The long‑running 28 Days Later franchise has finally given fans the reunion they’ve been anticipating for decades. In the closing moments of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Jim — the original protagonist played by Cillian Murphy — makes his long‑awaited return, tying the trilogy back to its roots while opening new doors for the story’s future.
A Franchise Built on Survival
Danny Boyle’s 28 Days Later (2002) redefined the zombie subgenre, even though its “infected” weren’t technically zombies. The film stood out for allowing its central trio — Jim, Selena (Naomie Harris), and Hannah (Megan Burns) — to survive, subverting the nihilism that had defined much of post‑apocalyptic horror. Its hopeful ending left audiences wondering what became of them. Fast forward to 2025’s 28 Years Later, also directed by Boyle and written by Alex Garland, which focused on new characters and the broader impact of the Rage virus. Fans were left without answers about Jim and his companions.
Jim’s Return in The Bone Temple
Directed by Nia DaCosta and written again by Garland, The Bone Temple finally resolves that lingering mystery. In the film’s final scene, Jim is revealed to be alive, living in the United Kingdom with his young daughter, Sam. The moment confirms that he survived the events of the original film, though it raises questions about Selena and Hannah’s fate. Jim’s reintroduction is more than nostalgic fan service. It underscores the trilogy’s themes of resilience, empathy, and the human drive to protect loved ones. His cautious but heroic nature remains intact, as he and Sam debate whether to help others under attack by the infected.
A Father and a Fighter
Jim’s relationship with Sam highlights his evolution. He teaches her a grounded version of English military history, contrasting with Jamie (Aaron Taylor‑Johnson), whose machismo‑driven worldview dominated 28 Years Later. Jim’s approach reflects his hard‑earned wisdom: survival requires compassion as much as strength. The scene also suggests that Jim’s daughter may be Selena’s child, though the film leaves this ambiguous. Regardless, Jim’s presence signals that the franchise is ready to explore generational survival and the legacy of its original heroes.
Setting the Stage for Revolution
The cliffhanger ending hints at larger upheaval. With Jim’s return and the reawakening of Samson (Chi Lewis‑Parry), the narrative points toward a massive revolution within the quarantined U.K. Fans can expect the next installment to expand on these threads, blending personal stakes with sweeping societal change.
Why It Matters
Jim’s comeback is a pivotal moment for longtime fans. It validates the hopeful ending of 28 Days Later while deepening the trilogy’s mythology. More importantly, it shows that even after decades of chaos, the spirit of heroism and empathy endures. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple proves that the franchise still has plenty of surprises — and that its most iconic survivor remains central to the story.
