28 Years Later 2: Early Reviews for 2026 Sequel Are Rave! Plus, Another Huge Surprise for Fans!

The “28 Days Later” horror saga, initiated by Danny Boyle in the early 2000s, is making a strong comeback! By early 2024, it was announced that the zombie epidemic would return to the big screen for a trilogy produced by Sony. Within just two years, two films have been shot; the first was a hit in theaters this summer, and the second is set to release in January.

Long-Awaited Confirmation

Today, according to Deadline, the third installment, contingent upon the success of its predecessors, is definitely happening. Danny Boyle, who directed the first “28 Years Later” before handing over the reins to Nia DaCosta (Candyman, The Marvels) for “28 Years Later: The Temple of the Dead,” is likely to direct again. As expected, screenwriter Alex Garland (Civil War) is set to return as well.

This news comes after the first film, starring Aaron Taylor-Johnson as a father searching for his son who left their isolated island for the zombie-infested mainland, grossed $151 million worldwide against a $60 million budget. It was both a box office success and a critical hit, and its sequel is anticipated to perform similarly.

Rave Early Reviews

“The Temple of the Dead,” which follows the young boy as he joins the crew of the eccentric Jimmy Cristal (Jack O’Connell) seen at the end of “28 Years Later,” has already been shown to press and select fans in North America this week. The reactions were so positive that Sony greenlit the sequel. Cillian Murphy, who starred in the very first “28 Days Later” in 2003 and appears in Nia DaCosta’s film, is currently in negotiations.

On X, numerous glowing reviews about “28 Years Later 2” can be read, especially praising Ralph Fiennes, who reprises his role as Dr. Kelson, central to many memorable scenes in the previous film:

“An additional proof that when Nia DaCosta is at the helm, something exceptional usually results. There’s so much to love about this film, with Ralph Fiennes winning the best actor award and delivering a smash hit with a particularly outrageous sequence that rightfully garnered audience applause.”

To form your own opinion on “28 Years Later: The Temple of the Dead,” be sure to catch it in theaters on January 14, 2026.

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