The latest trailer for 28 Years Later, the eagerly anticipated sequel to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, has fans wondering what will happen to Jim, played by Cillian Murphy. As one of the primary protagonists in the first film, Jim’s battle to survive in a post-apocalyptic, zombie-infested Britain resonated deeply with audiences. Hence, the prospect of his potential return in the sequel is intriguing.
The trailer opens with hauntingly quiet scenes of an abandoned city, overgrown with nature’s reclamation of urban spaces. A chilling voiceover hints at the persistence of the Rage virus and its devastating aftermath. While much of the trailer focuses on new characters and their struggle to navigate a fractured world, a fleeting, shadowy glimpse of a familiar figure has fans abuzz. Could it be Jim? And if so, what role will he play in this installment?
In 28 Days Later (2002), Jim emerged as a symbol of resilience and humanity amidst chaos. His escape from London alongside Selena (Naomie Harris) and Hannah (Megan Burns) left viewers with a bittersweet sense of hope. However, the sequel’s ambiguity of timeline and story has left many questions unanswered. The absence of Murphy’s character in 28 Weeks Later (2007) raised eyebrows, with fans wondering if his story had concluded off-screen or was intentionally left open for a future narrative.
Now, over two decades since the original film’s release, the mere hint of Jim’s presence in the trailer has sparked a wave of theories. Some fans believe he could be a beacon of hope once more, rallying survivors against the ongoing horrors of the virus. Others speculate a darker twist, suggesting that Jim may have succumbed to the virus or even become a villainous figure shaped by years of survival in an unforgiving world.
Adding fuel to the speculation, director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland have remained tight-lipped about Murphy’s involvement in the film. In recent interviews, both creators teased that the story would explore themes of generational trauma and the long-term effects of living in a post-apocalyptic society. Boyle’s comments about revisiting characters from the original film have only deepened the mystery.
Cillian Murphy himself has been evasive in addressing his potential return. When asked in a recent press junket, the actor simply smiled and said, “I’ve always had a deep connection to Jim’s story, and I think fans will be surprised by what’s to come.” This cryptic response has done little to quell the excitement, with social media platforms buzzing with frame-by-frame analyses of the trailer.
Online forums have been used by fans to express their theories and aspirations. One Reddit member said, “It will be interesting to see how Jim has changed over the years if he is still alive.” “What if he’s immune to the virus?” another person asked. That might make all the difference.
