Director Danny Boyle has affirmed that the long-awaited third installment of the *28 Years Later* franchise will be made, though he remains uncertain about the timeline. At the Zurich Film Festival, Boyle stated, "28 Years 3, or whatever it ends up being called, will get made because people keep asking about it. Quite when I’m not sure, but there’s a script – a very good script by Alex Garland." This news comes after the release of *28 Years Later: The Bone Temple*, which hit theaters in January 2026.
Why it matters: Fans of the *28 Years Later* series have been eagerly awaiting a third film, especially after the success of the first two entries. Boyle's confirmation provides hope for a franchise that has faced uncertainty following the box office performance of its latest installment.
- Boyle confirmed that Cillian Murphy will have a substantial role in the upcoming film, building on his brief appearance in *The Bone Temple*.
- The third installment has been officially confirmed by Sony, but no production timeline has been established yet.
- The film's script has already been completed by Alex Garland, who has written all entries in the franchise.
- Boyle expressed optimism, stating that the continued interest from fans gives him confidence in moving forward with the project.
Driving the news: The announcement was made during Boyle's presentation of his new film, *Ink*, at the Zurich Film Festival. He reiterated the enthusiasm surrounding *28 Years 3*, emphasizing the strong fan demand for its creation.
- Boyle noted, "There’s a lot of Cillian Murphy in it," hinting at a more prominent role for the actor compared to his previous cameo.
- Murphy's character, Jim, is expected to return alongside other characters from *The Bone Temple*, including Spike and Kellie.
- The film's development has been complicated due to the box office struggles of *The Bone Temple*, which grossed only $58.5 million against a $63 million budget.
- Boyle's previous involvement with the *James Bond* franchise adds to his credibility as a director, as he has shown a deep commitment to storytelling.
State of play: The *28 Years Later* trilogy has seen a mix of commercial success and challenges. The first film, *28 Days Later*, grossed $151.3 million worldwide, establishing a strong foundation for the franchise.
- *The Bone Temple* received positive reviews, boasting a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but failed to perform well at the box office.
- Boyle's comments indicate that the franchise is not dead, but the financial performance of *The Bone Temple* has raised concerns about the viability of a third film.
- Filming for the third installment is tentatively hoped to begin in 2027, depending on seasonal filming windows in Britain.
- Boyle has expressed a desire to direct the third film himself, which would mark a return to the franchise he helped launch.
The big picture: The *28 Years Later* films have significantly impacted the zombie genre, revitalizing interest and altering audience perceptions of horror.
- Boyle's innovative approach to the zombie narrative has been credited with shifting the genre, emphasizing themes of survival and societal collapse.
- Murphy's rise to stardom, culminating in an Oscar win for *Oppenheimer*, adds an exciting element to the anticipated third film.
- The franchise's future hinges on the balance between creative vision and box office performance, which has proven challenging in recent years.
- Boyle's commitment to the story and characters suggests a deep investment in delivering a satisfying finale to the trilogy.
What they're saying: Boyle's remarks have generated buzz among fans and industry insiders alike, with many expressing excitement about the potential for *28 Years Later 3*.
- “It’s a shame, because it could have been really good,” Boyle said of his previous experience with the *James Bond* franchise, indicating his high standards for storytelling.
- Critics have lauded the first two films for their depth and innovative storytelling, raising expectations for the concluding chapter.
- Fans are hopeful that the combination of Boyle’s direction and Garland’s writing will lead to a fitting end for the trilogy.
- Industry experts suggest that the box office performance of *The Bone Temple* may not be the final word on the franchise's future, particularly with Boyle and Murphy involved.
By the numbers: The financial performance of the *28 Years Later* films highlights the risks associated with franchise filmmaking.
- *28 Days Later* grossed $151.3 million worldwide on a $60 million budget, establishing a strong entry point for the series.
- *The Bone Temple*, released in January 2026, earned only $58.5 million globally, raising concerns about the trilogy's viability.
- The film's disappointing earnings have led to speculation about the future of the franchise, though Boyle's commitment provides some reassurance.
- Critically, *The Bone Temple* achieved a 91% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating strong audience reception, albeit not translating into box office success.
What's next: As fans await more concrete details, Boyle's reassurances provide a glimmer of hope for the future of *28 Years Later 3*.
- Boyle hopes to begin filming in 2027, contingent on the seasonal filming windows in Britain.
- The screenplay by Garland is complete, and Murphy's involvement is confirmed, setting the stage for a potential production announcement soon.
- With Boyle at the helm and a solid script in hand, the third installment could deliver a thrilling culmination to the franchise.
- Industry watchers are closely monitoring developments, eager to see how the story will conclude for Jim and the other characters.