28 Days Later franchise explodes with surprise third movie greenlit, and Cillian Murphy’s return will shock fans

28 Days Later franchise is exploding with massive momentum as Sony officially greenlights a third installment following phenomenal early reactions to The Bone Temple. The sequel arrives in just 19 days, and the franchise’s future just got a major shot in the arm with unprecedented studio backing.

The Bone Temple Arrives as the Franchise’s Major Turning Point

Just 19 days remain until 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple hits theaters nationwide. The sequel represents a pivotal moment for the resurrected franchise, as early screenings generated such powerful audience reactions that Sony Pictures fast-tracked greenlight approval for a third film.

Directed by Nia DaCosta (Candyman 2021), The Bone Temple continues the rage virus saga with returning cast members Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson, Alfie Williams as Spike, and Jack O’Connell as Sir Jimmy Crystal. The film picks up after the events of 28 Years Later, following Spike’s induction into Jimmy Crystal’s gang on the mainland while Dr. Kelson makes a world-changing discovery.

Third Film Deal Confirmed After Massive Fan Response

On December 10, 2025, Deadline reported that Sony is officially moving forward with a third installment following enthusiastic early reactions to The Bone Temple. The announcement marks a significant acceleration of franchise plans, as the studio initially used The Bone Temple’s performance to determine whether to greenlight additional films.

Alex Garland, the writer and producer behind the franchise’s recent success, will return to pen the third script. Danny Boyle, who directed the first 28 Years Later film that launched the new trilogy, is expected to helm the third installment. The decision represents major studio confidence in the franchise’s commercial and critical viability for years to come.

Film Details	Information
The Bone Temple Release	January 16, 2026 (US) / January 14, 2026 (UK)
Director (The Bone Temple)	Nia DaCosta
Third Film Director (Expected)	Danny Boyle
Third Film Screenplay	Alex Garland
Greenlight Announcement	December 10, 2025

Cillian Murphy in Talks to Return as Original Franchise Lead Jim

Cillian Murphy, who originated the role of Jim in the 2002 opening film, is in active negotiations to return for the third installment. Murphy made a surprise appearance at the end of The Bone Temple, serving as the character’s reintroduction and setting the stage for his expanded role in the upcoming film.

Danny Boyle recently confirmed that Murphy’s involvement represents a “clever” approach to his character, with promises of a “significant role” in the third film’s story. The return of the original franchise lead signals Sony’s ambitions to elevate the third installment into a major event film that honors the franchise’s legacy while pushing the narrative forward.

The Franchise’s Evolution from Skepticism to Momentum

The franchise’s resurrection began with 28 Years Later in June 2025, which launched the new trilogy under Danny Boyle and Alex Garland. At that time, the third film remained uncertain, dependent entirely on audience reception and box office performance for The Bone Temple. Sony was strategic about committing to additional installments without verified audience demand.

However, early screenings of The Bone Temple shifted studio calculations dramatically. The positive response from test audiences gave Sony Pictures the confidence to greenlight the third film more than two weeks before The Bone Temple’s wide release—an unprecedented vote of confidence in the franchise’s long-term viability. The decision essentially locks in a trilogy format that extends the 28 Days Later saga well into the future.

What Should Fans Expect From This Explosive Franchise Expansion?

With The Bone Temple arriving in just 19 days and a third film officially greenlit, the 28 Days Later franchise has transformed into a powerhouse property under Sony Pictures. The studio’s aggressive commitment to expanding the trilogy suggests confidence in both the creative team and the franchise’s commercial potential across global markets.

Beyond The Bone Temple’s theatrical release, fans can anticipate announcements regarding the third film’s casting, production timeline, and story details in the coming months. With Danny Boyle and Alex Garland steering the ship and Cillian Murphy‘s potential return adding star power, the 28 Days Later franchise appears positioned for a multi-year commitment that could define the horror landscape throughout the late 2020s.

“Sony is proceeding with a third 28 Years Later movie following the electric fan reaction from recent screenings of the second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.”

— Deadline, Industry Breaking News Source

Sources

• Deadline – Third film greenlight announcement and Cillian Murphy negotiations
• Variety – Production updates and cast confirmation
• The Hollywood Reporter – Studio negotiations and franchise details