Nia DaCosta on Jim’s Quiet Return in 28 Years Later
Director Nia DaCosta reveals why Cillian Murphy’s comeback as Jim in ‘28 Years Later: The Bone Temple’ was kept low-key, steering clear of flashy franchise tropes and focusing on a grounded, authentic moment.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple delivers a sequel that’s both sharp and unexpected, especially in its closing moments. After a tense escape from Jimmy Crystal and the Bone Temple itself, the story shifts to a familiar countryside cottage—one that fans haven’t glimpsed since the days of 28 Days Later. Here, Cillian Murphy’s Jim has been quietly living off the grid, his peaceful routine about to be upended by the arrival of Spike and Jimmy Ink. It’s a reunion that director Nia DaCosta has unpacked in detail, and she’s been open about her approach to this pivotal scene.
DaCosta was determined to avoid the usual fanfare that often comes with legacy characters making a comeback, especially in an era where superhero franchises dominate the box office. She explained,
‘Because it’s not a big “return of the superhero” franchise moment. It’s the return of the bike messenger.’
The intention was to keep things grounded, steering clear of the bombastic reveals that have become standard in much-hyped sequels.
Keeping It Real: No Superhero Entrances
Jim’s reappearance was never meant to be a spectacle. With Murphy’s involvement confirmed early on, fans were keen to see how his character would fit back into the story. DaCosta, who’s no stranger to big franchises herself, made a conscious choice to keep the moment understated. She shared,
‘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.’
This approach set the tone for the entire scene. Rather than a dramatic entrance, Jim is simply living his life, teaching his daughter, when the outside world comes knocking. The tension is there, but it’s dialled down, letting the character’s presence speak for itself.
Legacy Without the Hype
In a time when audiences have come to expect grand reveals and over-the-top comebacks, DaCosta’s decision stands out. She resisted the urge to turn Jim’s return into a headline-grabbing moment, instead favouring a more authentic, human touch. The focus remained on character and story, not spectacle.
With the next chapter already in the works, it’s anyone’s guess how much of a role Murphy’s character will play moving forward. For now, DaCosta’s understated approach has given fans a return that feels genuine, not forced—a rare thing in today’s world of blockbuster franchises.