Director Danny Boyle has expressed confidence that a third film in the '28 Years Later' franchise will eventually be produced, with Cillian Murphy slated to play a significant role. While '28 Years Later Part 3' has not been officially greenlit by Sony, Boyle stated at the Zurich Film Festival that the movie "will get made because people keep asking about it." He added that a script by franchise writer Alex Garland is complete and "very good."
This update comes after the recent installment, '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' underperformed at the box office. Released in January 2026, the film grossed approximately $58.5 million worldwide, a stark contrast to the $151 million earned by the original '28 Years Later.' Despite positive reviews, including an 8/10 from IGN, the box office results have cast a shadow over the future of the trilogy.
'The Bone Temple' director Nia DaCosta previously voiced surprise at the film's theatrical performance, noting that industry metrics indicated it was well-received. She suggested that audience confusion due to the proximity of the two releases might have contributed to the lower box office numbers.
Cillian Murphy, who reprised his role from the original film with a cameo in 'The Bone Temple,' had previously expressed his willingness to return for the planned continuation of the series. With Boyle, Murphy, and Garland all aligned on the desire to move forward, the final decision rests with Sony Pictures.