Cillian Murphy reprised his 28 Days Later role as erstwhile bicycle courier Jim in 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple with the intention of playing a larger part in the final installment in the new trilogy that kicked off with last year’s 28 Years Later.
Despite critical praise, the tepid box office response to The Bone Temple has allegedly given Sony cold feet about completing the trilogy despite previously committing to a third film.
The Times asked Murphy if it will happen. “Hope so!” the actor responded. “I’m ready anyway.”
Alex Garland is once again penning the script with Danny Boyle expected to return to the director’s chair, should it come to fruition.
In 28 Years Later, it’s been almost three decades since the rage virus escaped a biological weapons laboratory, and now, still in a ruthlessly enforced quarantine, some have found ways to exist amidst the infected.
One such group of survivors lives on a small island connected to the mainland by a single, heavily-defended causeway. When one of the group leaves the island on a mission into the dark heart of the mainland, he discovers secrets, wonders, and horrors that have mutated not only the infected but other survivors as well.
In 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, Dr. Kelson finds himself in a shocking new relationship — with consequences that could change the world as they know it — and Spike’s encounter with Jimmy Crystal becomes a nightmare he can’t escape.
28 Years Later grossed $70 million in the US with a worldwide total of $151 million, while The Bone Temple only made $25 million domestically for a $57.8 million global total.
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple hit Digital last month and comes to physical media on April 21. Hopefully it performs well enough to reignite the studio’s confidence in finishing the story.