Fans of the cult classic zombie franchise 28 Days Later have reason to celebrate as director Danny Boyle has confirmed the return of Cillian Murphy to the series. Murphy, who first captivated audiences as Jim in the groundbreaking 2002 original, will reprise his role in the upcoming sequel 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the second installment of a new trilogy set to expand the dystopian universe.
Murphy’s involvement was officially announced by Boyle in a recent interview with IGN, where the director playfully hinted at the actor’s role without revealing too much. “He is in the second one. I shouldn’t give away too much… I’ll get killed,” Boyle remarked, teasing fans with the promise of Murphy’s return. This appearance is expected to be brief but pivotal, serving as a “handover section” or epilogue that connects the storylines across the trilogy.
The Bone Temple follows the first film of the new trilogy, 28 Years Later, which is set to premiere on June 20, 2025. The second film will hit theaters on January 16, 2026. Boyle and original writer Alex Garland, who co-created the franchise’s original vision, have crafted this new trilogy with a fresh narrative arc. At the heart of the story is a young protagonist named Spike, an 11-year-old played by Alfie Williams, who will thread through the films, providing a new perspective on the virus-ravaged world.
Alongside Murphy’s return, the new trilogy boasts an impressive cast including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes. Notably, Murphy is also serving as an executive producer on the series, signaling his deeper creative involvement beyond acting.
Murphy’s return is not only a treat for fans but also a strategic move by Boyle. Speaking to Business Insider, Boyle revealed that Murphy’s Oscar-winning status has been instrumental in securing support and financing for the trilogy’s continuation. “All I can say is you have to wait for Cillian, but hopefully he will help us get the third film financed,” Boyle said. He also shared a candid anecdote about how promising Murphy’s participation helped convince Sony to approve filming some scenes of 28 Years Later using iPhones, a technique that initially raised concerns.
The 28 Days Later franchise has a storied history. The original film was a sensation upon release, earning over $85 million worldwide on a modest $10 million budget. It was praised for pioneering digital filmmaking techniques and redefining the zombie genre with its depiction of fast-moving infected, a stark departure from the traditional slow zombies popularized by earlier films like Night of the Living Dead.
However, the franchise’s journey has not been without challenges. The 2007 sequel, 28 Weeks Later, was made without Boyle or Garland’s involvement, leading to a divergence in creative vision. Years of behind-the-scenes battles over franchise rights ensued, with producers fighting for control. By 2022, coinciding with the original film’s 20th anniversary, the rights reverted to the producers, and Sony emerged victorious in a bidding war, positioning itself to release the new trilogy.
The new trilogy’s first film, 28 Years Later, shifts the narrative to an island community in the UK that has survived the virus for decades, exploring themes of survival and resurgence. The film stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes, who have brought fresh energy to the franchise.
Boyle’s excitement about Murphy’s return is palpable. In interviews, he has joked about the difficulty of keeping details under wraps, acknowledging the actor’s fan-favorite status. Murphy himself has expressed enthusiasm for rejoining the franchise. When asked by The Independent about returning, he said, “I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys, and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there.”
Murphy’s career has blossomed since his early days as Jim. Recently, fans have speculated about his potential casting as Lord Voldemort in HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series, a role previously immortalized by Ralph Fiennes. Fiennes himself has expressed support for Murphy taking on the mantle, calling him “a fantastic actor” and “a wonderful suggestion.” Chris Columbus, director of the first two Harry Potter films, also voiced hopes that Murphy would assume the iconic role.
While Potter fans await casting announcements, the Harry Potter series has already revealed several notable cast members, including Nick Frost as Rubeus Hagrid, Paapa Essiedu as Severus Snape, John Lithgow as Albus Dumbledore, and Janet McTeer as Professor Minerva McGonagall. The main trio of Harry, Ron, and Hermione will be portrayed by Dominic McLaughlin, Arabella Stanton, and Alastair Stout respectively.
Back in the world of 28 Days Later, Boyle has ambitious plans beyond The Bone Temple. He is set to direct a third film in the trilogy, though Sony has yet to officially commit to the project. The success of Murphy’s involvement could be key to securing the green light for this continuation.
As the franchise prepares to re-enter cinemas, fans can look forward to a blend of nostalgia and innovation. The return of Cillian Murphy promises to bridge the original’s legacy with fresh storytelling, while the new cast and creative team aim to reinvigorate the zombie genre for a new generation.
With the first film premiering this June and The Bone Temple following early next year, the 28 Days Later universe is poised for a thrilling resurgence. And as Boyle hinted, Murphy’s role, though brief, may be the spark that ignites the franchise’s next chapter.
