The trailer for 28 Years Later hints at an intriguing new chapter in the 28 Days Later franchise, showcasing a potentially darker evolution for Cillian Murphy’s character. Following years of speculation and development challenges, this sequel promises to address lingering questions from the original film. This upcoming installment is rumored to focus on an enigmatic bone temple seen in the trailer, which may have connections to Jim’s fate, portrayed by Murphy in 28 Days Later.
28 Days Later introduces Jim, who awakens from a coma to a world in ruins. As he navigates this chaos, he teams up with the level-headed Selena (Naomie Harris) and the fragile Hannah (Megan Burns). The film features alternate endings, but the one that aired shows Jim surviving a shooting, and the trio attempting to establish a new life while sending signals to passing aircraft. Unlike the sequel 28 Weeks Later, which did not revisit the original characters, Murphy’s return in 28 Years Later suggests a chilling new storyline.
Creepy References to “Jimmy”in the 28 Years Later Trailer
Who is “Jimmy”? Exploring the Identity
The first two films in the franchise presented a bleak yet plausible scenario, but the 28 Years Later trailer adopts a more surreal tone. A character named Jimmy appears central to the plot, indicated by two eerie references in the trailer. The first involves a religious-like phrase inscribed on a wall altered to include “Jimmy’s”name. The second shows an infected individual hanging upside down with the name carved into his skin, yet their identity remains masked. The true significance of these references—whether they pertain to Jimmy’s identity, are created by him, or are aimed at him—remains ambiguous for the time being.
Moreover, the trailer opens with what appears to be a young child addressed as “Jimmy,”surrounded by other similar children. This scene occurs at the onset of the apocalypse, suggesting that this character is not Jim from 28 Days Later, who was an adult in a coma during the outbreak. While the messages could be related to this child, introducing a new protagonist, it remains possible that Jim adopted the nickname in the years following the first film.
Could “Jimmy”Refer to Jim’s Descent into Cult Leadership?
The Message on the Wall: Echoes of the Past
The trailer also presents an infected character resembling Jim, although it has been confirmed that this zombie is not played by Cillian Murphy. The possibility that Jim has succumbed to infection would be a tragic twist. Notably, Jim was let down by the military’s false promise of salvation, which could have driven him towards distrust and ultimately cult-like leadership in the aftermath of the apocalypse. This decline could lead him to gather followers who view him as a prophet or leader.
The ominous inscription on the wall reads, “Behold, he is coming with the clouds.”This unsettling phrase could imply that the world has continued to evolve without Jim, Selena, and Hannah, who may have been abandoned even after their attempts to signal for help. A poignant moment comes when Selena inquires, “Do you think they saw us this time?”indicating a desperate hope that went unfulfilled. However, if Jim were indeed rescued, he might have established a new belief system based on the messages he left behind.
Cult Imagery Abounds in the 28 Years Later Trailer
The trailer’s striking visuals include unsettling pillars constructed from bones, signifying a dramatic departure from basic survival instincts in an apocalyptic context. These bone structures suggest a sinister, ritualistic purpose, challenging the survivors’ struggle for existence. Despite these cult-like elements, such as a bloodied mask and hints of child sacrifice, no clear antagonist has emerged. Aaron Taylor-Johnson has hinted that the lead character in 28 Years Later may not be one of the film’s known stars, adding to the mystery.
The previous installment, 28 Days Later, twisted expectations with Major West’s chilling revelation about his intentions for the women in his care. To maintain the momentum, 28 Years Later will need to elevate its depiction of cults, ensuring that any leader is compelling and original.
The Possible Transformation of Jim into a Villain Excites Yet Disturbs
The Tragic Arc of Jim: From Hero to Cult Leader
Jim’s story began uniquely in the apocalyptic genre; his journey commenced in a post-virus world without witnessing the descent into chaos. His experience encapsulated fears, losses, and the struggle of acclimating to a shattered reality. A potential narrative shift towards Jim becoming a powerful cult leader is both tragic and exciting for the franchise. Recent hints indicate that infected individuals have evolved, suggesting that survivors like Jim have similarly evolved, for better or worse.
Interestingly, throughout 28 Days Later, Jim’s parents address him as “Jim,”not the more infantilizing “Jimmy.”This detail implies a deliberate narrative choice that could resurface in 28 Years Later.
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