28 Days Later, the iconic horror franchise featuring Cillian Murphy, is set to become a trilogy. Danny Boyle and Alex Garland have confirmed that they are in discussions for a new film that will take a significant time leap. Following in the footsteps of its sequel, 28 Weeks Later, the highly anticipated third installment will be titled 28 Years Later.

“Hace unos años, una idea se materializó en mi cabeza para lo que sería realmente 28 años después,” said Garland in a recent interview with Inverse. He also revealed that Boyle “loved the idea.” As for who will take the helm of this project, Boyle, who directed the first film in 2002, expressed his openness to spearheading it if Garland, the writer of 28 Days Later and acclaimed director of Ex Machina and Annihilation, isn’t interested.

“So, we are seriously discussing the project. And if he doesn’t want to direct, I would be willing to if we can bring this great idea to life,” said the Oscar-winning director of Slumdog Millionaire.

Garland previously touched upon the possibility of a third installment over a year ago, teasing that it would be a “much bigger” film. “It’s been a long time since 28 Days Later, and when it came out it was new and I think it has ceased to be. I think 28 Days Later, in terms of the zombie genre, [was] quite unique, which is great and it was nice to be part of that,” the filmmaker noted. He also described the original film as “small and punk,” while this new idea is “less small and punk.”

Boyle and Garland are not the only ones from the original installment willing to return. Cillian Murphy, who played the lead role in 28 Days Later and is currently gearing up for the release of Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, has expressed interest in reprising his role as Jim. “Nunca diría nunca. Me encantó hacer esa película. Fue hace mucho tiempo. Pero seguro [me gustaría volver],” said the Peaky Blinders star.

Released in late 2002, 28 Days Later grossed nearly $83 million worldwide, immersing viewers in a post-apocalyptic London devastated by a deadly epidemic. The virus, similar to rabies, transformed the few survivors into bloodthirsty monsters. Five years later, its sequel, 28 Weeks Later, directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (Intruders, Intacto) and featuring a new cast including Robert Carlyle, Rose Byrne, and Jeremy Renner, grossed $65.8 million at the box office.

With Boyle and Garland once again teaming up to expand this groundbreaking franchise, fans of 28 Days Later have much to look forward to. Stay tuned for more updates on the highly anticipated third installment!