28 Years Later 3 in Limbo as Sony reportedly loses confidence despite positive early buzz
A third installment in the revived franchise may be facing delays, despite enthusiastic reception for the latest entry in the series. The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, continues the story with Spike (Alfie Williams) drawn into a brutal cult led by Sir Lord Jimmy Crystal (Jack O’Connell), which disguises torture as supposed charity for survivors in a post-apocalyptic Britain. Meanwhile, Dr. Kelson (Ralph Fiennes) conducts experiments on the Rage virus, sedating Alpha Samson (Chi Lewis-Parry) to explore possible cures. The film also features a brief return by Cillian Murphy as Jim, culminating in a crowd-pleasing cliffhanger.
Sony’s status on 28 Years Later 3 appears unsettled despite the positive reception to The Bone Temple. A recent report from World of Reel claims the studio is “in no rush” to move forward with the third film, even though the first film’s success helped spark the new trilogy. The newer installment has only grossed around $57 million worldwide, a sharp drop from the first film’s $151 million global tally.
If Boyle and Garland decide to pursue 28 Years Later 3, the film would reportedly reunite Jim with his daughter Sam (Maiya Eastmond), alongside Spike and Kelly/Jimmy Ink (Erin Kellyman). While the exact narrative remains unclear, one idea would be to explore the ongoing implications of the Rage infection now that Samson has cracked through its barriers. Netflix has been floated as a potential home for the third film, but Boyle has expressed a preference for a theatrical release.
Sony representatives did not respond to Dexerto for comment, so the situation should be viewed with caution for now.
Horror fans still clamor for 28 Years Later 3
Critics and audiences who saw The Bone Temple have voiced mixed feelings about the prospect of a third film, with some arguing the project should happen for artistic reasons rather than financial ones. On social media, fans have even jokingly threatened dramatic actions if the movie doesn’t move forward. Others praise The Bone Temple as a patient, thought-provoking, morally intricate horror experience that deserves a theatrical run, highlighting the franchise’s ability to address broader themes beyond standard zombie tropes.
The creative team—Boyle, Garland, and DaCosta—bone up the franchise with explorations of generational trauma, isolationism, and the cult of personality, giving the series a level of intelligence often missing from the genre. If Sony recognizes this value, the trilogy could still reach a conclusive arc that does justice to the stories begun over two decades ago.
For now, we’ll have to wait for any official word on 28 Years Later 3. In the meantime, you can check out our lists of the most anticipated movies of 2026 and the best films of 2025 for other upcoming releases.