**Sony Confirms Third ’28 Days Later’ Film with Cillian Murphy Set to Return**
Key Takeaways:
- Sony Pictures announces a third installment in the ’28 Days Later’ horror franchise
- Cillian Murphy expected to reprise his role as Jim after surprise appearance
- Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunite, indicating creative consistency and fan momentum
Los Angeles — “28 Days Later” is trending after Sony Pictures confirmed a third film in the iconic post-apocalyptic horror franchise, days ahead of the highly anticipated release of the second installment, “The Bone Temple”, set to hit theaters in January 2026.
Cillian Murphy’s Return Fuels Fan Frenzy
As part of the announcement, fans were thrilled by news that Cillian Murphy, who starred as Jim in the original 2002 movie, is expected to appear in a major capacity in the upcoming third film. Murphy reportedly makes a surprise appearance at the end of “The Bone Temple,” setting up a prominent role in the yet-to-be-titled sequel. Director Danny Boyle told media outlets that Murphy’s return is “cleverly” woven into the story and teased a “significant presence.”
Creative Team Reunites for Continuity
Alex Garland, the screenwriter behind the original film, will return to pen the script for the third movie. Danny Boyle, who both directed the 2002 classic and the revived 2025 sequel, is also slated to continue as director. The decision to greenlight the third feature before “The Bone Temple” even hits theaters reflects strong studio confidence following enthusiastic test screening responses. Sony sees the revived franchise as a pillar in its horror portfolio moving into 2026 and beyond.
Franchise Revival Builds Steady Momentum
“28 Days Later” redefined zombie horror when it was released more than two decades ago. Its 2007 sequel, “28 Weeks Later,” expanded the universe but did not see original leads or creators return. The franchise reboot has been building buzz for months, and with the return of Garland, Boyle, and Murphy, longtime fans view this as an official continuation rather than a reboot. Strategic casting announcements and early marketing glimpses of “The Bone Temple” have generated strong online interest and set the stage for a new trilogy run.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is 28 Days Later trending?
A: Sony officially confirmed a third film in the franchise, with Cillian Murphy returning and fan-favorite creators reuniting behind the camera.
Q: What happens next?
A: The second film, “The Bone Temple,” premieres in theaters on January 16, 2026. The third film’s production timeline and cast will be announced in the coming months.
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