28 Days Later gets greenlit for third installment with Cillian Murphy in talks to return, here’s what we know about the surprise announcement

28 Days Later is getting a brand new third installment greenlit by Sony with Oscar winner Cillian Murphy in talks to return to his original role as Jim. The announcement, made public in December 2025, marks an exciting expansion of the beloved horror franchise that kicked off over 20 years ago. Here’s everything we know so far about this highly anticipated project.

28 Days Later Gets Third Film Greenlit After Two Decades

Nearly 23 years after the original 2002 film premiered, Sony Pictures has officially greenlit 28 Days Later 3. The announcement, confirmed by Deadline, Variety, and The Hollywood Reporter, marks a major milestone for the franchise. Producer interest follows the success of 28 Years Later, which launched in June 2025 and became a commercial and critical success.

Director Danny Boyle will helm this third installment, reuniting with screenwriter Alex Garland who penned both 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple. This dynamic duo has proven their ability to revitalize the franchise with fresh storytelling while honoring its legacy.

Cillian Murphy Returns to the Rage Virus Franchise

The biggest surprise in the announcement is that Cillian Murphy is in talks to return as the lead protagonist. Murphy originated the role of Jim in the ground-breaking original 2002 film. At age 49, the Oscar-winning actor will bring maturity and depth to the character after more than two decades.

Though negotiations are reportedly still ongoing, Murphy expressed enthusiastic support for the project months ago. His involvement would create a direct narrative thread connecting all three installments of the original trilogy. This decision represents a bold creative choice to bring back the franchise anchor.

What We Know About the Production Timeline and Plot

Production Detail	Information
Director	Danny Boyle (returning)
Screenwriter	Alex Garland
Lead Actor in Talks	Cillian Murphy
Studio	Sony Pictures
Previous Film Release	28 Years Later: The Bone Temple – January 16, 2026

Details about the third film’s plot remain under wraps. However, Alex Garland has established a clear vision for the franchise reboot. The original trilogy created by Boyle and Garland has evolved from the 2002 original into a bold dystopian saga. The third installment will likely continue exploring themes of survival, societaly collapse, and human resilience.

Production is expected to begin after The Bone Temple completes its theatrical run in early 2026. Given the complexity of the franchise’s world-building, filming could commence by mid-2026 at the earliest.

The Franchise Timeline and Where This Film Fits

The 28 Days Later franchise now spans multiple films across different timelines. The original standalone film from 2002 was followed by the 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later. The recent reboot launched with 28 Years Later (2025) as the beginning of a new trilogy, with The Bone Temple (2026) serving as the second installment.

This third film will complete the planned new trilogy. Alex Garland confirmed in interviews that he wrote all three screenplays as part of a cohesive narrative arc. The new trilogy reimagines the franchise with contemporary storytelling while maintaining the tense, visceral horror that made the original films iconic.

Cinematographer Anthony Dod Mantle, who lensed 28 Years Later, is expected to return for the photography. This creative continuity ensures visual consistency across the trilogy.

What Should Fans Expect From 28 Days Later 3?

Fans can anticipate a conclusion to the narrative threads introduced in the new trilogy. Danny Boyle’s directorial style combined with Alex Garland’s ambitious screenwriting has revitalized the franchise with sophisticated character development and complex moral themes. The third film will likely expand the universe established in 28 Years Later and The Bone Temple.

The return of Cillian Murphy suggests the finale will bring Jim’s personal journey full circle. Murphy’s proven dramatic range and the actor’s commitment to the material promise audiences an emotionally resonant conclusion. Expect elaborate set pieces, moments of genuine terror, and thought-provoking social commentary that have become hallmarks of the Boyle-Garland collaborations.

Sources

• Deadline – Exclusive coverage of third film greenlight with Cillian Murphy negotiations
• Variety – Breaking news about Alex Garland’s writing involvement and production details
• The Hollywood Reporter – In-depth reporting on Sony’s franchise expansion strategy