28 Years Later Part 3 remains without an official green light, but director Danny Boyle has given fans a reason to stay hopeful. Alex Garland has already completed a script, and Boyle says the planned trilogy finale will be made because audiences continue asking for it.
The update arrives after 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, the sequel to 2025’s 28 Years Later. Released earlier in 2026, the second film continued Boyle’s zombie-horror universe and helped establish the direction of the intended third instalment.
Speaking at the Zurich Film Festival, Boyle said that the project—whether it is ultimately called 28 Years 3 or given another title—“will get made because people keep asking about it”. The director did not provide a production timetable, however, and the film has not yet received formal approval.
The festival comments reported by Variety also confirmed that Garland, who wrote 28 Days Later and both 28 Years Later films, has finished the screenplay. Boyle described the script as “very good”, suggesting the main uncertainty is when the production can proceed rather than whether the story exists.
Cillian Murphy is expected to have a larger role
The third chapter is expected to place greater emphasis on Cillian Murphy, who led the original 28 Days Later as Jim. Murphy appeared briefly at the conclusion of The Bone Temple, teasing a fuller return for the next film.
If the planned story moves forward, Jim could be brought together with Spike, played by Alfie Williams, and Kellie, played by Erin Kellyman. Both characters were introduced in The Bone Temple.
For readers who follow film and game culture, the developing trilogy is a useful reminder of how long-running genre worlds can evolve between releases. RETROCADE covers that wider entertainment and gaming conversation through its Arcade Blog, with additional viewing material available in Arcade Videos.
Boyle also discussed James Bond
Boyle also reflected on his brief connection with the James Bond franchise. He had been attached to direct No Time to Die, Daniel Craig’s final Bond film, before reportedly leaving the production over creative differences involving the producers and Craig.
Boyle said the team had “lost confidence in it” and suggested the film could have been very good. Cary Joji Fukunaga eventually directed No Time to Die.
Looking ahead, Boyle expressed confidence in Denis Villeneuve as the director of the next Bond film. Villeneuve had also been considered for No Time to Die before Boyle joined the project.
Jack O’Connell is Boyle’s Bond choice
When asked who should replace Craig, Boyle nominated Jack O’Connell. The pair worked together on the first 28 Years Later and the upcoming film Ink. O’Connell is also known for playing the unsettlingly charismatic vampire Remmick in Sinners.
There is still no confirmed release date or production schedule for 28 Years Later Part 3. For now, the completed Garland screenplay and Boyle’s comments are the clearest signs that the finale remains under consideration.
While you wait for more film news, explore RETROCADE’s Arcade Machine Buying Guide for practical advice on choosing a cabinet, or browse arcade machines for home gaming setups.
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