Cillian Murphy Eyes Return as 28 Years Later Sequel Moves Forward
A third instalment in the 28 Years Later saga is officially underway, with Cillian Murphy in talks to reprise his iconic role. Alex Garland is back on script duties, but the director and title remain under wraps.
After a wave of glowing reviews for 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the much-anticipated third chapter in the series is officially in development. Cillian Murphy, who first played Jim in 28 Days Later, is reportedly in discussions to step back into the role. Alex Garland, who penned the previous scripts, is set to write the next instalment, though there’s no word yet on who’ll be directing or what the film will be called.
The trilogy was always on the cards, but the studio decided to film the first two back-to-back before giving the green light to the third. Danny Boyle directed 28 Years Later, while Nia DaCosta took the reins for The Bone Temple. Boyle has previously said he’d be keen to return for the final round, but nothing’s locked in yet.
Box Office Success and Critical Buzz
It’s no surprise the studio is pushing ahead with the trilogy’s conclusion. 28 Years Later pulled in one of the year’s biggest horror openings, raking in over $150 million at the box office since its June release. The film currently boasts an 89% score on Rotten Tomatoes, and early reactions to the follow-up have been overwhelmingly positive. Some punters have even called it
“one of the greatest horror movies of the decade”
and
“nastier and – surprisingly – funnier than the first part.”
The Bone Temple brings back Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell as Dr Ian Kelson and Jimmy Crystal, both reprising their roles from 28 Years Later. Alfie Williams joins the cast as Spike, a new face in Jimmy’s cult. Murphy makes a brief appearance as Jim, the bike courier who survived the original outbreak, setting the stage for a bigger role in the upcoming film.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
With the next chapter officially in the works, fans can expect more twists and turns from the post-apocalyptic world. The Bone Temple is set to hit cinemas on 16 January, and anticipation is running high among horror fans and locals alike. While the title and director for the third film are still under wraps, the return of familiar faces and the creative team behind the series has punters keen for what’s next.
If you’re looking to fill your watchlist, there are plenty of other horror flicks on the horizon, but this trilogy’s finale is shaping up to be a must-see for genre fans.