28 Years Later hit us out of nowhere as a fresh post-apocalyptic survival story in the franchise, and it looks like the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, will further spice things up with the return of OG hero Cillian Murphy. The director of the sequel, Nia DaCosta, revealed to Empire that directing the Oppenheimer actor was literally a “What the hell’s going on?” moment.
Her fascination with the Oscar-winning actor began with 2002’s 28 Days Later, stating:
I watched it [28 Days Later] over and over again. I was so obsessed with being in that world, with those characters — having a big old crush on Cillian Murphy, wanting to be Naomie Harris.
Nia DaCosta will take the reins from director Danny Boyle as Cillian Murphy reprises his role as Jim from 2002’s 28 Days Later.
Nia DaCosta On Being a Fan of the 28 Years Later Franchise
Director Nia DaCosta of The Marvels will direct Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and her repeated watching of the original 28 Days Later gives fans hope that she will crush it with the sequel. The director spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about her obsession with the OG film:
28 Days Later was one of my seminal films growing up… I had the DVD in my house. I watched it all the time. Obviously, fell in love with Cillian Murphy. And Danny Boyle is a bonkers f*cking filmmaker.
She couldn’t contain her excitement about directing Cillian Murphy, revealing:
I used to watch this man in a movie that was so important to me. And now he’s here in front of me, and I’m directing him. And he’s asking me what I thought of a take. And he just won an Oscar?
Nia DaCosta’s experience with directing the Stephen King novel adaptation, Candyman, gives her the boost required to take on a project of this scale as we inch closer and closer to the release of the film. Cillian Murphy’s role as Jim is a return after 24 years to the franchise.
Cillian Murphy’s Return In the Sequel Comes Full Circle
Cillian Murphy as Jim in 28 Days Later | Credit: Fox Searchlight Pictures
28 Days Later changed the landscape for zombie media, with credit going to the dynamic duo of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland (Ex Machina, Civil War). Cillian Murphy’s Jim survives a gunshot wound at the end of the film and manages to escape, capping the movie as a happy ending.
We do not know to what extent Cillian Murphy’s character will be a presence in the sequel, but having such a legendary actor would definitely mean high stakes involved. Here are key details of the film.
DetailInformationTitle28 Years Later: The Bone TempleRelease Year2026 Film OrderSecond film in the new 28 Years Later trilogyGenrePost-apocalyptic horror, thrillerDirectorNia DaCostaWriterAlex GarlandProducersDanny Boyle, Alex Garland, Andrew MacdonaldProduction CompaniesDNA Films, Columbia PicturesDistributorSony Pictures ReleasingSettingPost-infected United Kingdom, decades after the Rage Virus outbreakStory FocusExpands the post-apocalyptic story introduced in 28 Years Later, exploring new factions, survival structures, and the mysterious “Bone Temple.”Connection to Previous FilmsDirect continuation of 28 Years Later and the wider 28 Days Later universe
The post-apocalyptic story will see the return of Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson and Jack O’Connell as Jimmy Crystal.
With the inclusion of the savage Jimmy Crystal gang, the dynamics have changed into something far more sinister than just zombies. Not much has been revealed about the plot apart from what you see in the trailer.
Are you excited for the 28 Years Later sequel? Let us know in the comments.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is expected to release on January 16, 2026, in cinemas in the U.S.
28 Days Later is currently streaming on Netflix in the U.S.
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