Danny Boyle has confirmed that Cillian Murphy will return in the upcoming scored 28 Years Later trilogy.
The post-apocalyptic horror film, written and directed by Boyle, is due for release in cinemas on June 20. Following on from 28 Days Later (2002) and 28 Weeks Later (2007), the forthcoming sequel stars Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes.
In April, Boyle teased that original star Cillian Murphy, who is on board as an executive producer, would be appearing at some point in the planned trilogy, saying: “Like all good things in life, you may have to wait a little while for him to make his appearance.”
Now, he’s clarified what Murphy’s involvement will be. Speaking to IGN, Boyle said: “Well, it’s three films, a trilogy of films which have connecting characters.”
He went on to add that Spike, the 12-year-old boy played by Alfie Williams in 28 Years Later, is central to the new story. “He will run right way through the films. We’ve shot the first two back-to-back, and that was for logistical reasons, actor availability reasons, and for story reasons as well. They’re literally continuous.”
Boyle then shared some details on the second film in the new trilogy, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, which is scheduled for release on January 16 2026.”There’s a coda… it’s not a coda, it’s the epilogue or an end theme at the end of the first film [28 Years Later] that gives you a handover to the second film,” he explained.
“Although each story completes itself, there’s a handover section to the next film as well. So it’s very ambitious. We haven’t got the money for the third one yet. It will depend how the first one does, I guess. But hopefully if we do ok, they’ll give us the go-ahead for the money and for the third one. Everybody’s standing by for that, really. Including Cillian.”
“He is in the second one,” Boyle said, before adding: “I shouldn’t give away too much. I’ll get killed.”
Last month, fans shared their excitement and reaction to the latest trailer for the film. You can watch it above.
Boyle returns to the director’s chair after Juan Carlos Fresnadillo took over the role for 28 Weeks Later. Garland is also back as writer, having penned the original movie 28 Days Later.
In May, Scottish prog hip-hop outfit Young Fathers announced that they had provided the score for the new film.
Last December, the first 28 Years Later trailer became the most-watched horror trailer of 2024, and the second most-watched of all time.
English (US) · 