The long-gestating third entry into the “28 Days Later” franchise could be titled “28 Years Later.” Franchise creator/writer Alex Garland has finished the script. Director Danny Boyle wants to return, along with stars Cillian Murphy and Imogen Poots.
In 2002, the Boyle-directed “28 Days Later” took the world by storm. By 2007, he re-teamed with Garland for the sequel, “28 Weeks Later.” The pair have been talking about adding a third film to their zombie virus-riddled universe for some time.
“I resisted it for a long time because there were things about 28 Weeks Later that bugged me” Garland said during a recent interview. “I just thought, ‘Fuck that. I’d rather try to write a different story in a different world.’ But a few years ago an idea materialized in my head for what would be really 28 Years Later. Danny always liked the idea.”
“So we’re talking about it quite seriously, quite diligently,” Boyle said. “If he doesn’t want to direct it himself I’ll be well up for it, if we can execute a similarly good idea.” Since Garland has added directing to his resume, it seems Boyle is giving him an opening to take this project if he wants it.
Cillian Murphy (“Oppenheimer“), who played the lead in “28 Days Later,” has previously expressed he would be up to return for a new film. “I would never say never,” Murphy said. “I loved to make that movie. Was a long time ago. But sure [I would like to return].”
Actress Poots, who starred in “28 Weeks Later,” said she’d also be down to return to the franchise.
“Oh, it’s such an interesting idea to think about. It’s weird,” Poots said. “I think about that movie like a first love because it was really the first foray I had into acting and obviously was lucky enough to be with Rose Byrne and Jeremy Renner. All of these incredible actors. But yeah, absolutely. I mean, the team behind that. Alex Garland and Danny Boyle. Everyone’s really… Well, Danny Boyle was already Danny Boyle, but everyone has gone on to do such amazing things. I want that [28 Weeks Later] director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo to do some more work. He’s so exceptional. But yeah, I love that film.”
We’ll keep you posted on updates about “28 Years Later” as they become available.
