Danny Boyle on Cillian Murphy in 28 Years Later 3
When the promise of a cinematic trilogy first surfaced, filmmakers often aim for something much bigger than a single hit. That’s exactly the vision Danny Boyle and Alex Garland held for their project, 28 Years Later. While the first installment managed to stay afloat, the subsequent film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, didn’t quite capture the same magic at the box office, leaving fans to wonder about the fate of the planned third chapter. But even as the box office figures shift, Boyle remains firmly convinced that the trilogy will continue.
The speculation about a third film is fueled by persistent audience demand. Boyle has signaled that 28 Years 3 is still on the horizon, noting that while the exact title is undecided, the script is already in place—a strong foundation penned by Alex Garland. And naturally, if this epic continues, it will feature the immensely talented Cillian Murphy.
Boyle’s comments about Murphy’s presence added another layer of fascinating context. He remarked on Murphy’s striking appearance in the first film, describing him as “gorgeous” and noting that when the costume was removed, the sheer physical presence was captivating. Boyle even joked about Murphy’s physique, suggesting that the actor simply doesn’t need to adhere to traditional fitness standards; he just has a certain way of looking that catches the eye.
The logistics of bringing this massive vision to life also presented some real-world challenges. Boyle admitted that time constraints played a role, suggesting that shooting the film in a specific area of Britain required careful scheduling. The project ran out of time, forcing a timeline shift, but the enthusiasm surrounding the project and Garland’s script remained strong.
Shifting gears from the post-apocalyptic chase to a new narrative, Boyle’s current focus is on a compelling drama titled Ink. This film follows Larry Lamb, played by Jack O’Connell, as he navigates a pivotal career move: accepting Rupert Murdoch’s offer to become the editor of the British tabloid newspaper, The Sun.
The creative energy behind Ink is palpable. Film critic Chris Bumbray noted the film’s kinetic energy, observing that the opening half moves “like lightning.” Bumbray praised Boyle’s direction, pointing out how Boyle utilizes anachronistic musical shifts to perfectly evoke the punk mentality of The Sun before its descent into becoming mere bottom feeders. It’s a sharp, energetic take on the history of media.
Ink is set to reach audiences in select theaters on December 11 before streaming on Netflix on January 8, 2027, promising a sharp, timely look at the power and manipulation inherent in the world of journalism.
Buy on Amazon
Credit
