THAT Final Scene Cameo in 28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE, Explained

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We were surprisingly impressed by 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – it’s a wildly gory and strangely enjoyable horror film! This second installment in Sony’s 28 Years Later trilogy is energetic, makes you think, and is just plain fun, setting it apart from the other movies. Luckily, there’s still one more film on the way. Just like the first film hinted at the marauders led by Jimmy who would be central to The Bone Temple, this movie includes a quick scene hinting at the plot of the final film – and it features a character you’ll likely have guessed.

The movie ends with Spike and Kelly leaving Jimmy Crystal to face a grim fate, then cuts to black. We then see a quiet, remote farmhouse, and inside, a girl studying. Her father joins her – it’s Jim, the character Cillian Murphy famously played in the 2002 film 28 Days Later.

It’s not surprising to see Murphy involved, as he’s been a producer on the first two films. We’d also heard he’d have a significant role in the third 28 Years Later movie. His appearance now feels natural, especially as it sets the stage for that next installment, and it offers a chance to add some relevant political themes.

In a short scene, Jim tests his daughter’s knowledge of WWII, explaining why it’s important not to completely destroy the defeated enemy. He points to the harsh economic conditions imposed on Germany after WWI as a key factor leading to WWII. Given the film’s setting – an alternate history where a rage virus has devastated the UK and Europe for almost three decades – Jim playfully suggests that fascism isn’t coming back anytime soon. (The audience reacts with scornful laughter.)

As the scene closes, Jim’s daughter—likely his child with Selina from the first film—overhears a noise outside. Both she and Jim arm themselves and go to investigate. Using binoculars, Jim spots Spike and Kelly fleeing from infected people. His daughter asks if they should offer help, and he immediately agrees. This moment is underscored by the opening theme music from 28 Days Later.

Following the wild events of the previous film, it’s surprisingly comforting to see Jim seemingly back to normal. While we don’t know what else is going on in his life, he and his daughter clearly have a close bond, and that’s heartwarming. Whether that peace lasts remains to be seen in the next installment, whenever that may be.

Kyle Anderson is a Senior Editor at TopMob and the host of the weekly podcast, Laser Focus, where he dives deep into pop culture. He also writes film and TV reviews, and you can find him on Letterboxd.

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2026-01-16 09:03