Fans devastated as 28 Years Later franchise ‘at risk of being axed’

Fans devastated as 28 Years Later franchise ‘at risk of being axed’ Brooke Ivey Johnson Published February 22, 2026 4:47pm Updated February 22, 2026 4:47pm Share this article via whatsappShare this article via xCopy the link to this article.Link is copiedShare this article via facebook Comment now Comments Rumours are swirling that the 28 Years Later franchise may come to a sudden end (Picture: Sony Pictures)

One of the most popular horror franchises of the past two decades could be facing an abrupt end, with reports suggesting the planned third instalment of the 28 Years Later trilogy is now at risk of being axed.

According to World of Reel, the future of the saga is in doubt following the disappointing box office performance of 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple.

Despite earning strong reviews from critics, the zombie drama has reportedly grossed around $57 million (£45 million) worldwide against a $63 million (£50 million) budget since its release last month.

The commercial shortfall has reportedly left Sony hesitant to move forward with the final chapter, according to The DailyMail, even though the studio confirmed in December that a third film was in development.

The franchise began with 28 Days Later, directed by Danny Boyle and written by Alex Garland.

Starring Cillian Murphy in his breakout role as Jim, the low-budget horror sensation stunned critics and grossed more than $82 million (£65 million) worldwide from an $8 million (£6.3 million) budget, redefining the modern zombie genre with its fast, rage-infected monsters.

It was followed in 2007 by 28 Weeks Later, another box office success, though it did not feature Boyle, Garland or Murphy.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Up Next

Previous Page Next Page

After nearly two decades of dormancy, Boyle and Garland reunited for 28 Years Later, intended as the first chapter in a new trilogy.

That revival proved commercially successful, earning over $150 million (£118 million) globally, but it divided audiences by leaning into post-apocalyptic character drama rather than straightforward zombie horror.

The Bone Temple, directed by Nia DaCosta, continued that tonal shift, and though critics praised its ambition, it wasn’t a box office smash.

Sony had filmed the first two instalments back-to-back after acquiring the rights in a competitive bidding war in 2024, but notably stopped short of greenlighting the third film.

Both Boyle and Murphy had previously acknowledged in interviews that the trilogy’s completion would depend on how the first two entries performed financially.

The latest installment was well reviewed but not a box office smash (Picture: Sony/Miya Mizuno)

The Bone Temple’s final scenes teased Murphy’s return as Jim in a much larger capacity, setting him up to potentially headline the concluding chapter.

Deadline previously reported that Garland began writing the third script last year and that Boyle was keen to direct, with the creative team describing the project from the outset as a planned trilogy with a clear story arc.

Now, however, that vision appears uncertain.

More Trending

1. 

   One of the 'most underrated war movies of all time' starring Cillian Murphy now streaming

   Channel: Film Film February 14, 2026 By Tori Brazier
2. Cillian Murphy debunks Graham Norton Show theory in Taylor Swift's new video
3. Ralph Fiennes accidentally 'confirms' who is playing Voldemort in Harry Potter TV series
4. Alan Cumming thanks Baftas for ‘understanding’ after Tourette’s campaigner's outbursts

There may yet be a lifeline. Netflix is reportedly interested in taking on the final film, though Boyle is said to be pushing for a traditional theatrical release for the concluding chapter, rather than sending it straight to streaming.

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video

Up Next

Previous Page Next Page

The struggles of The Bone Temple are not isolated. The long-awaited Return to Silent Hill reportedly landed with scathing reviews and weak ticket sales, while The Strangers: Chapter 3 also failed to impress critically or commercially, highlighting a difficult year for horror at the box office.

For fans who have followed the rage virus from its explosive beginnings in 2002 to its ambitious revival, the possibility of the trilogy ending unfinished is a bitter pill to swallow.

While no official cancellation has been announced, the franchise’s future now appears to hinge on whether a studio is willing to take one last gamble on bringing the story of Jim and the infected to a definitive close.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

Arrow MORE: One of the ‘most underrated war movies of all time’ starring Cillian Murphy now streaming

Arrow MORE: Cillian Murphy debunks Graham Norton Show theory in Taylor Swift’s new video

Arrow MORE: Ralph Fiennes accidentally ‘confirms’ who is playing Voldemort in Harry Potter TV series

Comment now Comments Add Metro as a Preferred Source on Google Add as preferred source