Fans may see Cillian Murphy reprise his role in the upcoming instalment
Sony Pictures has officially announced a third instalment in the 28 Days Later franchise after witnessing early anticipation from the audience for the upcoming The Bone Temple.
The second film directed by Nia DaCosta and arriving in theatres January 16, 2026 generated such positive responses during test screenings that the studio fast-tracked plans for the next chapter.
Alex Garland who wrote and produced the previous entries is set to return for the third film’s screenplay.
Danny Boyle director of the original 2002 film and the 2025 revival is expected to return for the third instalment as well.
Fans may also see the return of Cillian Murphy as Jim, the original franchise lead.
Murphy made a surprise appearance at the end of The Bone Temple setting up his expanded role in the upcoming film.
Boyle confirmed that Murphy’s return is “cleverly” integrated and promises a significant presence in the story.
The decision to greenlight a third film ahead of The Bone Temple’s wide release marks a major vote of confidence from Sony in the franchise’s creative team and long-term commercial potential.
With Boyle and Garland taking the wheel of the trilogy and Murphy returning in his iconic role the 28 Days Later franchise is set to define modern horror’s series.
Fans can expect further announcements on casting, production timelines, and plot details in the coming months as the franchise prepares for another hit.
