The theater went silent as the credits rolled. A collective breath was held, then released, as everyone processed what they’d just witnessed. “Wait, what does that mean for the next one?” someone whispered, perfectly capturing the mood. Most moviegoers are aware that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is the second installment in a planned trilogy, so the cliffhanger isn’t exactly a surprise. But the *nature* of that tease? That’s another story altogether. So, let’s dissect the film’s closing moments and what they, along with other revelations, suggest for the future of the franchise.
The Return of Jim: A Familiar Face in a Changed World
Nostalgia is a powerful drug, especially in horror. The filmmakers clearly understand this, because the big reveal is something Alex Garland and Danny Boyle telegraphed months ago: Cillian Murphy is back as Jim. Last seen in 2002’s 28 Days Later, the character was fleeing to a remote cottage. Now, 28 years later, he has a daughter and is teaching her about history, specifically, a quote from Winston Churchill: “Those that fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The dialogue is rich with subtext about the world’s current condition and how it’s being managed, but before they can elaborate, Spike (Alfie Williams) and Erin Kellyman’s character burst onto the scene, pursued by zombies. Jim and his daughter decide to intervene.
This development ignites numerous questions. What has Jim been up to all this time? What became of Selena and Hannah from the first film? Is this one of *their* daughters? And how did he manage to survive? Furthermore, Spike possesses knowledge of a secluded, secure island. Will they all seek refuge there? Or does Jim have his own agenda? This feels like the culmination of everything the story has been building toward, a grand convergence of plot threads.
What happened to Selena from 28 Days Later?
That said, as thrilling as Jim’s return is, there’s a much larger, unseen element at play.
Samson’s “Cure”: A Ray of Hope, or a False Dawn?
Think about the scientist who dedicates their life to a single, all-consuming goal. The late Dr. Kelson (RIP) achieved the impossible: he seemingly cured the alpha zombie, Samson. By administering a cocktail of drugs, Kelson witnessed Samson not only revisit a location from his past but also exhibit human-like behavior, so much so that other zombies turned on him. Despite sustaining several bites during the attack, Samson appears to have survived.
This is confirmed in Kelson’s final moments, as Samson returns to the Bone Temple to express his gratitude, speaking clearly. The question isn’t whether this is a cure-all, but rather, what *kind* of cure is it? In his last scene, Samson is seen preparing to devour Jimmy, implying a hybrid state – partially cured, partially not. And that’s where things become truly compelling. Samson is a fulcrum, a test case. Humanity’s fate hinges on his transformation.
Can the Rage virus be cured in 28 Years Later?
Consider the implications. Is Samson now permanently tethered to humanity? Does he still require human flesh to survive? Can he revert to his previous, fully infected state? And, even if he maintains some semblance of humanity, can he replicate Kelson’s drug mixture? Presumably, Kelson documented his findings somewhere.
These are the pivotal questions entering the third and final film in the 28 Years Later trilogy. It transcends the fates of Cillian Murphy’s or Aaron Taylor-Johnson’s characters. It overshadows Spike’s next move. The core question: can humanity discover a viable method to eradicate this infection? The situation is a house of cards, and Samson is the keystone. There has to be a glimmer of hope by the time the credits roll on the final film. Otherwise, why introduce this element at all?
Will there be a 28 Years Later Part 3?
What were your thoughts on the ending of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple? What predictions do you have for the next chapter? The stage is set. The pieces are moving. What happens next?
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