(Image: Fox Searchlight Pictures, Sony Pictures)
The first trailer for "28 Years Later," the third installment in the "28 Days Later" saga, dropped last month, sparking intense discussion among fans. Now, in an interview with *Empire* magazine, returning director Danny Boyle and producer Andrew Macdonald have revealed more information about the sequel.
First and foremost, on the question everyone is asking: Is Cillian Murphy returning? While it was previously confirmed he was back as a producer, his on-screen involvement has been a major point of speculation. Many outlets reported he would appear, with some sources suggesting a small role in the third film leading to a main role in the fifth. However, Macdonald has clarified that Murphy is not currently slated to act in any of the new films.
(Image: Empire)
Macdonald explained, "We wanted him to be in the production, and he was up for it. He wasn't in the second one, but I would love Jim to make an appearance at some point. He's in it as a producer, but we'd love to work with him in some capacity on the [sequel] trilogy."
While Murphy's future as an actor in the series remains uncertain, Boyle, who has returned to the director's chair, is now confirmed to helm the fifth installment as well. The fourth film, titled "28 Years Later: The Bone Temple," has been handed over to "The Marvels" director Nia DaCosta and has already wrapped filming. However, production on the fifth movie won't begin immediately; the team plans to wait for audience reactions to the third film before moving forward.
(Image: Empire)
Alex Garland, who also returns as screenwriter, emphasized that the decision to plan a new trilogy was driven by the needs of the story, not as a cash grab. He hopes audiences will feel it is a natural extension of the series.
Interestingly, Boyle also addressed the viral moment from the trailer featuring a new character (pictured above) who bears a striking resemblance to Murphy. The split-second shot was widely circulated by fans who mistakenly believed it was him, a claim the new actor has since debunked. Boyle laughed, "I showed the trailer to my girlfriend, and she said, 'People are going to think that's Cillian.' And I went, 'Don't be silly.' I didn't listen to her, and I've been slapped in the face with it."
Regarding the world-building, Boyle teased that "28 Years Later" takes a very different direction from the first two films. They want to show how humanity has survived the Rage Virus over the years and how the world has changed. However, the outbreak remains confined to the UK, with the rest of the world largely unaffected, forcing Britain to fend for itself.
The new cast for "28 Years Later" includes Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O'Connell, Erin Kellyman, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson. The film is set for a North American release on June 20; the fourth installment, "The Bone Temple," is scheduled for January 16, 2026.
Last year, Fiennes revealed that the film centers on a young boy trying to find a doctor for his dying mother. The boy leads her through the beautiful landscapes of northern England, which are, of course, surrounded by the infected. He eventually finds a doctor who may initially seem eccentric but is ultimately a kind-hearted person.