28 Years Later isn’t just an extension of a beloved franchise; it was always meant to be a trilogy. This vision from director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland dates back to early 2024 when the project first gained traction. While only two films were greenlit by Sony at the time, the anticipation for a third installment grew as audiences expressed their interest. Now, the wait is over, and it’s officially happening.
The second chapter, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is set to hit theaters next month. After a series of successful press screenings, Deadline has reported that Sony has given the green light to a still-untitled third film. With Garland penning the script and Boyle expected to return as director, the fans are thrilled to hear that Cillian Murphy will likely reprise his role.
Murphy burst into the spotlight with Boyle and Garland’s earlier collaboration, 28 Days Later, in 2002. Over the ensuing years, he has evolved into a major film star, even capturing the Oscar for Best Actor this year for his performance in Oppenheimer. Although his character survived the original film, he didn’t appear in the first sequel, 2007’s 28 Weeks Later, or this year’s 28 Years Later. However, it’s rumored that he will make an appearance towards the end of The Bone Temple, paving the way to connect the entire narrative arc of the franchise.
This is all in line with the original creative plan. “The core idea was that this story didn’t naturally fit into a single film,” Garland shared with io9 last year. “We envisioned a genuine trilogy, with each film contributing to a cohesive narrative rather than rehashing the same elements of the first one. But market forces ultimately determine whether we get to pursue that vision.”
Fortunately, market forces are in favor of this ambitious project. Fans can be excited knowing that 28 Years Later is now available for home viewing. Don’t miss 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, which is set to premiere on January 16, 2026.
Are you wondering about the best way to catch up on the series before the new release?
It’s simple! Streaming platforms offer both 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, making it easy to immerse yourself in the chilling universe that Boyle and Garland created.
What can we expect from 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple?
Considering the film’s intriguing title and the talented cast and crew, we can anticipate a thrilling ride that blends horror with deep emotional storytelling.
Is there any news on when the third film will be released?
While dates are yet to be confirmed, with buzz around the excitement for the sequel, fans can remain hopeful that the news will drop soon.
What themes will be explored in the upcoming films?
Expect a further exploration of human survival, community dynamics, and psychological impacts due to the unsettling circumstances introduced in the first two films.
As the excitement builds for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and the eventual third film, it’s a great time to dive into this gripping narrative. Keep your eyes peeled for more updates, and be sure to join the conversation about this iconic franchise. To stay updated on everything from the latest film trends to creative projects, check out Moyens I/O.