The 28 Days Later franchise is experiencing significant growth as Sony has officially approved a third installment following exciting early reactions to the upcoming film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. Set for release in the United States on January 16, 2026, and January 14 in the United Kingdom, the latest addition to the franchise is already generating considerable buzz among fans.
The upcoming sequel marks a crucial turning point for the franchise, continuing the rage virus saga and featuring a returning cast that includes Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Ian Kelson, Alfie Williams as Spike, and Jack O’Connell as Sir Jimmy Crystal. Directed by Nia DaCosta, The Bone Temple showcases Spike’s induction into Jimmy Crystal’s gang while Dr. Kelson makes a groundbreaking discovery.
The announcement for the third film came on December 10, 2025, fueled by overwhelmingly positive audience reactions from early screenings of The Bone Temple. Originally, Sony planned to gauge interest in additional installments based on the performance of the new film, but the enthusiastic reception prompted a swift decision to move forward with the third installment.
Renowned writer and producer Alex Garland, celebrated for his contributions to the franchise, will pen the screenplay for the next film, while Danny Boyle, the director of the original 28 Days Later, is expected to direct this upcoming installment. This indicates Sony’s significant confidence in the franchise’s potential for both critical acclaim and commercial success.
Adding to the excitement, Cillian Murphy, who played the lead character Jim in the 2002 film, is in talks to reprise his role. His surprise appearance at the conclusion of The Bone Temple sets the stage for a greater involvement in the third film, representing a clever narrative approach as confirmed by Boyle. This return signals Sony’s ambitions to elevate the upcoming film into a major cinematic event.
In the franchise’s recent evolution, momentum has shifted substantially since the launch of 28 Years Later in June 2025. The studio had initially approached additional films with caution, relying heavily on audience feedback and box office results from The Bone Temple. Yet, the rapid greenlighting of the third film—more than two weeks prior to the sequel’s release—demonstrates a strong vote of confidence in the franchise’s viability, effectively securing its future.
As fans anticipate the arrival of The Bone Temple, they can also look forward to more details concerning the third film’s casting, production timeline, and story developments. With key figures like Boyle and Garland at the helm and the possibility of Murphy’s return increasing the franchise’s star power, the 28 Days Later series is poised to make a significant impact on the horror genre as it unfolds in the coming years.