Danny Boyle Promises the Third Zombie Chapter Is Coming, With a Lot of Cillian Murphy
Franchises that begin with a bang don’t always get the ending they were promised. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland always imagined their return to the infected world as a trilogy, but Sony only committed to the first 2 films before deciding whether to keep going. That left fans wondering whether the story would ever be finished.
The uncertainty grew after the second film underperformed. Now, Boyle has offered his clearest word yet on the third zombie chapter, and it comes with a promise that will thrill longtime followers of the series.
On September 30, several outlets shared Boyle’s comments on X. Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival, where he was presenting his upcoming Rupert Murdoch movie ‘Ink’, Boyle told Variety that the film will get made because people keep asking about it. He admitted he doesn’t know when, but confirmed there is “a very good script by Alex Garland.”
He also promised that Cillian Murphy will have a big presence. Boyle joked about whether the Oscar winner would still go as far as he once did in the original film, noting that he now has the Oscar. Empire pointed out that the quip was as much about Murphy’s status as his role.
The timing of the reassurance matters. ‘The Bone Temple’, directed by Nia DaCosta, opened on January 16 and grossed roughly $58.5 million worldwide against a reported $63 million budget, according to Dread Central. That result raised concerns about the future of the planned trilogy, even though critics responded well to the film.
Back in December, Deadline reported that Sony had decided to move forward with the third film after positive reactions to early screenings of ‘The Bone Temple’. Garland was writing the script, and Murphy was in talks to return as Jim. The studio made the first 2 movies back-to-back before greenlighting the third.
Even so, Empire noted there is still a small “if” hanging over the project, and Sony has yet to announce a title, cast, or release date. Alfie Williams’s Instagram post showing archery training earlier this year hinted that the story wasn’t over, though it didn’t settle the question. Boyle’s latest comments are the strongest sign yet that the plan remains alive.
Murphy’s presence is a big deal for the series. He starred in the original film released in 2002 and reprised Jim in ‘The Bone Temple’, his first appearance in the franchise since that original movie. Having him take a leading role in the finale would bring the story full circle.
The new trailer for ‘28 YEARS LATER: THE BONE TEMPLE’ has been released
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) December 3, 2025
In theaters on January 16 pic.twitter.com/gaAKx6R11l
The first film in the new trilogy, ‘28 Years Later’, opened to $30 million and grossed $151 million worldwide, according to Variety. Its cast included Alfie Williams, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Jack O’Connell, and Ralph Fiennes. Newcomers Erin Kellyman and Chi Lewis-Parry joined the sequel.
That ensemble gives the finale plenty of threads to tie together. With Garland’s script already written, the biggest remaining question is the calendar. Boyle’s vague answer suggests scheduling and studio approval are the real hurdles, not the story itself.
Empire suggested that if the third film arrives, audiences could be looking at one of the great movie trilogies of modern times. That’s a bold claim, but the pieces are there. Boyle and Garland created the world, Murphy anchors the emotional core, and a new generation of characters has stepped in.
For now, fans will have to be patient. Boyle has given no timeline, and Sony hasn’t confirmed anything beyond the earlier green light. Still, hearing the director speak with such conviction is a welcome shot of optimism after months of doubt.
Are you excited to see Cillian Murphy return for the third 28 Years Later movie?
Have something to add? Let us know in the comments!
