’28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’s Nia DaCosta Teases Cillian Murphy’s Role: “So. F*cking. Surreal”

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It’s been public knowledge for a while that the Oscar-winning actor known for 28 Days Later would appear in the new trilogy. We’ve anticipated seeing him reprise his role as Jim, the ordinary bike messenger who battles to survive the zombie outbreak in the original film. However, there’s been uncertainty about exactly when and how big his part would be. Now, those questions have finally been answered.

The director recently told Empire that Cillian Murphy, known for his work in Oppenheimer, will appear in next month’s sequel, and described working with him as a “surreal” experience.

It’s completely unbelievable. I grew up watching this actor in a film I really loved, and now I’m actually directing him. He’s asking for my feedback on a scene, and he just won an Academy Award? It’s all so crazy!

We still don’t know exactly what Jim Murphy will be doing in The Bone Temple, and that’s probably a good thing until the movie comes out. However, director Nia DaCosta has confirmed that Jim will be in the sequel, and she reiterated how much she loves the original 28 Days Later.

I was completely captivated by it – I couldn’t stop watching! I became totally immersed in the story and the characters, and I even developed a bit of a crush on Cillian Murphy and admired Naomie Harris.

‘28 Years Later 3′ Is “Really F*cking Good,” Says Nia Dacosta


Sony Pictures

Nia DaCosta directs the upcoming film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, with a script by Alex Garland. The movie stars Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Chi Lewis-Parry, and is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026. A third film in the series is already planned, and it’s been confirmed that Cillian Murphy will have a more significant role in it, as both previously revealed and confirmed by director Nia DaCosta.

I’ve heard a little bit about how they’re planning to wrap things up, and honestly? It sounds incredible. Seriously, the people involved are promising something really special – I’m so excited, it’s going to be amazing!

The sequel to this year’s 28 Years Later, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, will continue the story, focusing on 12-year-old Spike (Alfie Williams) and his encounter with the enigmatic villain played by Jack O’Connell, Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. Early reviews of The Bone Temple describe it as intensely violent and surprisingly strange, warning viewers it will be quite shocking.

Nia DaCosta’s 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple builds on the world established in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s 28 Years Later, but with a surprising twist. The story continues with Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) forming an unexpected and potentially world-altering connection, while Spike (Alfie Williams) finds himself trapped in a terrifying situation with Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell). In this new chapter, the biggest danger isn’t the infected – it’s the cruelty of the people who are still alive.

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2025-12-19 13:18