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Zombie Franchise Roars Back: Sony Greenlights Third ’28 Years Later’ Film Ahead of Sequel Release

New York, NY – December 29, 2025 – Sony Pictures has announced it is moving forward with a third installment in the ’28 Years Later’ franchise, igniting excitement among fans of the post-apocalyptic horror series. The decision comes a mere 19 days before the release of the highly anticipated sequel, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” and is fueled by overwhelmingly positive reactions from early screenings.

Directed by Nia DaCosta, “The Bone Temple” picks up the story of the rage virus outbreak, starring Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, and Jack O’Connell. But the buzz surrounding the film extends beyond its immediate release, as early audience responses have convinced Sony to fast-track development of a third film.

Franchise creator Alex Garland will be returning to pen the script for the untitled third installment, while Danny Boyle, who directed the original “28 Days Later” and launched the new trilogy, is expected to helm the project. The studio is also in talks with Cillian Murphy, who played Jim in the original, to reprise his role in a significant capacity, following a surprise cameo in “The Bone Temple.”

“The response to ‘The Bone Temple’ has been phenomenal,” a Sony spokesperson stated. “We are confident in the creative team and the franchise’s potential to deliver compelling stories and thrills to audiences worldwide. Bringing back key players like Cillian Murphy is a testament to our commitment to honoring the legacy of ’28 Days Later’ while pushing the narrative forward.”

The rapid move to greenlight a third film, weeks ahead of “The Bone Temple’s” theatrical debut, signals Sony’s immense confidence in the franchise’s long-term viability. Fans can anticipate further announcements regarding casting, production details, and plot developments in the coming months. The return of the franchise’s original creative team has many excited to see what horror tropes will be explored in the new film.

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