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Full Breakdown

Danny Boyle Signals Potential Start of Third “28 Years Later” Film Next Year

5/29/2026, 11:55:18 PM

Production Plans and Core Event

Director Danny Boyle confirmed that filming of the third “28 Years Later” installment will be postponed until next seasonal window in Britain, pushing production to next year. He remains attached and says Alex Garland’s script is finished.

Background & Box-Office Context

The franchise began with “28 Days Later” (2002). Its sequel “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” directed by Nia DaCosta, earned a soft box-office and a disastrous worldwide return, failing to recoup its budget, though critics praised its intensity. The film now streams on Netflix and featured Ralph Fiennes as Dr. Kelson, Jack O’Connell as Jimmy Crystal, and Alfie Williams as Spike.

Official Statements & Responses

Boyle explained that the chosen British location can only be filmed during limited months, causing the crew to “run out of time” this year. He highlighted the completed script and the team’s enthusiasm. Sony has not publicly green-lit the project, leaving financing open.

Criticism & Opposition

Observers note that the franchise’s recent box-office failures have not yet been followed by an official green-light, raising concerns about financing. While fans express hope, the lack of a confirmed budget fuels skepticism about the film’s viability.

Conflicting Reports & Gaps

Boyle’s interview suggests filming could start next year, yet Sony has not issued a formal approval. No production dates, budget details, or distribution plans have been disclosed, leaving the project’s status uncertain.

Verbatim Quotes

  • “We ran out of time. It’s set in an area of Britain [where] you can only film in certain times of the year. We ran out of time this year – we literally ran out of time. So it’ll be, hopefully, next year. But there’s the enthusiasm there and Alex (Garland) has done a wonderful script for it.” — Danny Boyle, Director
  • “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.” — Danny Boyle, Director (JoBlo interview)
  • “an inventively brutal sequel that pushes boundaries to showcase what genre cinema is truly capable of.” — Josh Korngut, Film Reviewer (Dread Central)
  • “So, if you still haven’t seen it, give it a look and discover why fans like myself are praying the third film happens.” — Dread Central writer

What’s Next

If Sony green-lights the project, filming could begin during the next seasonal window, with Boyle directing and Garland’s script ready. Until a budget is confirmed, the film remains in pre-production limbo.