“28 Years Later Part 3 Progresses with Cillian Murphy Negotiations”
Sony Pictures is advancing with the production of a third installment in the popular series, 28 Years Later. This decision follows a strong fan response to the latest film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, which is scheduled for release on January 16, 2026. Although the third film has not yet been officially titled, there are promising developments regarding its production.
Cillian Murphy Negotiations for 28 Years Later Part 3
Cillian Murphy, known for his role in the franchise, is reportedly in negotiations to return for the third film. He also serves as an executive producer for both the upcoming project and its predecessor, The Bone Temple. Murphy’s participation is highly anticipated given his recent acclaim as a Best Actor Oscar winner for Oppenheimer.
Franchise Background and Financial Success
When Sony acquired the rights to the 28 Years Later trilogy, they held the option for a third movie. Initially, the studio opted to film the first two movies back-to-back. The first film, 28 Years Later, directed by Danny Boyle, was released in June, grossing $30 million on its opening weekend. It ultimately earned $70.4 million domestically and $151.3 million globally, making it the highest-grossing film in the franchise, which began with 2002’s 28 Days Later.
- Original Trilogy:
- 28 Days Later (2002)
- 28 Weeks Later (2007)
- 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)
The entire series has generated close to $300 million worldwide. The films are set in a dystopian future, depicting a struggle between the “infected” and the human population. The upcoming film is expected to further explore these themes, with the narrative becoming increasingly complex.
Fan Reactions and Future Direction
Recent screenings of The Bone Temple have drawn enthusiastic responses from audiences. Critics, including Simon Thompson from Gold Derby and IndieWire, praised the film’s engaging portrayal of power dynamics, commending the performances of Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes.
As the production of 28 Years Later Part 3 moves forward, the commitment from key figures like Cillian Murphy and potential return of director Danny Boyle has fans eager for more developments.
