’28 Years Later 3′ Filming Start Finally Revealed by Horror Sequel Director Danny Boyle

The next installment of the 28 Years Later franchise looks to be heading into production, with director Danny Boyle revealing when the horror sequel will begin filming. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple received rave reviews from critics, but faltered at the box office, earning $58.5 million worldwide against a $63 million budget. The sequel’s profits were significantly lower than those of the prior entry in 2025, which garnered an impressive $151 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. The lackluster financial returns put the planned third installment’s future in jeopardy, despite it having been previously greenlit. Thankfully, it looks like the sequel is moving ahead.

The last two franchise entries have focused on Spike, played by Alfie Williams. The young actor posted on Instagram last month, teasing a potential return to his role in the next 28 Years Later movie. Now, Boyle has confirmed official plans to begin production on the third movie, which was almost set to start sooner. In an interview with JoBlo, the director revealed that 28 Years Later 3 is expected to begin production in 2027. He noted that the only reason the horror sequel wasn’t already filming was the environmental conditions at the planned shooting locations, saying, “We literally ran out of time.” Boyle elaborated:

“We ran out of time. Because it’s set in an area of Britain [where] you can only film at certain times of the year. We ran out of time this year – we literally ran out of time… So it’ll be, hopefully, fingers crossed, next year. But there’s the enthusiasm there, and Alex (Garland) has done a wonderful script for it.”

Despite the dismal box office returns of The Bone Temple, the studio still appears to have faith in the third entry. Boyle will direct the next movie after handing the reins to Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) for the last film. As Boyle noted, Alex Garland penned the script for the next 28 Years Later, continuing to craft the franchise. After the series challenged perceptions with Ralph Fiennes’ Dr. Kelson and the Alpha-infected Samson, Boyle and Garland are bound to continue reshaping zombie cinema. What the next movie will ultimately be about remains to be seen, but Cillian Murphy’s Jim is expected to play a significant role.

Jim was the protagonist of 28 Days Later, helping to kick off the intense horror series. The character had been absent from the franchise until the closing moments of The Bone Temple, when the character is set to aid Spike and Kellie, played by Erin Kellyman. The scene also revealed that Jim has a daughter named Sam, played by Maiya Eastmond, who is sure to be a major character in the forthcoming sequel. Boyle has made previous comments hinting at how Murphy’s involvement will build off the ending of the second film, saying:

“When you see the end of the second film, and if you like this work, you’ll kind of get a glimpse [to] think, ‘Ohhh I see where this is gonna go…’ and that’s a pleasure, really, in a way. It’s weird because a horror movie should usually end with something horrific, and it ends with something delightful. It makes you want to see the next film, hopefully.”

The Bone Temple picked up right where 28 Years Later left off, with the third movie potentially attempting to do the same, as the characters were in active peril. Still, as the young actors age between sequels, the next movie may have to jump ahead a bit. Further details about 28 Years Later 3 will be forthcoming as the horror movie approaches filming next year.

Release Date

June 20, 2025

Runtime

126 minutes

Director

Danny Boyle