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Sony gives the go‑ahead for a new chapter
Sony Pictures has officially greenlit a third entry in the 28 Years Later franchise, and talks are underway to bring Cillian Murphy back to the series that began with Danny Boyle’s game‑changing 2002 film. The announcement follows encouraging early screenings and the strong box office showing of the 2025 sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.
Who’s involved and what we know so far
Writer-director Alex Garland — who has been the creative throughline of the franchise aside from 2007’s 28 Weeks Later — is currently working on the screenplay. While no official title or release date has been set, Deadline and IGN report that Sony moved to greenlight the project before Bone Temple’s general release, a sign of confidence driven by positive audience reaction.
Danny Boyle’s name keeps coming up among fans and press. Boyle, director of the original 28 Days Later, has repeatedly expressed interest in returning to the universe, which means he could still helm the project — though Sony has not made a formal announcement on the director.
Why this matters in today’s horror landscape
The revival of 28 Years Later fits a broader industry pattern: legacy horror properties are being revived as studios chase proven brands that can deliver profitable returns on modest budgets. The Bone Temple became the franchise’s highest‑grossing film, surpassing $150 million worldwide on a relatively low budget. Collectively, the films (2002’s 28 Days Later, 2007’s 28 Weeks Later, and 2025’s 28 Years Later) have now earned over $300 million globally, proving there’s still strong appetite for high‑concept British contagion thrillers.
Fans on social channels have been vocal — many praising the bleak, fast‑paced energy that defined the original and applauding Garland’s modern sensibility. Trivia: Sony reportedly waited after acquiring franchise rights to see whether audiences would embrace a new timeline and fresh characters; early screenings of The Bone Temple appear to have sealed the deal.
Comparisons to other revived horror series are inevitable — from Halloween to Scream — but 28 Years Later remains distinctive for its blend of political subtext, kinetic direction, and minimalist effects. If Murphy returns, it will echo the franchise’s long arc from isolated survival story to broader social commentary.
For now, expect a slow drip of official updates: casting confirmations, director announcements, and a formal title will likely follow once negotiations finalize. The franchise’s fans should brace for another tense, atmospheric chapter — one that could redefine what a modern contagion thriller looks like in the streaming era.
Short note: Sony’s move shows how smart franchise stewardship and strong audience response can revive and expand a cult‑favorite series without losing its creative edge.
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