Somewhat unbelievably, it’s been 21 years since Danny Boyle’s seminal post-apocalyptic zombie tale 28 Days Later bit into the public consciousness and tore up the box-office. A sequel, 28 Weeks Later, followed less than 5 years later, but with a new cast, no input from screenwriter Alex Garland, and Boyle handing directing duties off to another. While Boyle still served as executive producer, the sequel didn’t strike the same chord with audiences. However, it still made a profit and fans assumed another would quickly follow… It didn’t, but that could all be about to change!
Speaking with IndieWire, screenwriter Alex Garland and director Danny Boyle had some very intriguing things to say about another movie.
Garland stated:
“I Resisted [making a sequel] for a long time because there were things about 28 Weeks that bugged me. I just thought, ‘F*ck that. I’d rather try to write a different story in a different world.” A few years ago, an idea materialized in my head for what would be really 28 Years Later. Danny always liked the idea.”
Regarding this idea for a 28 Years Later Garland has pitched to him, Boyle had this to say when asked about the status of the project:
“We’re talking about it quite seriously, quite diligently. If he doesn’t want to direct it himself, I’ll be well up for it if we can execute a similarly good idea. “
Whilst no concrete details of a potential plot were given, knowing talks are afoot has driven fans wild. However, it gets better! Original star Cillian Murphy was asked about his potential involvement whilst promoting Oppenheimer this past week, and had this to say:
“I was talking to Danny Boyle recently, and I said, “Danny, we shot the movie at the end of 2000.” So, I think we’re definitely approaching the 28 Years Later. But like I’ve always said, I’m up for it. I’d love to do it. If Alex [Garland] thinks there’s a script in it and Danny wants to do it, I’d love to do it.”
So, with “serious talks” happening, Murphy keen and a definite public appetite for it, will we soon see an announcement of a third 28 chapter? We’ll keep an eye on this one, for sure!
