'28 Years Later' 3 confirmed at Sony as Cillian Murphy enters talks to return for new installment

Sony reportedly filmed the first two entries back-to-back while the third gained approval after strong early responses

A third instalment in the 28 Years Later franchise has been confirmed at Sony, arriving before the release of the second film.

The studio is moving ahead with the new project following early fan reactions to 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, according to Deadline.

Cillian Murphy, who originated the role of Jim in 28 Days Later, is in talks to return for the third film. He is also expected to reprise his role in The Bone Temple, with reports suggesting the upcoming film will reintroduce his character ahead of the next instalment.

Deadline reports that Sony acquired the rights to the planned trilogy and filmed the first two entries back-to-back, though the third was only given approval after strong early responses.

The studio is hopeful that Danny Boyle will return to direct, having led 28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later and 28 Years Later. Alex Garland, who wrote the earlier films in the series, is currently developing the script for the third chapter.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, is scheduled to arrive in cinemas on January 16. A trailer has already been released, offering a first look at the continuation of the long-running post-apocalyptic saga.