Sony Commits to 28 Years Later III, Cillian Murphy in Talks to Return

Sony Pictures has decided to proceed with a third installment of the 28 Years Later film franchise, following positive fan reactions to early screenings of the second installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. According to sources familiar with the development, series screenwriter Alex Garland is writing the script for the film, and Cillian Murphy is in talks to reprise his role as protagonist Jim from 28 Days Later and The Bone Temple. The decision to move forward with the third film was reportedly influenced by the enthusiastic response from fans who attended early screenings of The Bone Temple. "We're thrilled to see the passion and dedication of the fans, and we believe that this enthusiasm will translate into a successful third installment," said a Sony Pictures spokesperson. "Alex Garland's script is shaping up to be a thrilling continuation of the story, and we're excited to have Cillian Murphy on board to reprise his iconic role as Jim." The 28 Years Later franchise has its roots in the 2002 film 28 Days Later, which was directed by Danny Boyle and starred Cillian Murphy as Jim, a survivor of a zombie-like apocalypse. The film's success spawned a sequel, 28 Weeks Later, in 2007, and more recently, The Bone Temple, which premiered in 2023 to positive reviews. The franchise's blend of horror and sci-fi elements has resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a staple of modern cinema. Industry experts note that the decision to move forward with a third installment is a testament to the enduring popularity of the franchise. "The 28 Years Later franchise has a dedicated fan base, and the success of The Bone Temple has shown that there's still a lot of life left in the series," said film analyst, Sarah Lee. "With Alex Garland at the helm and Cillian Murphy set to reprise his role, we can expect a high-quality film that will satisfy fans and attract new viewers." As production on the third film is set to begin in the coming months, fans around the world are eagerly awaiting news of the project's progress. With a talented cast and crew in place, the prospects for a successful third installment of the 28 Years Later franchise look promising.