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The journey to a third '28 Years Later' film has been a tumultuous one, marked by conflicting reports and commercial challenges. The original '28 Days Later' (2002), directed by Boyle and written by Alex Garland, redefined the zombie genre with its fast-moving 'infected' and critical acclaim. It spawned a sequel, '28 Weeks Later' (2007), and more recently, plans for a new trilogy starting with '28 Years Later', set to release in 2025.

However, according to a report from Ecran Large, the direct sequel to the upcoming '28 Years Later' – tentatively titled '28 Years Later: Temple of the Dead' – reportedly underperformed at the box office, grossing only $58 million against a $63 million budget. This commercial setback cast a shadow over the planned third installment, leading to speculation about its demise. Boyle himself had previously offered mixed signals, at one point suggesting the project was dead.

Now, while promoting his new film 'Ink' (also known as 'Tabloïd') in Zurich, Boyle has definitively put those doubts to rest. He confirmed that the third film will indeed happen, attributing its persistence to popular demand and the quality of the script.

"'28 Years 3', or whatever its final title, will happen because people keep talking to me about it," Boyle stated. "When exactly, I don't really know, but there is a script, a very good script written by Alex Garland."

Garland, who penned the original '28 Days Later', is returning to write the screenplay, a detail that will undoubtedly excite long-time fans of the series. Boyle also teased a substantial role for Cillian Murphy, who portrayed Jim, the protagonist of the 2002 original.

"[There will be] a lot of Cillian Murphy in it," Boyle revealed, adding a touch of humor regarding Murphy's recent Oscar win for 'Oppenheimer'. "Whether he'll agree to drop his pants again, I don't know. He has an Oscar on his mantelpiece now."

Cillian Murphy in 28 Days Later Cillian Murphy in 28 Days Later

Murphy's return to the franchise has been a topic of much discussion. While he was absent from the upcoming '28 Years Later' (2025), he made a brief, surprise cameo in the epilogue of '28 Years Later: Temple of the Dead'. Boyle fondly recalled Murphy's physique during the filming of the first movie in 2002, likening his lean build to that of Iggy Pop.

While the confirmation of the film and Murphy's involvement is thrilling news, specific production timelines or release dates for the third '28 Years Later' installment have yet to be announced. With a strong script from Garland and the star power of Murphy, the creative team hopes to overcome past commercial hurdles and deliver a compelling conclusion to the new trilogy.