The name 28 Days Later still sends chills down the spines of horror fans, and it’s once again making headlines as Danny Boyle’s original apocalyptic masterpiece continues to shape a bold new trilogy. The latest installment, 28 Years Later, is set to hit theaters on June 20, 2025, marking a major cinematic event for fans of the franchise. With a fresh story, new stars, and the return of some beloved faces, 28 Days Later is proving its legacy is far from over.
The original 28 Days Later burst onto screens in 2002, forever changing the zombie genre with its gritty realism and haunting emotional depth. Now, over two decades later, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland are reuniting to expand this world, bringing audiences a continuation that picks up nearly three decades after the events of the first film. The cast features Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes, but one question has loomed large: what about Jim, the protagonist played by Cillian Murphy?
Table of Contents
The Return of Jim: What Fans Need to Know
For months, speculation swirled around whether Cillian Murphy’s Jim would return to the franchise. After the release of the first trailer for 28 Years Later, eagle-eyed viewers thought they spotted a zombified version of Murphy’s character, sparking wild theories. However, it was soon clarified that the actor in the trailer was actually Angus Neal, who simply bears a striking resemblance to Murphy.
Danny Boyle has now put the rumors to rest, confirming that while Murphy does not appear in 28 Years Later, his character Jim will return in the second film of the trilogy, titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, and potentially in a third film if the series continues. “He is in the second one,” Boyle told IGN, hinting at a story arc that will weave Jim back into the narrative in a way that honors the original while pushing the saga forward.
Murphy himself expressed enthusiasm about rejoining the franchise, saying he would sign up if asked. Boyle has described the trilogy as ambitious, with each film featuring connecting characters and a continuous story. The new lead, Spike, played by Alfie Williams, will be central to the unfolding drama, ensuring that the spirit of 28 Days Later lives on through fresh eyes.
A New Chapter for the Franchise: What to Expect
28 Years Later introduces a new group of survivors living on a small island, sheltered from the horrors that devastated the mainland. When one of them ventures back into the world, they uncover secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not just the infected, but also the survivors themselves. The film promises to deliver the same blend of suspense, emotional weight, and social commentary that made 28 Days Later a genre-defining classic.
Boyle and Garland have crafted a narrative that stands on its own while paying homage to the original. Each film in the trilogy will have its own self-contained story, but there will be a thematic and character-driven thread that ties them all together. The first film ends with a coda—an epilogue that sets up the next chapter, ensuring that fans will be eager to see what comes next.
The trilogy is being shot in a unique way: the first two films were produced back-to-back for logistical, scheduling, and storytelling reasons. The third film, however, is still awaiting a green light and will depend on the box office success of the first two. Murphy’s return as Jim is expected to be a highlight of the second film, with his presence helping to bridge the gap between the old and new worlds.
Why 28 Days Later Still Matters
28 Days Later was more than just a horror movie; it was a reflection of society’s fears and anxieties, wrapped in a gripping, fast-paced narrative. The film’s influence can be seen in countless zombie movies and TV shows that followed, but none have matched its raw intensity or emotional heft. With the new trilogy, Boyle and Garland are aiming to recapture that magic while pushing the boundaries of the genre.
The return of Jim—even if not in the first film—ensures that fans of the original will have something to look forward to. The new cast, led by Alfie Williams as Spike, will bring fresh energy and perspectives, making the trilogy accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers.
As the release date for 28 Years Later approaches, anticipation is building. The film’s trailers have teased a world that is both familiar and terrifyingly new, with mutated horrors and survivors who have adapted in unexpected ways. The legacy of 28 Days Later is secure, and the new trilogy promises to add to its legend.
Don’t Miss the Next Chapter
If you’re a fan of the original 28 Days Later, or if you’re new to the franchise, now is the perfect time to get caught up. The original film recently returned to theaters for a special one-night event, giving audiences a chance to experience its power on the big screen once again. With 28 Years Later just around the corner, the excitement is palpable.
Mark your calendars for June 20, 2025, and prepare to be immersed in a world where survival is never guaranteed and the horrors of the past are never truly gone. Whether you’re drawn to the suspense, the characters, or the social commentary, 28 Years Later is set to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
Don’t let this moment pass you by. Join the conversation, share your theories, and get ready for the return of Jim and the next chapter in the 28 Days Later saga.