Director Danny Boyle has confirmed that Cillian Murphy will reprise his role in the post-apocalyptic horror film series, but fans will have to wait a bit longer.

Murphy, 49, who starred in the franchise's first film, 28 Days Later, will appear in 2026's The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta. The pic is a sequel to this summer's highly anticipated 28 Years Later, which hits theaters June 20.

Boyle told IGN, "He is in the second one. I shouldn't give away too much. I'll get killed." The director also revealed that Murphy will have a "significant role" in the third film, which has yet to be greenlit.

The confirmation brings to rest countless fan theories as to whether Murphy's character Jim from 28 Days Later would ever appear in the new trilogy and face off once again with people infected by the Rage Virus.

Murphy's Involvement in the Franchise

Murphy serves as an executive producer for the upcoming film in the franchise. Boyle added that Murphy's character will have a "big role" in the third film, saying, "It doesn't take a genius to work out there's going to be a big role for Cillian Murphy in it. Yeah, a significant role."

The director also praised the introduction of Murphy's character in the second film, saying, "When I saw it, the way [Nia had] done it, I was like, 'Oh, yeah, that's pretty good.'"

The news comes as 28 Years Later is set to hit theaters on June 20. The sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is set for release on January 16, 2026.

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