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The long-dormant "28 Days Later" franchise is set to unleash the first chapter of an ambitious new trilogy this summer with "28 Years Later." The biggest question on fans' minds has always been whether original star Cillian Murphy would return. Now, Danny Boyle, who is back in the director's chair for this installment, has set the record straight: No, at least not in this film.
In an interview with IGN, Boyle explained that Murphy is in the fourth film, joking that he shouldn't have revealed too much or he would "get killed." Boyle also confirmed that Murphy will appear in the fifth installment. The prevailing rumor is that Murphy will make a cameo in the fourth movie before returning to a leading role in the fifth.
(Image: Sony Pictures)
The fourth film has been titled "28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple," scheduled for release next year, with Nia DaCosta ("The Marvels") taking over as director. Boyle also explained how the three films will connect, noting there will be a post-credits scene—or rather, an epilogue or coda at the end of the third film—that serves as a bridge to the fourth. He described the project as "very ambitious," clarifying that while each film is a complete story, they all contain elements that link to the next.
(Image: Sony Pictures)
However, Boyle admitted that they have not yet secured funding for the fifth film. "We haven't got the money," he said, explaining that it will likely depend on the market performance of "28 Years Later." He expressed hope that if the film does "okay," they will get the green light to continue, adding that "everyone is working towards it. I mean, genuinely, including Cillian."
Boyle stated he would be "one hundred percent" happy to return to direct the fifth movie, but acknowledged that this also hinges on box office results, as the studio could replace him if the film underperforms. He praised Sony Pictures for granting them significant creative freedom, noting the studio didn't demand a more traditional sequel or the inclusion of more elements from the original film. They also had to accept the fact that Murphy, whose star power has skyrocketed in recent years, would be absent from the third movie. Boyle joked that Sony has "put up with a lot."
via： IGN