28 Days Later franchise won’t die as Sony greenslights third film with Cillian Murphy returning nearly 23 years later

The 28 Days Later franchise refuses to die. Sony has officially greenlit a third film in the continuing saga, with Cillian Murphy in talks to reprise his iconic role as Jim, the protagonist from the original 2002 classic. This marks an exciting development for one of horror cinema’s most influential zombie series.

The Zombie Franchise That Keeps Coming Back to Life

The 28 Days Later series has become one of horror’s most enduring properties since its groundbreaking 2002 debut. What started as an $8 million indie film directed by Danny Boyle grossed over $72 million worldwide, fundamentally changing how audiences viewed zombie narratives.

The franchise has now generated nearly $300 million globally across all installments, with the latest entry 28 Years Later becoming the series’ highest-grossing film to date. Released in June 2025, the film opened to $30 million domestically and ultimately earned $151.3 million worldwide, proving the franchise still has major box office appeal.

Why Sony Decided Now Is the Time for Part Three

Sony’s decision to greenlight a third film wasn’t based on the finished product of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple—it was based on early screening reactions. The studio held fan screenings at the AMC Century City multiplex, and the overwhelmingly positive response convinced executives to move forward immediately with the next installment.

This strategy mirrors how the original two films were handled. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland shot the first two 28 Years Later films back-to-back before Sony even officially greenlit the trilogy’s conclusion. The confidence in the franchise’s direction suggests the second film will deliver the quality needed to sustain interest through a third chapter.

Cillian Murphy’s Triumphant Return After 23 Years

Cillian Murphy hasn’t appeared in a 28 Days Later film since the original 2002 movie, making his involvement in the new trilogy particularly significant. While he was absent from the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later, his return to the franchise marks a symbolic milestone for the series.

Murphy serves as an executive producer on both 28 Years Later films and will reprise his role as Jim in The Bone Temple. Now winning negotiations for the third installment could solidify him as the franchise’s central figure going forward, unifying the original source material with the modern trilogy’s vision.

The Creative Team Behind the New Film

Alex Garland‘s consistent involvement in the franchise demonstrates Sony’s commitment to maintaining creative cohesion. Garland wrote both 28 Years Later and will pen the script for part three, giving him complete narrative control across the new trilogy that launched in June 2025.

Danny Boyle, who directed the original 2002 film, expressed interest in returning to helm the third installment in previous interviews. Though nothing has been officially confirmed, his involvement would reunite the original creative partnership that made the franchise legendary, potentially bringing the trilogy full circle.

What Does This Mean for the Franchise’s Future Beyond the Trilogy?

The decision to greenlight a third film suggests Sony views 28 Days Later as a franchise with unlimited potential. With nearly $300 million in worldwide box office earnings and passionate fan communities, the studio clearly sees long-term value in continuing this post-apocalyptic universe.

The infected mythology still offers rich storytelling possibilities, and each new film has explored different thematic angles. 28 Years Later become a coming-of-age narrative, while The Bone Temple examines divided humanity and unchecked power. A third installment could expand the universe in entirely new directions while maintaining the franchise’s signature intensity and horror impact.