'28 Years Later: The Bone Temple': What Happened to Kelson & Finale, Explained

The second installment of the trilogy, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, leaves viewers with a swarm of questions. Not only did the movie expand the zombie mythology, it also took a decisive step toward resolving the global catastrophe.

Most notably, the film subtly hints at the existence of a cure for the virus and brings back the iconic character Jim, played by Cillian Murphy.

Here, we explore what happened in the finale and how it shapes the future of the franchise.

Is It Possible to Cure the Virus After All?

The second movie's key discovery involves Dr. Kelson. During his risky experiments, he discovered that morphine and similar substances could suppress the virus and release the remnants of human consciousness in those infected.

His main test subject, an alpha named Samson, calmed down with increasing doses and began to remember his past. Later, he even started to speak. This proves that the virus doesn't kill personality, merely suppressing it and blocking higher brain functions.

The friendship between Kelson and Samson, as well as the final scene in which the "cured" alpha carries away the body of the deceased doctor, is the strongest proof of the concept of a cure.

Significantly, the other infected individuals began attacking Samson, sensing him as an outsider. This clearly indicates that the process is reversible.

This idea echoes a plot point from 28 Weeks Later, in which the infected Don Harris maintained an emotional connection with his children.

What Will Jim's Return Mean for the Franchise's Future?

The Bone Temple's ending delivers a major surprise. Twenty-eight years later, Jim, played by Cillian Murphy, is seen living in the same house as in the first movie's ending. This time, he is with his teenage daughter, Sam.

They spot Spike and Kelli fleeing from the infected and prepare to help them.

Jim's experience and knowledge of the world before the virus are invaluable. Perhaps he will be the link that connects Kelson's knowledge of the cure, Spike's experience, and the information about the baby with the unusual immunity from the first movie.

Selena's absence also creates intrigue. Did she die, or did she, as the pharmacist, join the scientists to help find a vaccine?

What Will the Third '28 Years Later' Be About & When Will It Be Released?

Although a third installment hasn't been officially approved, the ending of The Bones Temple clearly indicates its necessity. The action will likely begin with a meeting between two groups of survivors: Jim and Sam, and Spike and Kelli.

Kelli is the only witness to Dr. Kelson's "miracle" and his friendship with Samson, so she possesses key information. Her past in Jimmy's brutal cult, marked by a scar shaped like an inverted cross, could cause tension with her new allies.

Samson's fate will be the central mystery. Will he continue to evolve into a human or will he become an ally who leads people to Kelson's notes? Or, unaware of the circumstances of the doctor's death, will he turn his wrath against Spike and Kelli?

Assuming work begins in 2026, the third chapter can be expected in 2027 or early 2028, given the rapid production cycles of the first two installments.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple'?

• 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple has 93% from critics and 88% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.8/10.

• On Letterboxd, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple scored 4.0/5.0.