28 Days Later just got a major sequel announcement. Sony confirmed in December 2025 that 28 Years Later Part 3 is officially moving forward. The studio greenlighting the third film represents massive confidence in the franchise.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Sony confirmed December 10, 2025 that 28 Years Later Part 3 is officially in development
- Alex Garland writing the script for the third installment of the trilogy
- Cillian Murphy in talks to reprise his iconic role as Jim from the original 28 Days Later
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple releases January 16, 2026, sparking confidence for Part 3
28 Days Later Franchise Returns to Sony After 23-Year Gap
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The 28 Days Later franchise experienced a massive revival when Sony acquired the rights in February 2024. The original 2002 film directed by Danny Boyle became a horror classic. Twenty-three years after that breakthrough, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland returned to launch an entirely new trilogy set in the dystopian world of the rage virus.
28 Years Later opened to $30 million in June 2025, proving audience appetite remained strong. The film ultimately earned $151.3 million worldwide, making it the highest-grossing film in franchise history. This commercial success gave Sony the confidence to push forward with immediate sequels.
What Happened with Part 1 and Part 2 Screenings
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Sony initially shot the first two films back-to-back during production. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple drops on January 16, 2026, just days away from the announcement. The second film is directed by Nia DaCosta, known for her work on Candyman. Early fan screenings at the AMC Century City multiplex generated electric reactions that directly led to the Part 3 greenlight.
Critics and audiences at preview screenings praised the dark tone and storytelling direction. Simon Thompson from Gold Derby noted that DaCosta “knocks it out of the park.” These positive reactions gave Sony the justification needed to greenlight Part 3 immediately.
Cast and Crew Status for 28 Years Later Part 3
| Role | Status |
| Cillian Murphy (Lead) | In talks to return as Jim |
| Alex Garland (Writer) | Confirmed writing Part 3 script |
| Danny Boyle (Director) | Expressed interest, not yet confirmed |
| Title Announcement | Not yet revealed by Sony |
Why Cillian Murphy’s Return Matters for the Franchise
Cillian Murphy originated the role of Jim in the 2002 original, becoming the face of the franchise. He notably skipped 28 Weeks Later in 2007, as that sequel focused on new characters. His return in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple marked his first appearance in the role since 2002, reigniting fan excitement after 24 years.
Murphy’s Oscar win for Oppenheimer elevated his star power significantly. His willingness to reprise Jim shows strong commitment to the franchise. For Part 3, negotiations are ongoing, but industry sources suggest Sony remains confident about securing Murphy for the trilogy finale.
“The buzz is that 28 Days Later star Cillian Murphy is in talks, and franchise scribe Alex Garland is currently writing part 3.”
— Deadline Hollywood, December 10, 2025
Is 28 Years Later trilogy Part 3 worth the wait for fans?
Horror fans have every reason to feel excited about Part 3. The franchise combines Danny Boyle’s distinctive visual style with Alex Garland’s sharp screenwriting. $151 million worldwide for Part 1 proves audiences remain hungry for new 28 Days Later content. Part 2 launches in just weeks, and early buzz suggests Sony gambled correctly on the trilogy structure.
With Cillian Murphy negotiating his return and Danny Boyle expressing interest in directing, the creative band is reuniting. The franchise originally launched in 2002 with barely an $8 million budget, making $72 million worldwide. Today’s $151 million opening proves horror filmmaking has evolved dramatically. Part 3 will likely benefit from even larger budgets and theatrical support.
Sources
- Deadline Hollywood – Exclusive reporting on Part 3 greenlight and cast negotiations
- Variety – Alex Garland writing confirmation and development timeline
- The Hollywood Reporter – Sony Pictures decision and franchise analysis
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.