Director Danny Boyle has shared a promising update on the future of the 28 Years Later trilogy, confirming that the third installment could begin filming as early as next year. While the project faced scheduling challenges, the filmmaker’s latest comments suggest that momentum is building toward completing the long-awaited trilogy.
Speaking in a recent interview with JoBlo, Boyle explained that the delay was not due to creative setbacks but rather logistical constraints tied to filming locations. The Oscar-winning director revealed the production team “literally ran out of time” to shoot the third film alongside the first two entries.
Why ‘28 Years Later III’ Was Delayed
According to Boyle, the production initially aimed to film all three installments back-to-back. However, strict limitations around shooting schedules in certain parts of the United Kingdom forced the team to pause those plans.
“We ran out of time,”
Boyle said in the interview, explaining that the film is set in a region where production is only permitted during specific times of the year.
“Because it’s set in an area of Britain where you can only film at certain times… we literally ran out of time this year.”
Despite the setback, Boyle remains optimistic about moving forward.
“So it’ll be, hopefully, fingers crossed, next year,”
he added, indicating that the delay is temporary rather than a major disruption.
Strong Creative Momentum Behind the Trilogy
Even with the production delay, the creative side of the project appears to be firmly in place. Boyle confirmed that writer Alex Garland has already completed a script for the third film, which he described positively.
“There’s the enthusiasm there, and Alex has done a wonderful script for it,”
Boyle said, signaling confidence in the direction of the final chapter.
Garland, who wrote the original 28 Days Later (2002), has been a key figure in shaping the franchise’s narrative. His continued involvement suggests that the trilogy will maintain a consistent tone and vision as it moves toward its conclusion.
How the Trilogy Has Been Structured So Far
Sony previously moved forward with the 28 Years Later trilogy by filming the first two entries consecutively. Boyle directed the first film, while Nia DaCosta helmed the follow-up, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which premiered earlier this year.
It was earlier reported that the studio was already planning the third installment, with Garland attached as writer and Boyle expressing interest in returning to direct. However, the third film was not immediately greenlit alongside the first two, leaving its production timeline more flexible.
This approach allowed the studio to gauge audience response before fully committing to the final chapter, while still keeping the trilogy plan intact.
Potential Return of Cillian Murphy
Another element adding excitement to the project is the potential return of Cillian Murphy, who starred in the original 28 Days Later. His character, Jim, has remained a central figure in fan discussions about the franchise.
Murphy has recently hinted at the possibility of reprising his role in the upcoming film, following his appearance at the end of The Bone Temple. While no official casting confirmation has been announced, his involvement would provide a strong connection between the original film and the trilogy’s conclusion.
