Cillian Murphy Applauds Jack O'Connell's Standout Turn in The Bone Temple

There’s a certain electricity in the air whenever a much-loved franchise returns, and the latest instalment in the 28 Years Later saga is no exception. Cillian Murphy, who first made his mark as Jim in the original, has been quick to highlight the impact of Jack O'Connell’s portrayal of Jimmy Crystal, a cult leader with a penchant for blond wigs and velour tracksuits. In a recent video shared by the film’s official account, Murphy didn’t hold back in his praise.

The performances are mind-blowingly good. All of them,

he remarked, before Danny Boyle, the producer, drew attention to O'Connell’s work. Murphy was in full agreement, adding,

He's just magnetic. Absolutely magnetic. One of those classic characters that you love to hate, but can't actually hate, you know? Even though you should on all levels.

It’s not every day you see such enthusiasm from a returning star, especially when the spotlight is on a new face in the franchise.

New Faces, Familiar Names

This time around, Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Candyman and The Marvels, steps in as director, taking the reins from Boyle. The script, however, remains in the hands of Alex Garland, who’s been with the series since its inception. Alongside O'Connell, audiences will see Ralph Fiennes reprising his role as Dr. Ian Kelson, a character introduced in the previous chapter. Alfie Williams joins the cast as Spike, a fresh recruit to Jimmy’s cult, and has already been tipped as a standout newcomer for 2025. Murphy himself makes a brief return as Jim, the bike courier who managed to survive the original outbreak all those years ago.

The dynamic between these characters promises to be anything but straightforward, with O'Connell’s Jimmy Crystal at the centre of the chaos. The blend of old and new faces is set to give the film a distinct flavour, one that’s likely to keep both long-time fans and newcomers on their toes.

Looking Ahead: The Franchise Continues

For those wondering if this marks the end of the road, there’s more in store. A third entry in the 28 Years Later series is already in development, with Garland once again penning the script. Details remain under wraps, with no official title or director attached just yet, though Boyle has expressed interest in returning for the next chapter. Murphy is also in discussions to reprise his role, suggesting that Jim’s story may not be over just yet.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to hit cinemas on 16 January, promising a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic world that first gripped audiences over two decades ago. With a cast that blends established talent and rising stars, and a creative team unafraid to shake things up, anticipation is running high for what’s next.

If you’re keen to see what else is on the horizon, there’s no shortage of upcoming horror releases to keep an eye on this year.