Zombie dreams are coming true for Danny Boyle, with Sony moving forward with a third installment of the 28 Years Later franchise. Cillian Murphy is in talks to return to star after kicking off the franchise more than 20 years ago with 28 Days Later. Scribe Alex Garland is working on the script.
Boyle has previously stated he will direct the third, should it get made. Sony had no comment.
The first 28 Years Later was released in January and grossed a $151.3 million, a respectable sum, but not one that made a third installment a foregone conclusion, though Sony always maintained that was the hope.
The studio won the rights to the 28 Years Later movies in January 2024 after a bidding war. While Boyle had hoped for a commitment for three films, the studio gave him two, which they shot back-to-back. Boyle directed the first installment, which bowed in January, while Nia DaCosta directed the upcoming 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which arrives Jan. 16. The news of the third installment moving forward comes a day after the first screenings for the movie opened to strong reactions. It stars Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell.
Murphy’s star has risen considerably since 28 Days Later and won an Oscar for 2023’s Oppenheimer. He will have a small role in The Bone Temple and his inclusion in the third 28 Years will certainly be a boon to its marketing.
Deadline first reported the news.