Cillian Murphy is back in the spotlight with “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.” Fans of the zombie franchise have been eagerly awaiting this moment. Danny Boyle, who helped launch Murphy’s career in “28 Days Later,” confirmed his return, leaving many to wonder how Jim reappears in the new film.
If you’re avoiding spoilers, you might want to pause here.
In “The Bone Temple,” Murphy reprises his role as Jim, the bike courier who woke up to a deserted London ravaged by the Rage virus. His comeback doesn’t happen until the very end of the film, offering a calm moment after 90 minutes of chaos. Director Nia DaCosta intended this shift to create a more grounded and emotional impact. “It’s not just a big franchise moment,” she told Variety. “It’s about the bike messenger coming back.”
Throughout the film, audiences witness growing tension among characters like Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson and Jack O’Connell’s Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal. In a surprising change, we eventually find Jim in a remote cottage, likely the same one where he ended up in “28 Days Later.” He now has a daughter, and there’s a touching scene where he helps her study for a history exam.
DaCosta emphasized how significant it was to introduce Jim through his fatherly role. “It’s a powerful moment to see him back, not with flashiness but with heart,” she explained. Early screenings were met with cheers, showing just how much fans were looking forward to his return.
Interestingly, viewers might hear Murphy’s voice before actually seeing him. DaCosta used sound from the original film, featuring Murphy saying “Hello,” bringing a nostalgic touch right from the start. Fans of the franchise will also appreciate a nod to the past with the eerie track “In a Heartbeat” composed by John Murphy, which plays during a crucial reveal.
This structure pays homage while suggesting more to come. The film’s conclusion hints at possible future stories, and Sony is already on board for a sequel, with Alex Garland returning as the writer.
DaCosta described her experience making the film as “so much fun.” A notable contrast to her recent projects, like “The Marvels” and an adaptation of Ibsen’s “Hedda,” it marked a different creative journey. However, she playfully mentioned that directing the next installment might not be in her hands: “Danny called dibs,” she said, referencing Boyle’s interest in continuing the franchise.
In the landscape of horror films, Murphy’s return is a timely connection to horror’s deep roots in cinema and culture, sparking conversations about how stories evolve over decades. As zombies and apocalyptic themes gain traction in media, the return of a beloved character reminds us of the lasting impact of storytelling in film.
For a deeper dive into the evolution of horror cinema, check out resources from the American Film Institute and their extensive analysis on film genres, particularly horror.
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28 Years Later,28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,Cillian Murphy,Nia DaCosta
