Cillian Murphy Returns to 28 Years Later Franchise at The Bone Temple Premiere

Cillian Murphy celebrated his return to the 28 Years Later franchise on October 15 at the premiere of The Bone Temple. This event, held at BFI IMAX Waterloo in London, was marked by heavy rain that resulted in organizers scrapping the traditional black carpet for a rain-friendly alternative.

Murphy's participation in this sequel comes 28 years after his debut in the original film, 28 Days Later, released on November 1, 2002. His character, Jim, was instrumental in establishing the franchise, which revitalized the zombie genre and introduced a new wave of horror films. According to box office records, the original film grossed over $85 million worldwide on a budget of only $8 million.

At the premiere, Murphy was joined by co-stars Emma Laird and Erin Kellyman, both of whom are emerging talents in the film industry. Laird, known for her role in the hit series The Rook, and Kellyman, recognized for her part in Solo: A Star Wars Story, add a contemporary dynamic to the sequel.

This event is notable not just for the film's return but also for the circumstances surrounding it. Similar incidents occurred during the premieres of other franchise-based films, like the 2023 premiere of Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, where weather conditions also forced changes to event logistics.

Industry sources confirm that The Bone Temple is expected to follow the success of its predecessor by appealing to both horror fans and general audiences. The film aims to explore new themes while remaining true to the essence of the original.

This premiere follows a significant year for Murphy, who recently starred in the critically acclaimed film Oppenheimer, released on July 21, 2023. His performance received widespread praise, and the film grossed over $1 billion, positioning it as one of the highest-grossing films of the year.

Looking ahead, Murphy has several notable projects lined up. He is set to appear in a 2024 biopic about legendary musician David Bowie, which promises to delve into the icon's complex life. Murphy's adaptability across genres continues to strengthen his position in Hollywood.

As fans await the release of The Bone Temple, Murphy's return signals a continued engagement with a franchise that has left a lasting impact on the horror genre. With the legacy of 28 Days Later, the sequel aims to build on a foundation that has shaped the landscape of zombie films for nearly three decades.