28 Years Later is officially coming — with Cillian Murphy potentially returning

For over two decades, fans have been wondering if Danny Boyle's iconic zombie series, beginning with 28 Days Later and followed by 28 Weeks Later, would return for a third installment. Over the years, there have been murmurings of a return, but nothing more...until now: 28 Years Later is officially in development. Clearly enough time has passed for 28 Months Later to be sidelined.

28 Days Later is often overlooked in its pivotal role in rejuvenating the zombie genre. At the time, the movies of George A. Romero were the go-to references for zombie fiction. A fatigue was settling in by 2002, but then 28 Days Later came along, introducing terrifying fast zombies infected by the Rage virus. This paved the way for other genre movies and TV shows, from World War Z to Zombieland.

Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland are returning for the upcoming movie, which could launch a new trilogy. The movie, and potentially further sequel movies, have found a home at Sony.

Moreover, Peaky Blinders and Oppenheimer star Cillian Murphy is reportedly being eyed to reprise his breakout role as Jim. His character was the central protagonist of the first movie before being pushed aside for 28 Weeks Later, which featured an altogether different cast. While this casting hasn't been confirmed yet, Murphy has previously revealed to The Independent that he'd be absolutely down to star in a sequel.

"I would be there in a flash. I made two movies with both of those guys, and I would love to work with them again. Of course, I’m there."

According to The Hollywood Reporter, each movie in Sony's revival of the franchise would have a budget around $60 million, which is a whole lot more than the mere $8 million budget of 28 Days Later. Although that's still well short of, say, the budgets for the biggest superhero blockbusters these days, the new trilogy is still getting the Hollywood treatment.

No release date for 28 Years Later has been set yet. Don't expect it to premiere anytime soon. It's still in the very early days of development.

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