January of this year now feels like a distant memory, making it easy to overlook the fact that 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple made its theatrical debut earlier in 2026. As the direct sequel to 2025’s acclaimed 28 Years Later, this chilling installment continued to expand visionary director Danny Boyle’s relentless zombie horror universe. The film proved to be a visually stunning entry that not only revitalized the post-apocalyptic horror genre but also carefully laid the narrative groundwork for the grand conclusion of a planned trilogy.
Despite the remarkably swift turnaround between the release of the first two films in the 28 Years Later franchise, the third installment has experienced a noticeable lack of active pre-production movement. However, during a recent appearance at the Zurich Film Festival, director Danny Boyle offered anxious fans a renewed sense of hope regarding the project’s eventual realization.
Speaking to the press and industry insiders at the festival, Boyle addressed the status of the final chapter, noting that the demand from passionate audiences will ultimately drive its creation. According to reporting by Variety, Boyle stated that "28 Years 3, or whatever it ends up being called, will get made because people keep asking about it."
While the filmmaker admitted he cannot pinpoint an exact timeline for when cameras might begin rolling, he shared encouraging details about the creative foundation of the project. Alex Garland, the celebrated writer behind the original 2002 cultural touchstone 28 Days Later as well as both entries in the modern 28 Years Later sequence, has already completed the screenplay for the final film. Boyle praised Garland’s work, describing the completed script as "very good." Despite this creative momentum and Boyle’s persistent optimism, the project still faces a minor administrative hurdle, as the concluding chapter of the trilogy has not yet been officially greenlit by the studio.
Should the final film secure its official greenlight, it is expected to heavily feature Cillian Murphy, whose iconic portrayal of Jim in 28 Days Later helped launch the franchise more than two decades ago. Murphy’s full-scale return to the universe was heavily teased in the closing moments of The Bone Temple, where the actor made a brief, highly anticipated appearance. If the narrative proceeds as anticipated, Jim would join forces with the younger survivors Spike, played by Alfie Williams, and Kellie, played by Erin Kellyman, both of whom were introduced in The Bone Temple.
Danny Boyle Reveals His Pick for James Bond
In addition to providing updates on the trajectory of the 28 Years Later franchise, Danny Boyle used his time at the Zurich Film Festival to reflect on his turbulent history with another monumental British film series: James Bond.
Boyle was previously attached to direct No Time to Die, which ultimately served as Daniel Craig’s swan song as the legendary MI6 agent. However, creative differences between Boyle, the film’s producers, and Daniel Craig himself led to the director’s departure from the high-profile project before production could fully commence. Looking back on the experience, Boyle offered candid insight into the breakdown of the collaboration.
"They lost confidence in it," Boyle remarked during the festival discussion. "It’s a shame, because it could have been really good." Following Boyle’s departure, Cary Joji Fukunaga stepped into the director’s chair to helm the 2021 blockbuster.
Looking ahead to the future of the iconic spy franchise, Boyle expressed confidence in the direction of the series. He believes that acclaimed filmmaker Denis Villeneuve—who is set to take the reins for the next installment in the James Bond series—will prove to be an exceptional steward for the property. Interestingly, the connection between Villeneuve and the franchise runs deeper than many realize; Villeneuve was initially courted by producers to direct No Time to Die long before Boyle ever became attached to the production.
When the conversation turned to the inevitable casting choice for who should officially succeed Daniel Craig in the tuxedo, Boyle did not hesitate to offer a suggestion. The director pointed directly to Jack O’Connell as his ideal pick for the next James Bond.
Boyle is uniquely positioned to evaluate O’Connell’s talents, having collaborated closely with the actor on the first 28 Years Later film as well as the upcoming project Ink. Furthermore, contemporary cinema audiences will likely recognize O’Connell from his riveting and disturbingly charismatic turn as the vampire Remmick in the genre-bending horror feature Sinners. As discussions surrounding the future of both the 28 Years Later trilogy and the James Bond legacy continue to evolve, Boyle’s insights underscore his enduring influence on modern British cinema.
