In a recent interview with JoBlo, the filmmaker explained why production has not started yet while discussing the project during an interview tied to the 30th anniversary of “Trainspotting.”
Danny Boyle Says ‘28 Years Later’ Part 3 Could Film Next Year
Boyle returned to the franchise in 2025 with “28 Years Later,” the third film in the long running horror series that began with “28 Days Later.” Written by Alex Garland, the movie starred Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Alfie Williams, and followed a young boy trying to help his sick mother survive in a devastated Britain. The picture marked Boyle and Garland’s first return to the series in years and became a commercial success for Sony Pictures.
Its follow up, “28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,” was directed by Nia DaCosta and released earlier this year. While the sequel earned strong reviews from critics, it failed to match the box office performance of its predecessor. Even so, Boyle indicated that the studio still intends to finish the larger story originally envisioned as a trilogy.
Speaking about the delay, Boyle explained that scheduling complications tied to the title’s location prevented production from beginning this year. “We ran out of time,” the director said. “Because it’s set in an area of Britain where you can only film at certain times of the year. We literally ran out of time.”
Despite the setback, Boyle suggested the situation is temporary rather than a sign that the project is stalled indefinitely. “So it’ll be, hopefully, fingers crossed, next year,” he said, while also emphasizing that enthusiasm for the picture remains strong behind the scenes.
Boyle also praised Garland’s work on the screenplay, saying, “Alex has done a wonderful script for it.” Garland has been attached to all three films since the trilogy plans were first announced, while Boyle previously confirmed he would direct the final chapter himself. Reports released before “The Bone Temple” hit theaters also suggested Sony was interested in moving ahead with the project, with Cillian Murphy potentially returning to the franchise as Jim.