The future of Sony’s revived zombie franchise, 28 Years Later, appears to be in a state of flux. While Sony Pictures officially greenlit a third installment in , following positive reactions to early screenings of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, concerns are mounting that the project may be quietly shelved due to the second film’s underwhelming box office performance.
The initial plan, announced by original director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, was always for a trilogy, with the first two films shot back-to-back. However, Boyle clarified that the third film wasn’t automatically approved alongside the first two, stating it would only proceed if “all the financials made sense.” This caveat now appears particularly relevant.
The Bone Temple, released on , has earned $57.6 million worldwide, a significant drop from the $151.3 million grossed by the first film. Both films reportedly carried a production budget of $60 million, making the financial viability of a third installment questionable. This performance has fueled speculation that Sony is reconsidering its commitment to completing the trilogy.
Adding to the uncertainty is a recent social media post from the franchise’s official account promoting the digital release of The Bone Temple with the tagline “Witness the ending you’ve been waiting 28 years for.” The use of the word “ending” has sparked debate among fans, with some interpreting it as a signal that the third film has been cancelled. Others believe it’s simply a reference to the return of Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, in a post-credits scene.
However, even Murphy’s return isn’t without its nuances. The character’s reappearance is set 24 years after the original film, not the 28 years implied by the franchise title and marketing materials. This discrepancy, while seemingly minor, highlights a potential disconnect between the studio’s messaging and the actual timeline of the story.
Despite the concerns, reports indicate that Cillian Murphy is in “early talks” to reprise his role for the third film. Alex Garland is also expected to return as the screenwriter, aiming to conclude the trilogy. Sony’s decision to greenlight the third film followed “electric fan reactions” to screenings of The Bone Temple, suggesting the studio initially believed the positive reception would translate to box office success.
The situation underscores the inherent risks in franchise filmmaking. While a strong creative vision and initial fan enthusiasm can pave the way for a trilogy, financial performance dictates a studio’s willingness to invest further. The success of a sequel is rarely guaranteed, and a significant drop in revenue can quickly derail even the most ambitious plans.
The current state of the 28 Years Later franchise mirrors a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where studios are increasingly cautious about committing to sequels, particularly in the wake of fluctuating box office numbers and the rise of streaming services. The financial pressures are amplified by the high production costs associated with large-scale action films like 28 Years Later.
While Sony has not issued an official statement addressing the cancellation rumors, the lack of clear communication and the ambiguous marketing language surrounding The Bone Temple’s release have left fans anxiously awaiting a definitive answer. The fate of the third film remains uncertain, hinging on a complex interplay of financial considerations, fan demand, and the studio’s long-term vision for the franchise.
The situation also highlights the evolving dynamics between studios and audiences. Positive early reactions, while valuable, are no longer sufficient to guarantee a film’s success. Box office numbers remain the ultimate arbiter, and studios are increasingly reliant on data-driven decision-making when evaluating the viability of future installments.
As of , the future of the 28 Years Later trilogy remains unresolved. Whether Sony will ultimately move forward with the third film remains to be seen, but the current circumstances suggest that the road ahead is fraught with challenges.
