The sequel to 28 Years Later has confirmed its release date as well as its official title, with the film following hot on the heels of its predecessor.
28 Years Later, a sequel to both 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, will serve as the beginning of a new trilogy, continuing the story of a post-apocalyptic United Kingdom that has been ravaged by a deadly virus.
It was announced that the first two entries in the upcoming trilogy had been shot back-to-back, indicating that there could be a shortened gap between the release of the two instalments - and this has now proven to be true.
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As reported by Variety, the second film - officially titled 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple - in the new trilogy will hit the big screen on January 16, 2026, just under seven months after the scheduled release of its predecessor.
The Bone Temple is once again being written by Alex Garland, though Danny Boyle - the director of 28 Days Later and 28 Years Later - will only serve as a producer on this occasion, with Nia DaCosta taking over directing duties.
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The news comes just a week after the first trailer for 28 Years Later was released, with the cast including Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jack O’Connell and Ralph Fiennes in addition to the returning Cillian Murphy.
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“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,” reads the logline for 28 Years Later.
“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.”
28 Years Later will be released in cinemas on June 20, 2025; 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple will be released in cinemas on January 16, 2026.
Reporter, Digital Spy George is a freelance writer who specialises in Movies and TV. After graduating with a degree in Film Studies and Journalism from De Montfort University, in which he analysed the early works of Richard Linklater for his dissertation, he wrote for several websites for GRV Media. His film tastes vary from blockbusters like Mission: Impossible and John Wick to international directors such as Paolo Sorrentino and Hirokazu Kore-eda, and has attended both the London and Berlin film festivals.
