Full Breakdown
Cillian Murphy's Return to the Zombie Franchise and Anticipation for Nolan's The Odyssey
9/9/2025, 11:33:18 PM
Cillian Murphy's Role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Cillian Murphy, renowned for his role as Jim in the 2002 film *28 Days Later*, is set to reprise his character in the upcoming sequel, *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*, scheduled for release on January 16, 2026. The film, directed by Nia DaCosta, will follow a new protagonist, Spike, played by Alfie Williams, as he navigates a post-apocalyptic world filled with threats beyond just zombies. Murphy's involvement will be brief, as he confirmed he will appear "only in it for a little bit" at the end of the film, but he hinted at a more significant role in a potential third installment of the franchise.
The teaser trailer for *28 Years Later* sparked speculation among fans, with many mistakenly believing that an emaciated zombie featured in the footage was Murphy's character. However, this rumor was debunked when it was revealed that model Angus Neill portrayed the zombie. Murphy expressed his amusement at the mix-up, stating, "That's great people think I look like a zombie cadaver. It’s very flattering."
Official Statements & Responses
In interviews, Murphy has emphasized the excitement surrounding *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*, urging fans to watch the film to set up future storylines. He stated, “Everyone’s got to go and see the second one. I’m sure they will—it’s really, really good.” The film is expected to maintain the franchise's signature horror elements while introducing new narrative directions.
Anticipation for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey
Simultaneously, Murphy is generating buzz regarding his absence from Christopher Nolan's upcoming adaptation of *The Odyssey*, which features a star-studded cast including Matt Damon, Tom Holland, and Zendaya. During the Toronto International Film Festival, Murphy coined the term "ROMO," or "Relief of Missing Out," to describe his feelings about not being part of the project. He remarked, “If any director in the world could tackle *The Odyssey*, it’s going to be Christopher Nolan. I can’t wait to see it. He is one in a million.”
Despite not being involved, Murphy's enthusiasm for Nolan's work remains evident. He has collaborated with Nolan on six previous films, including *Oppenheimer*, which earned both of them Academy Awards. Murphy's absence from *The Odyssey* allows him to focus on other projects, including the *Peaky Blinders* film and *Steve*, which premiered recently.
Criticism & Opposition
While Murphy's return to the *28 Days Later* franchise has been met with excitement, some fans have expressed disappointment over his limited role in *The Bone Temple*. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the direction of the franchise under a new director, Nia DaCosta, as fans wonder how the film will compare to its predecessors.
What's Next
As anticipation builds for both *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple* and *The Odyssey*, fans are eager to see how Murphy's character will evolve and how Nolan will reinterpret the classic Greek epic. The release of *The Bone Temple* is set for January 16, 2026, while *The Odyssey* is expected to hit theaters on July 17, 2026.
