Cillian Murphy’s Quiet Return in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
Director Nia DaCosta reveals why Jim’s reappearance in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' sidesteps the usual blockbuster heroics, opting for a more understated, authentic moment.
There’s a certain expectation that comes with the return of a familiar face in a long-running film series, especially when that face belongs to Cillian Murphy. Yet, in '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple', director Nia DaCosta steers clear of the grand gestures and swelling music that so often accompany such moments. Instead, the film’s closing scenes take a rather different route, one that’s more in keeping with the franchise’s roots than with the current trend for bombastic franchise reunions.
After a tense escape from the clutches of Jimmy Crystal and the ominous Bone Temple, the narrative shifts to a setting that will ring a bell for those who’ve been following since the early days. The camera lingers on a modest cottage, untouched by the chaos outside, where Murphy’s character, Jim, has been quietly getting on with life. It’s a far cry from the dramatic entrances audiences might have braced themselves for, and that’s entirely by design.
Subverting the Franchise Formula
DaCosta, who’s no stranger to the world of sprawling cinematic universes, was keen to avoid the pitfalls of the so-called ‘legacyquel’. She explained,
“Because it’s not a big ‘return of the superhero’ franchise moment,”
adding,
“It’s the return of the bike messenger.”
The intention was clear: Jim’s reappearance should feel grounded, not like a victory lap for a returning champion.
It’s a refreshing change of pace, particularly in an era where every returning character seems to demand a standing ovation. Instead, Jim is found teaching his daughter about history, a detail that screenwriter Alex Garland wove into the script. DaCosta recalls,
“The fact that Alex wrote him teaching his daughter history, and that’s how he wanted to introduce him back into the story, I was like, ok, so that’s how we shoot it. So it’s grounded. It’s not this big, bombastic moment. And I think it’s powerful enough just to see him.”
Keeping It Real
There’s a certain restraint at play here, a deliberate choice to keep things understated. Rather than leaning into spectacle, the film opts for a more intimate approach, letting the weight of Jim’s presence speak for itself. The result is a scene that feels both unexpected and oddly fitting, sidestepping the temptation to turn every return into a headline-grabbing event.
As for what lies ahead, the future remains uncertain. With another chapter already in the works, there’s no telling how much of a role Murphy’s character will play next time round. For now, though, his understated return stands as a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.