Alex Garland discusses 28 Years Later trilogy plans as he and director Danny Boyle prepare to expand their iconic rage-virus universe with three new films. The anticipation surrounding the trilogy’s cast has grown, especially after Garland’s recent acknowledgment of a 28 Weeks Later actor he would love to see return, despite the character’s fate in the series.
Garland’s Admiration for Jeremy Renner’s Role in the Franchise
During a recent interview about the 28 Years Later trilogy, Garland responded candidly when asked if he would consider revisiting any characters from the previous films. He expressed a particular affection for Jeremy Renner, who played Sergeant Doyle in 28 Weeks Later, indicating a deep respect for the actor’s contribution to the franchise.
“The guy, the person I’d want to bring back, was Jeremy Renner,”
—Alex Garland, Screenwriter.
Garland expanded on this feeling, noting his appreciation for Renner both as an actor and collaborator.
“I think I love him. Yeah.”
—Alex Garland, Screenwriter. He continued, describing the impact Renner had on set and in the finished film, and why the character left a lasting impression on him.
“It’s great engaging [with Renner] just as an actor. I just always really, really like watching him, and I remember him in that film. He was just like a pleasure to have around on set. But I also think what he put on screen was awesome.”
—Alex Garland, Screenwriter.
Director Danny Boyle, however, took a more reserved position regarding Renner’s possible return to the saga.
“We certainly haven’t talked about that. No.”
—Danny Boyle, Director.
The Legacy of Sergeant Doyle in 28 Weeks Later
Jeremy Renner’s portrayal of Sergeant Doyle in 28 Weeks Later remains a standout moment for fans of the series and for Garland himself. In the 2007 sequel, Doyle is depicted as a Delta Force sniper who aids a group of survivors—including children—during a renewed outbreak of the Rage Virus in London. His heroism is pivotal within the film, as he risks and ultimately loses his life to protect others.
Despite Garland’s admiration, he acknowledged that Doyle’s story cannot continue due to the character’s on-screen death.
“If I were going to cherry pick one, it would be Jeremy Renner, but he died off in that film standing up in flames.”
—Alex Garland, Screenwriter. Doyle’s demise is both memorable and final, making his return to the expanding narrative of the 28 Years Later trilogy impossible, at least within the current direction of the stories.
Expanding the Universe: Details on the New Trilogy
The 28 Years Later trilogy represents a considerable evolution for the franchise. As the direct successors to 28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later, these three new films are being shaped by the original creative minds behind the saga. Danny Boyle, credited with helming the original 28 Days Later, returns as the director for the opening film, while Alex Garland crafts all three scripts in the upcoming series.
The first entry, simply titled 28 Years Later, is now available in theaters, marking the start of the new narrative arc. The next installment, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, is scheduled for release in January 2026. This second film introduces Nia DaCosta, recognized for her work on Candyman and The Marvels, as director, with Boyle set to conclude the trilogy by stepping back into the director’s role for the final film.
According to Sony’s synopsis, the story follows a community of survivors living under strict isolation on an island that is linked to the mainland by a guarded causeway. This self-contained existence shields them from the devastation wrought by the Rage Virus until a member ventures to the mainland and uncovers lingering dangers and secrets. The new cast is filled with acclaimed actors such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Alfie Williams, Erin Kellyman, and Jack O’Connell, each bringing fresh perspectives to the franchise while honoring its roots.
Returning to Familiar Characters and Exploring New Frontiers
The inclusion of Cillian Murphy returning as Jim in the second film, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, exemplifies the creative team’s commitment to connecting the upcoming trilogy with its origins. Fans can expect an interplay between past characters and a new ensemble as the series explores the fallout of infection and survival nearly three decades after the virus’ outbreak. While major figures like Murphy’s Jim are set to reappear, Garland has made clear that Sergeant Doyle’s arc has reached its conclusion, even as he remains one of the screenwriter’s favorite characters from the saga’s history.
The trilogy’s narrative focus on a quarantined island, separated by a guarded causeway and facing threats both within and beyond its boundaries, provides an opportunity to delve into the psychological and societal effects of prolonged isolation and survival. The journey to the mainland in the new storyline mirrors the risky ventures of past survivors in London, showing that, even years later, discovery and danger remain core to the saga’s appeal.
Anticipation for the Future of the 28 Years Later Franchise
With 28 Years Later out in theaters and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple on the horizon, anticipation is building for what the trilogy will reveal about survivors, past connections, and the evolution of the Rage Virus’ world. The involvement of original creators like Alex Garland and Danny Boyle, the fresh creative input from Nia DaCosta, and a balanced ensemble of new and familiar actors—including Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Ralph Fiennes, and Jodie Comer—signal an ambitious next chapter for fans of horror cinema.
The trilogy’s expansion is not only pivotal for the franchise’s legacy but also for audiences eager for emotionally charged, character-driven stories in post-apocalyptic settings. As Alex Garland discusses 28 Years Later trilogy plans and honors the resonance of characters like Sergeant Doyle and Jim, viewers can expect a compelling blend of nostalgia and future-shaping drama in the films to come.
