The world of fast-moving infected might get its original survivor back. After months of speculation, Sony is officially moving forward with a third chapter in the 28 Years Later revival, and Cillian Murphy is now in active talks to return — more than two decades after he first woke up in that deserted London hospital.
The Franchise Finds New Life
The studio’s decision comes after the first 28 Years Later film, released in January, delivered a respectable $151.3 million worldwide. It wasn’t a runaway smash, but it was enough to confirm that audiences still have an appetite for the universe created by Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. Sony had always hinted at a trilogy, and now the momentum is finally lining up.
Director Danny Boyle, who launched the franchise in 2002 with 28 Days Later, has publicly said he would return to helm the third installment if the opportunity arose. With the studio now moving ahead, expectations are high that Boyle will once again jump behind the camera. Sony declined to comment on the development.
A Behind-the-Scenes Triumph
Sony won the rights to the new 28 Years films during a fierce bidding war in early 2024. While Boyle had initially pushed for a three-film commitment, the studio greenlit two — shot back-to-back — to test the franchise’s modern strength. Boyle directed the recently released first installment, and Nia DaCosta took over for the upcoming second part, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, arriving January 16.
That film, starring Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell, recently held its first screenings, with early reactions described as strong enough to give Sony the confidence to fast-track the third entry.
Cillian Murphy’s Return Marks a Full-Circle Moment
Murphy, whose breakout came from his role as Jim in 28 Days Later, has seen his career explode since those early years. The actor recently won an Oscar for Oppenheimer (2023) and has become one of the most sought-after names in Hollywood. His presence in the third movie — even if not fully confirmed — is already being called a major marketing advantage.
He will also appear briefly in DaCosta’s The Bone Temple, offering fans a bridge between his original character and the new storyline. Whether the third film reconnects more directly with Jim’s arc remains tightly under wraps.
A New Creative Direction With Familiar DNA
While Alex Garland is once again writing the script — returning after penning the original film and its long-awaited revival — the series is not repeating its past. Boyle has praised DaCosta’s bold direction for The Bone Temple, telling The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year:
“She said, ‘I’m not going to make a Danny Boyle movie,’ and she hasn’t. She’s made her own movie and it’s very strong.”
That creative independence appears to be setting the tone for the new era of the franchise: familiar faces, but a fresh filmmaking identity.
Final Words
With strong buzz surrounding The Bone Temple, the franchise’s renewed momentum, and Cillian Murphy close to making a comeback, the 28 Years Later universe is building toward something bigger than a simple sequel. Sony now seems committed to delivering the intense, character-driven apocalypse fans have waited years to revisit — and the third installment might just be the moment everything comes full circle.
