No. Cillian Murphy does not appear in 28 Years Later (2025), the first film in the new trilogy. His return as Jim is planned for the third film, according to reports; separately, one report says he appears at the end of the second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. That reported cameo has not been confirmed by Sony’s official cast information.
Is Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later?
No. Murphy is not in the 2025 film. He played Jim in 28 Days Later (2002), but the original character’s absence from the first new-trilogy installment is distinct from the reported plans for later films.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
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| 1 |
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28 Years Later - Blu-ray + Digital | $18.89 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - Blu-ray + Digital | $20.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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28 Years Later - 4K + Blu-ray + Digital | $22.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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28 Years Later - 4K + Blu-ray + Digital | $38.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
![28 Weeks Later [Blu-Ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ph8zkJRmL._SL160_.jpg)
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28 Weeks Later [Blu-Ray] | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
When is Jim expected to return?
The reported plan is for Murphy to return as Jim in the trilogy’s third film. In a June 2025 interview, TIME described the planned third installment as centered on Jim. In an October 4, 2026 report, AS/MeriStation quoted director Danny Boyle saying Murphy would feature substantially. Treat this as a reported plan, not a released-film appearance: the third movie’s title and release date have not been established, and Boyle said he was unsure when it would happen.
Boyle said there is an Alex Garland script for the third film. In the AS/MeriStation report, his Spanish words were: “No estoy seguro de cuándo exactamente, pero hay un guion: un guion muy bueno de Alex Garland” (“I’m not sure exactly when, but there is a script: a very good script by Alex Garland,” translated from Spanish).
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#1 Best Overall
- Decades after the rage virus outbreak, survivors live in isolation. When one leaves his ruthlessly quarantined island sanctuary, he uncovers haunting secrets and mutations in both the infected and the remaining humans. From director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland comes a bold return to the world of 28 Days Later.
Is Jim in The Bone Temple?
AS/MeriStation reports that Murphy appears at the end of The Bone Temple. This is a separate claim from the planned larger role in the third film. Sony’s official FAQ does not list Murphy in its cast summary, so the cameo detail should be attributed to the report rather than presented as Sony-confirmed.
Where does The Bone Temple fit?
28 Years Later (2025) is the first film in the new trilogy; The Bone Temple is the second. Sony’s official FAQ says the second film’s story continues directly after the first. Sony identifies Nia DaCosta as director and Alex Garland as writer of The Bone Temple; its film page lists 4K UHD, Blu-ray and digital formats.
Rank #2
- Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship - with consequences that could change the world as they know it - and Spike's encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can't escape. In the world of The Bone Temple, the infected are no longer the greatest threat to survival - the inhumanity of the survivors can be stranger and more terrifying.
What to watch before Jim’s next reported appearance
For the story in order, start with 28 Years Later and then watch The Bone Temple. Sony lists the first film on Blu-ray and digital, and the second on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and digital. Availability and editions can vary by territory, so check the relevant retailer listing.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Blu-Ray
Rank #4
- Decades after the rage virus outbreak, survivors live in isolation. When one leaves his ruthlessly quarantined island sanctuary, he uncovers haunting secrets and mutations in both the infected and the remaining humans. From director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland comes a bold return to the world of 28 Days Later.
Rank #3
- Decades after the rage virus outbreak, survivors live in isolation. When one leaves his ruthlessly quarantined island sanctuary, he uncovers haunting secrets and mutations in both the infected and the remaining humans. From director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland comes a bold return to the world of 28 Days Later.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
