Home > News > Sony Greenlights Third 28 Years Later Movie With Original Franchise Lead Cillian Murphy in Talks to Return

Sony Greenlights Third 28 Years Later Movie With Original Franchise Lead Cillian Murphy in Talks to Return

By FinnMar 10,2026

Absolutely — this is huge news for fans of the 28 Years Later franchise, and for sci-fi/horror enthusiasts in general.

Sony's decision to greenlight a third film in the rebooted 28 Years Later saga — just weeks after the release of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple — is a strong endorsement of the franchise’s resurgence. The fact that they waited to see audience and critical reaction (especially after the overwhelmingly positive fan screenings) suggests a smart, data-driven approach. And with The Bone Temple already outperforming expectations — not just commercially but in terms of fan enthusiasm — Sony is clearly doubling down on what’s shaping up to be a major modern horror franchise.

Here’s what makes this development so significant:

  • Cillian Murphy’s return is a game-changer. His performance as Jim, the traumatized but resilient survivor, was a defining factor in the original 2002 film’s cult status. His reprise of the role in The Bone Temple has reignited global interest, and if he’s confirmed for the third film, it’s a powerful anchor for continuity and emotional depth.

  • Alex Garland is still at the helm. As the writer behind all three entries (including the upcoming third), Garland’s consistent vision gives the franchise a rare sense of authorship and thematic cohesion. His direction of the original 28 Days Later was masterful, and his hand in shaping the new timeline — particularly the mysterious "bone" infection and the escalating post-apocalyptic world — has made this reboot feel both fresh and deeply rooted in the source material.

  • Danny Boyle’s possible return as director? While not confirmed, the rumors are strong. Boyle’s iconic work on the original 2002 film helped define the "zombie" genre’s modern tone — fast, visceral, and emotionally raw. His potential return would be a full-circle moment, potentially uniting the old and new eras of the franchise in one epic cinematic journey.

  • Box office proof of momentum. Over $150 million worldwide on a modest budget? That’s a franchise goldmine. And with over $300 million combined across the first three films (including the 2007 sequel), the 28 Years Later universe is no longer just a cult favorite — it’s a mainstream hit.

With 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple hitting theaters on January 16, 2026, fans now have a front-row seat to what could become one of the most influential horror franchises of the 2020s. Whether it’s a full-on apocalypse, a new kind of infection, or a deeper dive into the origin of the "bone" plague, one thing’s clear: the world of 28 Years Later is far from over — and it’s only getting darker.

Hold onto your seats. The third chapter might just be the most terrifying yet. 🧟‍♂️🎥

Mark your calendars — January 16, 2026, might just be the most anticipated horror release in years.

Previous article:Cookie Run: Kingdom unveils sneak peek at new custom character-creating mode MyCookie Next article:None