Nia DaCosta has brought back a beloved character in her new film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, seamlessly connecting it to its predecessor, 28 Days Later. The film concludes with a surprising moment that reunites audiences with Cillian Murphy‘s Jim, a character who has been absent from the franchise for nearly three decades. DaCosta emphasizes that Jim’s return is not a typical superhero moment, but rather a subtle reintroduction that stays true to his character’s roots.
After escaping the clutches of antagonist Jimmy Crystal, played by Jack O’Connell, the narrative shifts to a familiar cottage where Jim resides. This scene serves as a poignant reminder of the character’s past, as he has seemingly led a quiet life on this untouched plot of land. The appearance of Spike, portrayed by Alfie Williams, along with former character Jimmy Ink, played by Erin Kellyman, interrupts Jim’s peaceful existence.
In an exclusive interview with GamesRadar+, DaCosta elaborated on her approach to Jim’s return. She aimed to create a grounded moment that avoided the grandiosity often associated with franchise revivals. “It’s not a big ‘return of the superhero’ franchise moment,” she stated in a separate conversation with Variety. Instead, she framed it as “the return of the bike messenger,” highlighting the character’s humanity over typical heroic tropes.
The decision to reintroduce Jim through a scene where he teaches history to his daughter reflects DaCosta’s commitment to portraying authentic character development. “I was like, ok, so that’s how we shoot it,” she explained. “It’s grounded. It’s not this big, bombastic moment. And I think it’s powerful enough just to see him.”
The anticipation surrounding Jim’s role in future installments of the franchise remains high. The next chapter, which already has a green light, is set to debut in late 2025. While specific details about Jim’s involvement in the upcoming film remain unclear, DaCosta’s careful crafting of his return suggests a thoughtful continuation of the story that resonates with fans.
As the franchise continues to evolve, Nia DaCosta’s vision ensures that character-driven moments take precedence over sensational reveals. The return of Jim serves not only as a nod to long-time fans but also as a reminder of the film’s roots in character-driven storytelling.
