Takeaways
- Sony is moving ahead with ‘28 Years Later III’, the third film in the revived zombie franchise.
- Cillian Murphy is in talks to return, reuniting with director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland.
- The project follows 28 Years Later and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, both produced under Sony’s multi-film deal.
- Nia DaCosta’s Bone Temple, starring Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell, arrives January 16 and has already sparked strong early reactions.
- For horror fans and industry professionals, this signals long-term franchise plans, meaning more high-concept genre work and potential casting opportunities down the line.
Sony Returns to the World of Rage
The post-apocalyptic world first unleashed in 28 Days Later is expanding once again. Sony is officially moving forward with a third installment in the 28 Years Later franchise, informally dubbed 28 Years Later III.
The studio is returning to the zombie-ravaged landscape with:
- Danny Boyle developing the next chapter
- Alex Garland penning the script once again
- Cillian Murphy in talks to return to the universe he helped define over two decades ago
While Sony isn’t commenting publicly yet, the move confirms what many genre fans and industry watchers have been hoping for: the 28 franchise is being treated as a long-term, big-screen horror event, not just a one-off revival.
Cillian Murphy’s Potential Return to the Franchise
Cillian Murphy first exploded onto the global stage with 28 Days Later, playing Jim, the everyman who wakes up to a transformed, rage-infected London. Since then, his career has skyrocketed—culminating in an Oscar win for his performance in 2023’s Oppenheimer.
Now, Murphy is:
- In talks to star in 28 Years Later III, re-entering the franchise that launched him into genre icon status
- Already confirmed to have a small role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the second film in the new cycle
His involvement is a massive marketing boost:
- It reconnects the new trilogy to the original film’s emotional core.
- It deepens the sense of continuity for longtime fans.
- It creates strong awards-caliber prestige around what is, at heart, a gritty, visceral horror series.
For casting professionals and creatives, having Murphy attached signals that this is not just another zombie sequel—it’s a high-profile, actor-driven project with serious artistic ambition.
Danny Boyle, Alex Garland, and a Long-Game Franchise Plan
The creative spine of the series remains firmly intact:
- Danny Boyle has long said he would direct a third film if it moved forward.
- Alex Garland, who wrote the original 28 Days Later and returned for 28 Years Later, is once again handling the script (he did not write 28 Weeks Later, making this a return to the core creative partnership).
Sony’s journey with the franchise has been strategic:
- The studio won the rights in January 2024 after a competitive bidding war.
- Boyle initially pushed for a three-film commitment.
- Sony committed to two films, which were shot back-to-back:
- 28 Years Later, released in January and grossing $151.3 million worldwide.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, arriving January 16.
The third film moving forward now suggests that:
- The first film performed well enough to justify continuing the story.
- Early reactions to The Bone Temple have been strong enough to give Sony confidence in extending the trilogy.
28 Years Later and The Bone Temple: Setting the Stage
The first 28 Years Later did what any modern franchise entry has to do:
Reintroduce the world, update the stakes, and connect new characters to the original mythology while standing on its own.
Key points from the new cycle:
- 28 Years Later re-established the rage-infected world decades after the original outbreak, expanding the timeline and exploring what long-term survival looks like.
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple pushes that story further, with Nia DaCosta stepping into the director’s chair.
The second film:
- Has already held its first screenings, reportedly drawing strong reactions.
- Stars Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell in key roles.
- Features a small appearance by Cillian Murphy, keeping the connective tissue between generations of the franchise.
Danny Boyle himself praised DaCosta’s approach, recalling that she told him, “I’m not going to make a Danny Boyle movie.” She’s delivered her own vision, not a copy, and he describes the film as “very strong.” That kind of creative hand-off is a good indication the franchise is being treated as a serious, filmmaker-driven space—not just a brand template.
Why ‘28 Years Later III’ Matters for Horror and the Industry
The 28 series has always been more than a simple zombie saga. It helped redefine:
- The pace and intensity of modern horror
- The idea of fast, feral infected versus traditional shambling zombies
- The blend of character drama and social commentary within genre storytelling
With 28 Years Later III moving forward, several things are clear:
- Prestige Horror Is Still Thriving
With filmmakers like Boyle and Garland involved—and a cast that includes heavyweights like Murphy and Fiennes—the franchise sits at the intersection of commercial genre and awards-level talent. - Studios Are Leaning Into Multi-Film Horror Arcs
Sony’s willingness to commit to a multi-film plan shows that horror isn’t just a one-off gamble; it’s a long-term IP strategy, especially when there’s an established fanbase. - More Room for New and Emerging Talent
Each installment demands a fresh ensemble: survivors, soldiers, civilians, scientists, and more. That means ongoing casting opportunities for actors, as well as consistent work for stunt performers, creature performers, make-up teams, SFX, and VFX artists across multiple films. - International Reach for Genre Credits
Being part of the 28 franchise—on screen or behind the camera—offers visibility well beyond a single release window. These films are likely to live on in streaming, physical media, and franchise retrospectives for years.
Looking Ahead to the Third Chapter
Details for 28 Years Later III are still under wraps:
- No official title beyond its working identity as the third 28 Years Later film.
- No confirmed plot, locations, or supporting cast announcements yet.
- Timing on production and release will likely follow the performance of The Bone Temple and the scheduling of its top-tier talent.
What is clear, though, is that the franchise isn’t done evolving. With Danny Boyle at the helm, Alex Garland on the script, Nia DaCosta having added her own chapter, and Cillian Murphy potentially returning in a major role, 28 Years Later III is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched horror projects in development.
For actors, filmmakers, and crew, it’s another reminder that genre storytelling remains a powerful engine for career-making opportunities—and that the infected world of 28 Days Later is still a place where bold creative choices can make a lasting impact.
