Cillian Murphy made a striking return to the world that launched his career as he stepped out in London for the world premiere of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the long-awaited sequel in Danny Boyle’s iconic post-apocalyptic franchise. Braving heavy rain at BFI IMAX Waterloo, Murphy joined co-stars Emma Laird and Erin Kellyman on a dramatically slicked black carpet, swept down by organisers as storms rolled across the capital.
The premiere marked Murphy’s official re-entry into the 28 universe more than two decades after 28 Days Later first introduced audiences to Boyle’s Rage Virus nightmare—and simultaneously catapulted Murphy into international stardom. This time, the Irish actor returns not only on screen but also behind the scenes as an executive producer, signaling the importance of his involvement in shaping the franchise’s future.
Murphy, best known globally for Peaky Blinders, cut a sharp and understated figure in a tailored grey suit paired with a black polo neck as he posed solo for photographers. His appearance may be brief in The Bone Temple, but it carries significant narrative weight, designed to lay the groundwork for a much larger role in a planned third installment.
Alongside him, Emma Laird—reprising her role as Jimmima—turned heads in a pale blue gown featuring a dramatic ruffled skirt, injecting a sense of playfulness into the stormy evening. Erin Kellyman, who portrays Jimmy Ink, embraced full glamour in a metallic gold dress as she celebrated the release of the sequel after years of anticipation.
The Bone Temple follows the events of 28 Years Later, which arrived in cinemas in June and starred Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Jodie Comer as a couple surviving within a fortified settlement isolated from the infected world. The sequel shifts focus to young Spike (Alfie Williams), who is inducted into a deadly gang of acrobatic killers led by the cult-like figure Sir Jimmy Crystal.
Sir Jimmy is portrayed by Jack O’Connell, whose character leads a disturbing group known as “The Jimmys,” while Ralph Fiennes returns as the enigmatic Dr. Ian Kelson. The film’s dark mythology has already sparked debate, particularly after fans noted an unsettling resemblance between Sir Jimmy Crystal and disgraced TV presenter Jimmy Savile—a detail that left audiences divided following the previous film’s ending.
Murphy has been vocal about his hopes for the franchise’s continuation. Speaking recently, he urged fans to support the sequel, calling it “really, really good,” and expressed optimism that its success would unlock a third chapter.
As rain lashed the London premiere, Murphy’s presence felt symbolic: a full-circle moment for an actor returning to the ruins where it all began—ready once again to shape the future of one of Britain’s most influential horror franchises.