We reported last summer that Danny Boyle and Alex Garland were having “serious discussions” about a third chapter in the 28 Days Later saga. Furthermore, we noted at the time how original star Cillian Murphy was keen to board the project, should he be asked.
Well, now it seems all has been set into motion, with Sony Pictures winning a vicious bidding war to produce the project.
28 Years Later is currently being kept tightly under wraps as far as plot details are concerned, but we do know that Boyle will return to direct. Furthermore, Garland is said to be penning scripts for two movies, suggesting a much larger deal than initially reported.
Cillian Murphy is also aboard the project, but in a producing capacity. Sources note that due to the tight lock being kept on exact details, it is entirely possible the Oppenheimer star could also feature in an acting capacity.
Sources note that, while the full details of the Sony deal are unavailable, Sony will reportedly put up $60 million for each movie produced. A theatrical release is planned, and terms were “negotiated” significantly to bring Murphy aboard.
So, it looks like a return to the big screen is on the cards for some of the most frightening zombie creatures to hit the genre!
It remains unknown if 28 Years Later will acknowledge the considerably less popular 2007 sequel 28 Weeks Later, or instead be a direct continuation of Boyle’s original.
We will keep our eyes peeled for such details as the project presses ahead.
