Nia DaCosta Explains Why Jim’s Return in 28 Years Later Was Subtle
Director Nia DaCosta reveals why Cillian Murphy’s character Jim makes a low-key comeback in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' steering clear of a flashy superhero-style return to keep the film grounded and authentic.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple delivers a sequel that not only lives up to its predecessor but also surprises fans with a quietly powerful ending. After escaping the grip of Jimmy Crystal and the Bone Temple, the story shifts to a familiar countryside cottage—one that hasn’t appeared since the original 28 Days Later. Here, viewers find Cillian Murphy’s Jim, who has been living in seclusion, his peaceful routine about to be disrupted by the arrival of Spike and Jimmy Ink.
This pivotal moment, which director Nia DaCosta has discussed in detail, was crafted with a deliberate sense of restraint. Rather than building up to a dramatic, franchise- defining reveal, DaCosta chose a more understated approach. She wanted to avoid the kind of over-the-top comeback that’s become common in today’s blockbuster franchises.
Grounded Approach to a Legacy Character
DaCosta, who previously worked on The Marvels, was intentional about steering clear of a typical “hero returns” moment.
“Because it ’s not a big ‘return of the superhero ’ franchise moment,”
she explained.
“It’s the return of the bike messenger.”
This philosophy shaped the entire scene, keeping it rooted in the character’s original identity rather than transforming him into something larger than life.
The decision to reintroduce Jim in such a subtle way was set in motion as soon as Murphy’s involvement with Danny Boyle and Alex Garland was confirmed. DaCosta paid close attention to how screenwriter Alex Garland envisioned Jim’s reentry into the story.
“The fact that Alex wrote him teaching his daughter history, and that’s how he wanted to introduce him back into the story, I was like, ok, so that’s how we shoot it,”
DaCosta said.
“So it’s grounded. It’s not this big, bombastic moment. And I think it’s powerful enough just to see him.”
Setting the Tone for the Franchise’s Future
By choosing a more intimate and realistic return for Jim, DaCosta ensured the film stayed true to its roots. The scene’s quiet tension stands in stark contrast to the spectacle often seen in modern franchise films, making Jim’s presence all the more impactful. The understated nature of his return leaves the door open for new directions, with no clear indication of how much Murphy’s character will shape the next chapter, which is already in development for release at the end of 2025.
Fans eager to see where the story goes next will have to wait, but DaCosta’s approach has set a new standard for how legacy characters can be brought back without overshadowing the story’s emotional core.