The success of 28 Days Later (2002) has made Cillian Murphy’s return in the next installment a more exciting part of the franchise. The flick earned $85 million worldwide, and once the film got to its peak, the fans wanted more and more of the star.
The interesting infectious story of the franchise has gained its fame over the years, and the eagerly awaited part, coming this year, is now the talk of the town. But one thing to be noted is that the director has guaranteed the return of Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later sequel, The Bone Temple.
Why is the return of Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later sequel highly anticipated?
The return of Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later sequel, The Bone Temple, is confirmed by the director Danny Boyle. In the upcoming film 28 Years Later, coming to theatres on June 20, Cillian Murphy is not playing any role for now, but will surely return in the next part.
Cillian Murphy is currently in a behind-the-camera role, which is as an executive producer. According to Variety, the director did not reveal much about the precise details of Murphy’s role in the second part of the film. He said,
“He is in the second one…I shouldn’t give away too much. I’ll get killed.” [Source]
Boyle is hopeful that the famous face of the Oppenheimer film, Murphy, will help in financing the next film as well. Hopes are high for the success of 28 Years Later as well, in which Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes will be seen.
Is Danny Boyle not directing The Bone Temple?
No, Danny Boyle is not directing the sequel of 28 Years Later, although The Bone Temple was shot back-to-back with 28 Years Later but still has a different director.
Nia DaCosta is the new director of The Bone Temple of the larger franchise of 28 Days Later. The film gained momentum on the production on after 28 Years Later was on the go.
The final production stage is still underway as Boyle and writer Alex Garland are busy wrapping up the first two films.
Also, The Bone Temple will get a green light once 28 Years Later becomes a box office success, and it is expected that it will also get a confirmed release date soon after.
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What is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple about?
There are no details on the story of the 28YL follow-up, The Bone Temple. The bone temple itself was shown in the trailer of 28 Years Later, which might give some clues to the viewers.
The planned trilogy already seems entertaining as the film looks forward to unpacking the lore of the franchise beyond fans’ expectations. 28 Years Later is already R for its extreme blood and violence, which deciphers a little bit where the film is taking us.
However, the eerie-looking tower of skulls still stands as a mystery. It is speculated that it is designed as a shrine, but the meaning it holds for the franchise and the two films remains a question mark.
All we can guess is that it might be a cult-like figure that holds importance for the infected ones or the root cause of the virus that threatens the peaceful existence of the world. It could be something that indicates the survivors have started worshipping the infected ones?
Though the bone temple is a clear sign that it is carefully constructed by sane minds, as it is perfectly symmetrical. It could have been designed by non-infected ones, implying an honor to the dead ones or embracing the apocalypse a little too earnestly, maybe?
We can presume that Cillian Murphy as Jim might play a bigger role in The Bone Temple. It could be a good chance for the franchise to reveal the whereabouts of Jim since his last appearance, and the story will get a fresh perspective, other than the survival of the fittest among the infected ones.
If Jim’s appearance gives the plot a new direction, we might also get to dig deeper into what’s inside the bone temple and how this is connected to the story.
When is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple releasing?
28 Years Later 3, “The Bone Temple” is expected to premiere domestically on January 16, 2026. The date is confirmed by Sony Columbia Pictures.
Are you excited for 28 Years Later? Let us know in the comments below.
Passionate Entertainment Writer | Trusted Pop Culture Voice
Madiha Ali is an experienced entertainment writer with over five years of expertise in covering movies, TV shows, celebrity news, and pop culture. Her bylines appear on trusted platforms like Screen Anarchy, High on Films, Ary News, The Express Tribune, Tea and Banter, Show Snob, CelebFeedz, Snapfeedz, Daily Planet Media, The Irish Insider, and Movie Insiderz.
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