Danny Boyle Says Third 28 Years Later Is On the Back Burner

The highly anticipated third installment in the '28 Years Later' franchise is unlikely to hit theaters anytime soon. Director Danny Boyle recently offered a frank update during a wide-ranging conversation at the BFI London Film Festival, noting that the project has been placed on the back burner. Although the closing scenes of '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple' teased a continuation, financial hurdles and scheduling conflicts are currently blocking progress.

According to Boyle, writer Alex Garland has already penned a fantastic script for the upcoming film. However, securing the necessary funding has proven difficult. Furthermore, Garland is deeply engaged in writing and directing a massive adaptation of 'Elden Ring' for A24, keeping his schedule tightly packed. While Boyle remains hopeful that the zombie project will eventually move forward, it is not an immediate priority for the creative duo.

During the same appearance with Puck's Matt Belloni, Boyle also addressed his recent biographical feature, 'Ink,' which chronicles the rise of The Sun tabloid in late 1960s England. The film gained attention for its sparse, careful use of artificial intelligence, most notably to superimpose the face of late British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher onto an actor. Boyle defended the artistic decision, emphasizing that avoiding a traditional impressionist was vital for the scene's authenticity.

The inclusion of Thatcher stems from her historically documented, surprisingly informal relationship with The Sun editor Larry Lamb. According to historical accounts, Thatcher would frequently visit Lamb's office late at night after the edition had been finalized, sharing whisky, removing her shoes, and curling up on the sofa. By utilizing digital tools rather than traditional casting or impressions, Boyle aimed to capture a very specific historical tone without displacing human crew members on the production.

Ultimately, Boyle's comments highlight the delicate balance contemporary filmmakers must strike between navigating studio financing for major franchises and experimenting with emerging technologies like generative artificial intelligence. As the industry evolves, creators continue to face mounting pressure regarding budget constraints, shifting priorities, and the ethical implications of digital manipulation in biographical cinema. Fans of the iconic zombie franchise will simply have to wait a little longer for resolution.