Following the enthusiastic critical reception of “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” the franchise is set to expand further with a third installment in development. Cillian Murphy, well-known for his role in the original film “28 Days Later,” is reportedly in negotiations to return for the upcoming sequel.
As confirmed by Deadline, Alex Garland, who crafted the screenplay for the earlier films, will be on board to write the script for this new chapter. Although the project lacks a definitive title and a director at this stage, there is strong momentum behind it. The initial plan was to create a trilogy, and after the successful back-to-back production of the first two entries by Sony, they have decided to proceed with the third movie. While Danny Boyle directed “28 Years Later,” the directorial role for “The Bone Temple” was filled by Nia DaCosta. Boyle has expressed interest in taking the helm for the next film as well.
The decision to complete the horror trilogy appears to be a strategic move by the studio, especially considering that “28 Years Later” achieved significant box office success, grossing over $150 million and receiving a commendable 89% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Early reactions to “The Bone Temple” have been overwhelmingly positive, with some praising it as “one of the greatest horror movies of the decade” and highlighting its darker yet humorous undertones.
“The Bone Temple” features returning stars Ralph Fiennes and Jack O’Connell, reprising their roles as Dr. Ian Kelson and Jimmy Crystal, respectively. New to the cast is Alfie Williams, who plays a character named Spike, a member of Jimmy’s cult. Additionally, Murphy makes a brief appearance as Jim, the resilient bike courier from the original 2002 film, setting the stage for his more prominent role in the third installment.
“28 Years Later: The Bone Temple” is slated to hit theaters on January 16. Meanwhile, fans can look forward to other thrilling horror releases set to premiere this year. As this franchise continues to evolve, there’s reason for excitement and anticipation among horror film enthusiasts.