Cillian Murphy Confirms Minor Role in 28 Years Later Sequel

Cillian Murphy is confirmed to reprise his role as Jim in the upcoming sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, though his screen time will be brief, primarily serving to set up a larger role in the trilogy's potential third film. Fans initially mistook a zombie character in the trailer for Murphy, but it was revealed to be portrayed by art dealer and model Angus Neill, a discovery that Murphy found amusing and flattering. The sequel, directed by Nia DaCosta and written by Alex Garland, follows a new protagonist named Spike as he navigates a post-apocalyptic world and encounters a cult-like group led by Jimmy Crystal. Director Danny Boyle has described the trilogy as interconnected but each film standing on its own, with the second and third films shot back-to-back pending funding for the final installment. Murphy’s return has been highly anticipated, and the positive buzz from test screenings suggests strong fan interest in continuing the story. The Bone Temple is set for release on January 16, 2026, with hopes that its success will secure the trilogy’s conclusion.