Key Takeaways
- Film Development: Sony Pictures is progressing with 28 Years Later 3, with Alex Garland writing the script.
- Cillian Murphy’s Role: Cillian Murphy has a minor role in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, but he anticipates a larger part in the sequel.
- Trilogy Structure: Danny Boyle stated that each film in the trilogy will be self-contained yet interconnected.
- Release Date: 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple is set to be released on January 16, 2026.
Hot on the heels of the enthusiastic first reaction to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple comes the news that Sony Pictures is moving forward with 28 Years Later 3. Deadline reports that Alex Garland is currently writing the script for the third installment, with Cillian Murphy in talks to reprise his role as Jim, the character he played in 28 Days Later.
Does Cillian Murphy Appear in The Bone Temple?
Murphy does appear in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, but the actor has cautioned that he doesn’t have a significant role in the sequel, saying he’s “only in it for a little bit.” He teased that he would play a much bigger role in the third film, assuming The Bone Temple is a success. “Everyone’s got to go and see the second one,” he said. “I’m sure they will – it’s really, really good.“
What Has Danny Boyle Said About the Trilogy?
28 Years Later director Danny Boyle said each film in the trilogy will stand alone, but there are characters and story elements that will flow through all the movies. “Well, it’s three films, a trilogy of films which have connecting characters,” he said. “We’ve shot the first two back-to-back, and that was for logistical reasons, actor availability reasons, and for story reasons as well. They’re literally continuous… There’s a coda… it’s not a coda, it’s the epilogue or an end theme at the end of the first film [28 Years Later] that gives you a handover to the second film. Although each story completes itself, there’s a handover section to the next film as well. So it’s very ambitious. We haven’t got the money for the third one yet. It will depend how the first one does, I guess. But hopefully if we do ok, they’ll give us the go-ahead for the money and for the third one. Everybody’s standing by for that, really. Including Cillian.“
What is 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple About?
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple picks up shortly after the events of the first film and follows Spike (Alfie Williams) as he’s introduced to Sir Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell) and his gang of killers. Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) finds himself in a shocking new relationship — with consequences that could change the world as they know it — and Spike’s encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can’t escape. Nia DaCosta directed the sequel, which is set to hit theaters on January 16, 2026.
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