Cillian Murphy is finally returning to the zombie franchise that launched his career over two decades ago in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. But here’s where it gets controversial: is this a triumphant comeback or a quiet, understated reintroduction? Director Nia DaCosta and writer Alex Garland have chosen a path less traveled, and it’s sparking debates among fans. Let’s dive in—but beware, spoilers lie ahead for those who want to stay in the dark about Murphy’s return.
Danny Boyle, the mastermind behind 28 Days Later, recently confirmed Murphy’s comeback after the actor’s noticeable absence in last year’s sequel. Fans were left scratching their heads when a gaunt zombie emerged from a field, only to discover it wasn’t Murphy’s character, Jim. Now, in The Bone Temple, Jim is back, but not in the way you’d expect. And this is the part most people miss: his return isn’t a flashy, superhero-style entrance. Instead, it’s a subdued, almost poetic moment that starkly contrasts the film’s preceding 90 minutes of chaotic, blood-soaked mayhem.
DaCosta explains to Variety that the goal was never to create a grand, franchise-defining moment. ‘It’s the return of the bike messenger,’ she says, emphasizing the grounded, human element of Jim’s character. After the film’s climactic madness involving Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson, Jack O’Connell’s Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal, and Chi Lewis-Parry’s Alpha zombie Samson, the story shifts abruptly to a serene, isolated setting. We find Jim living a quiet life, possibly in the same remote cottage from the original film, now with a daughter he’s helping prepare for a history exam. This choice to reintroduce Jim through a tender, everyday moment is both bold and polarizing—is it genius or anticlimactic?
‘The fact that Alex wrote him teaching his daughter history, and that’s how he wanted to introduce him back into the story, I was like, okay, so that’s how we shoot it,’ DaCosta reveals. ‘It’s not this big, bombastic moment. And I think it’s powerful enough just to see him.’ Audiences seem to agree, with early screenings erupting in cheers at Jim’s return. But the question remains: does this approach honor the character’s legacy, or does it undercut the franchise’s high-octane energy?
Interestingly, Murphy’s presence is felt even earlier in the film—though you might not realize it. DaCosta cleverly incorporated his voice from the original film into the title sequence, using his iconic ‘Hello’ to subtly reintroduce him. Later, in a nod to the franchise’s roots, she includes the haunting track ‘In a Heartbeat’ by John Murphy, originally composed for 28 Days Later. ‘That was the biggest franchise-y thing we did,’ she admits, balancing nostalgia with innovation.
The film’s final act, much like the ending of 28 Years Later, hints at a larger story to come. Sony has already greenlit a follow-up, with Garland returning to pen the script. DaCosta describes making The Bone Temple as ‘so much fun,’ a refreshing change after tackling The Marvels and Hedda Gabler. However, her return for the next installment is unlikely—Danny Boyle has already ‘called dibs.’
Here’s the burning question: Does this quiet, character-driven approach to Jim’s return strengthen the franchise, or does it risk alienating fans expecting a more explosive comeback? Let us know in the comments—we’re eager to hear your take on this divisive yet undeniably bold creative choice.
